Vicar hopes Nottingham bells can ring for Coronation
THE Vicar of St Mary’s in the Lace Market, Nottingham, the Revd Tom Gillum, has issued an urgent appeal to save the church’s bells in time for the Coronation on 6 May 2023. Except for the tolling of the tenor bell to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September, the ring of 12 has been silent since May, when the ringers noticed signs of movement in the south-transept gable adjacent to the tower. Investigations showed that the parapet of the wall needed to be taken down and rebuilt with steel beams, Mr Gillum said. “It is only recently we have received quotes for the work for nearly £200,000. . . Not to have the bells ringing for the King’s coronation in May, the 24th coronation since 1475, is unthinkable.” The ringers have been practising in other towers. The tower captain, Emma Jones, said: “The bells are missed, and we hope repair work can be completed soon.”
Dean of Chichester to return to parish ministry
THE Dean of Chichester since 2015, the Very Revd Stephen Waine, is leaving the diocese to serve as Vicar of Piddle Valley, Hilton and Anstey, Cheselbourne and Melcombe Horsey, in Salisbury diocese, it was announced on Monday. Dean Waine, who is 63, was ordained priest in 1985. He served his title in Wolverhampton, before being appointed Minor Canon and Succentor of St Paul’s Cathedral. He was incumbent of two parishes in Romford, in Chelmsford diocese, until 2010, before serving as Archdeacon of Dorset for five years. Dean Waine said that he was delighted to be “returning home”. His final service as Dean will be choral eucharist on 22 January, at which he will preside and preach. He will start his new post at the beginning of April, after a period of study leave.
Compensation scheme hears from 100 Jesus Army survivors
MORE than 100 people have contacted the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust Scheme since it was set up in September to provide compensation to survivors of abuse connected with the Jesus Army (News, 30 September). Originally founded by Noel Stanton in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, in 1969, the Jesus Army attracted thousands of members, who lived together in close-knit rural communes. Allegations of adult and child abuse in the sect have surfaced in recent years, and criminal convictions have been secured. Survivors have until 31 December 2023 to apply to the compensation scheme. Lime Solicitors is managing the claims. The head of its dedicated abuse department, Malcolm Johnson, said: “Our team has now helped over 100 people with their claims. During the course of taking their statements, we have gained a dreadful insight into the scale of the abuse within the Jesus Army. . . We know that there are many more survivors out there. . . We’re hoping to conclude all of our current claims within the next six months.”
Archbishops mourn death of Private Seán Rooney
THE Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, and the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Michael Jackson, have expressed their “deepest sorrow” at the death of Private Seán Rooney, an Irish soldier who was working in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He was killed, and three others were injured, after their convoy was attacked. The Archbishops write: “Our prayers and sympathies are foremost with all those who held him dear and whom he held dear, in both family and community along with his fellow-soldiers who have been injured in this incident.” Dr Jackson added: “Having visited Beirut as part of Dublin and Glendalough’s link with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, I am well aware of the esteem in which the Irish people are held as a result of their long association with the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. This contribution is treasured and cherished as are all those who put their lives at the service of peace.”