JRF distanced from Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
THE Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which supports research into poverty, has emphasised that it is a separate organisation from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. The Trust was the subject of reporting in The Times last week concerning grants to Teach na Failte, a charity in connection with the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). The Trust said in a statement that it had “no relationship with any armed groups or proscribed organisations”, including the INLA, and that its grants to Teach na Failte were for transitional peacebuilding initiatives, which did include support for INLA ex-prisoners and their families and their reintegration. These grants had been made in 2014 and 2017, after the INLA declared in 2009 that its armed struggle was over and confirmed in 2010 that it had decommissioned its weapons.
Dean Hall to chair RSCM’s Council
THE Dean of Westminster, the Very Revd John Hall, is to be the next chair of the Royal School of Church Music’s (RSCM’s) Council, it has been announced. He succeeds Lord Gill, who has chaired the Council since 2010. Dean Hall said: “I am passionate about supporting church musicians — whatever their tradition — as through music they enhance our experience of worship. Music has the ability both to unite our Christian brothers and sisters, and also to take us spiritually beyond what words alone can achieve.” He joins at the same time as the new Director of the RSCM, Hugh Morris.
Railway Mission receives police award
THE Railway Mission’s chaplains have been named as Community Volunteers of the Year 2018 by British Transport Police. The award was given for the work that they do across the UK’s railway network. They support those affected by railway fatalities and members of staff after major incidents, among them the London Bridge terrorist attack and the Grenfell Tower fire.
SOTHEBY’SPolychrome: an albaster altarpiece, Relief with the Seat of Mercy, made in Nottingham in the 15th century, sold for £30,000 at Sotheby’s last month. The piece was distinguished by the amount of surviving colour
Religion is relevant to mental health, study says
YOUNG adults with severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or serious depression, consider religion and spirituality relevant to their mental health, a study by the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, in the United States, suggests. Using data from 55 young adults with serious mental issues who had used emergency services, researchers found that 34 mentioned religion or spirituality after “little to no” prompting.
NSS poll backs secular voice on Thought for the Day
A SURVEY by the National Secular Society found that 18 per cent of those polled thought that the content of Thought for the Day, during BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, should not be always religious. The survey of 2003 people also found that 36 per cent thought that the segment should continue. Stephen Evans, the society’s chief executive, said that the current set-up discriminated against non-believers.
Charities offered free recycling collections
A WASTE-removal company has offered free glass-waste collections for charities in the UK. FreeCollections.co.uk is offering a limited number of spaces for charities to have their glass recycling collected. An application form is on the website.