Evangelical Alliance questions social ‘failures’
THE Evangelical Alliance has published a report, What Kind of Society?, to address a “failure of leadership” across society, after a turbulent political year of elections, national disasters, international insecurity, and debate about Brexit negotiations. “There has been a failure of leadership across society and in many different institutions; now more than ever, we need hope and vision, and people giving voice to hope for the future,” a press release says. The Alliance’s director of advocacy, Dr David Landrum, writes in the report: “Christians must step up and take responsibility for the world around us. So many parts of society are calling for vision and good leadership, and we believe it is part of the outworking of the Christian faith to be public leaders working for the glory of God and the good of all.” www.eauk.org/wkos
Keswick Conventions to be rescheduled
KESWICK MINISTRIES has reversed its decision to hold all three weeks of the 2018 Keswick Convention during the school holidays, after residents said that the influx of thousands of Christians to Keswick, a small market town, in Cumbria had an adverse effect on life, business, and tourism (News, 11 August). The Convention will now be held on 14 July to 3 August next year, and from 13 July to 2 August in 2019, so that only one week is in the holidays. “The charity has decided to reach out to its community and change the dates, while recognising the challenges this will create for its own planning, for some attendees and for the resourcing of the event through volunteers,” a spokeswoman said. The trustees had also decided to set the dates for the 2019 Convention to “maximise the tourist season” in the town. The Town Mayor of Keswick, Susan Leighton, said that the decision was the result the locals had hoped for. “I am thankful that the Convention has been understanding of the town’s needs, and look forward to a closer working relationship with them in the days and years to come.”
Diocese seeks to resolve Musicians’ Church row
THE Archdeacon of London, the Ven. Luke Miller, has said that he has met the Priest-in-Charge of St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, the Musicians’ Church, the Revd David Ingall, to discuss its hiring policy, after a change in policy provoked an outcry from musicians (News, 18 August). The meeting was held at the request of the Acting Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent. “The diocese of London will continue to work closely with David and the PCC at St Sepulchre’s to achieve a resolution,” Archdeacon Miller said.
Primary schools to receive book on Christian heroes
EVERY primary school in the UK is to receive a free book, A World of Difference (CWR, £5.99) by Bob Hartman, about “heroes” of the Christian faith, during International School Library Month, in October. The book features the lives of 12 influential Christians, including Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, and was commissioned by the Christian Book Promotion Trust to mark its 50th anniversary. The Trust funds the placing of Christian books in libraries and schools through its Speaking Volumes scheme. The Church of England’s chief education officer, the Revd Nigel Genders, said: “This is a great resource: children will be inspired by clear reminders from history of the incredible difference faithful men and women make to shaping the world in which we live.” The book will be available more widely from October.