Church Commissioners’ new Secretary nominated

THE next Secretary and Chief Executive of the Church Commissioners, Gareth Mostyn, has been nominated. He is currently chief finance and operations officer for the National Church Institutions. Subject to approval by the Church Commissioners next month, he will take us his new appointment on 1 February. Mr Mostyn was previoulsy a board director at De Beers plc.

Bishop of St Albans speaks of child-gambling ‘scandal’

THE number of “problem gamblers” among children is a “national scandal”, the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, said in a statement this week. In response to a report from the Gambling Commission on young people and gambling, he noted that 55,000 children were classed as “problem gamblers” and that a further 87,000 were at risk. “Tens of thousands of families could be living in a nightmare with their child’s level of gambling activity. When the average spend on gambling by children is £17 per week, it is evidence of potential serious family finance problems.” He expressed disappointment that “concrete evidence of effective solutions” had not been forthcoming in the past year.

Woman charged over ‘St Paul’s terrorist plot’

A 36-YEAR-OLD woman, Safiyya Amira Shaikh, from Hayes, Middlesex, has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts and dissemination of terrorist publications in connection with an alleged planned terrorist attack on St Paul’s Cathedral, the Metropolitan Police confirmed last week. She is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 1 November.

Former vicar jailed for defrauding 92-year-old
THE former Vicar of Bestwood, Nottinghamshire, Edward Andrew (Andy) Morris, 62, of Rock Street, Nottingham, has been sentenced to ten months in prison for fraud by abuse of position after admitting to taking £5000 from the bank account of a 96-year-old parishioner (News, 11 October). The parishioner, Mavis Pennack, had trusted him so much that she had included him in her will. A spokesman for the diocese of Southwell & Nottingham said: “This was a profoundly disturbing abuse of trust between a priest and his parishioner.”

Well-being research grants announced by Clergy Support Trust

GRANTS of up to £15,000 can be sought from the Clergy Support Trust, quarterly, for research projects exploring challenges to well-being which are faced by the Anglican clergy. There will be a particular focus on finance, health, and relationships. Both organisations and individuals are eligible to apply. www.clergysupport.org.uk/research-grants