PM names new Appointments Secretary

THE Prime Minister has appointed Richard Tilbrook (right) as his new Appointments Secretary, it was announced earlier this month. Mr Tilbrook, who was previously Deputy Appointments Secretary, succeeds Edward Chaplin, who retired at the end of last year. “Mr Tilbrook will work with the Archbishops’ Appointments Secretary on the consultations for diocesan bishop and Crown deanery appointments, attending meetings of the Crown Nominations Commission as appropriate,” the Cabinet Office said. “Mrs Helen Dimmock in the Cabinet Office remains responsible for parochial appointments where the Crown or Lord Chancellor is patron.” Mr Tilbrook worships at St Andrew’s, Naunton, in Gloucester diocese.

Attacks on NI places of worship reported

MORE than 600 attacks been carried out on places of worship in Northern Ireland during the past five years, the charity Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) has said, after it received a response to a Freedom of Information request. The attacks include criminal damage to religious buildings, churchyards, and cemeteries across 11 policing districts. More than a quarter of the total number — 173 — were in Belfast. On average, an attack had occurred every three days, CARE said. As the lockdown eased and churches began to reopen, the Northern Ireland Executive should “consider policies to ensure places of worship are properly protected”, CARE said.

NCT grants £0.5m to help make up shortfall

THE National Churches Trust (NCT) has pledged more than £500,000 to fund repairs, maintenance works, and the installation of community facilities at 45 churches and chapels whose income has fallen during the pandemic owing to a lack of worshippers, visitors, or rental payments. The churches to receive an NCT Cornerstone Grant include Selby Abbey, in York diocese (£25,000), and St Mary and St Melor Church, Amesbury, in Salisbury diocese (£30,000). More details at www.nationalchurchestrust.org

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