London diocese offers guide on responding to violent deaths
THE Compassionate Communities team in the diocese of London has released a new resource to help churches, schools, and chaplaincies to be better prepared to respond to a death as a result of violence. The Pietà Prayer Resource includes services and prayers for use in the Church of England, and a background theological reflection, all downloadable for free. There is also a guide for pastoral responses and practical considerations after a violent death. The diocese drew attention to the materials in the wake of the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Southwark diocese last month (News, 29 September).
compassionatecommunitieslondon.org.uk
Christians in survey think poverty will be hard to end
FEWER than half of the adults in a new survey (49 per cent) believe that ending extreme poverty worldwide is possible, compared with almost two-thirds of Christians. About one third of the Christians did not consider the task to be a global priority. The online survey of 2274 UK adults was commissioned by the international child development charity Compassion UK and conducted by Savanta ComRes in August. The results were published on Tuesday, in preparation for next Tuesday’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Social-policy charity celebrates 40 years
MORE than 500 people gathered in Westminster Chapel on Saturday afternoon to celebrate 40 years of the social-policy charity Christian Action, Research and Education (CARE). CARE has campaigned on matters of law and policy since its foundation in 1983 to succeed the Nationwide Festival of Light, launched in 1971. The chief executive, Ross Hendry, said: “There is brokenness to be healed, politics that needs renewing, lives and communities awaiting transformation by better laws, and practical support.”
RSCM singing course now online
VOICE FOR LIFE, the Royal School of Church Music’s (RSCM’s) training scheme for choristers of all ages, is now available in digital format. Materials for the five awards (White, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Red, and Yellow) can now be found online as graphics, videos, quizzes, and games. Each level includes all modules: vocal skills, music theory and understanding, repertoire engagement, aural skills, and choir in context. Choir trainers can register singers, whose progress can be monitored and support offered. There is an initial access fee of £50 (£10 for RSCM members), which lasts for five years. The first three levels cost £5 for each singer, rising to £8 for the last two levels. rscm.org.uk