Church leaders reflect on 40 years of Faith in the City
THE Archbishop of York was among the church leaders, clergy, and community representatives who gathered in Manchester Cathedral last Friday to mark the 40th anniversary of Faith in the City — the 1985 report of the Archbishops’ Commission on Urban Priority Areas. The event was organised by Greater Together Manchester and Church Urban Fund, and featured reflections from the authors of the anniversary volume Celebrating Forty Years of Faith in the City, edited by Terry Drummond and Joe Forde (Analysis, 5 September; Books, 19 September). The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said that the report had been “an inspiration” that had helped him to understand that evangelism and social action “go hand in glove”.
Christian-focused RE in NI schools ruled unlawful
THE UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Christian religious education (RE) taught in schools in Northern Ireland (NI) was unlawful. In 2022, an anonymous father and daughter challenged the legality of teaching RE and the practice of collective worship in the state-controlled Belfast primary school that she attended. The Supreme Court upheld the 2022 High Court judgment, which found that, because both RE and collective worship followed the core syllabus, they were not conveyed in an “objective, critical, and pluralistic” manner. The court said that the judgment “was not about secularism in the education system”, and clarified that “no one is suggesting that RE should not be provided in schools in Northern Ireland.” In a statement, the NI Department for Education said that RE was “a compulsory part of the Northern Ireland curriculum”, but parents “have the right to withdraw their child from part or all of RE or collective worship”. It said that schools must publish their arrangements for this.
St George’s Crypt launches Christmas campaign
THE Leeds homelessness charity St George’s Crypt has launched its “Wise Giving” Christmas campaign, inspired by the journey of the magi. Supporters can chose from three donation tiers: Gold (£25), towards providing shelter and a meal for those in need; Frankincense (£50), to sponsor a Christmas meal or a hamper for a family in need; and Myrrh (£95), to help people to move into their own accommodation. Supporters are also able to buy items from the Crypt’s Amazon wish-list. www.stgeorgescrypt.org.uk
Sweatshirt challenged at Westminster Abbey
A VISITOR to Westminster Abbey last week, Linsey Teggert, was asked by security guards to remove or cover up her sweatshirt, which featured a 1908 illustration of the horned Greek god Pan, The Guardian reports. As Ms Teggert and her husband entered the abbey last Friday, a security guard reportedly called them back, saying that she would “have to take off the top or cover it up because it was an image of the devil and it might offend people in the abbey”, she told the paper. A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said that it asked for a “respectful and sensitive” dress code, but “it’s possible that the message on the clothing was misinterpreted. We will share this feedback with our security colleagues.”
King donates to Sandringham Estate church
THE King gave £50,900 through the privy purse last year to the West Newton Roof Fund, a campaign that is raising money for St Peter and St Paul, West Newton, in Norfolk, the Mirror reports. The late Queen often attended Sunday services in the Grade II listed church, which is located on the Royal Sandringham Estate. The church reportedly needs £200,000 for repairs. About £78,000 has been raised so far.
Manchester Cathedral to host Radio 4 carol concert
THE third annual Radio 4 Daily Service Carol Concert is to be held at Manchester Cathedral for the first time, it was announced on Monday. Previously, the concert has been hosted at Media City. The diocese of Manchester said that the move “reflects the event’s popularity with local audiences and highlights the success of BBC faith-based events across the UK”. Presenters are to include the Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, and the Archdeacon of Bolton and Salford, the Ven. Dr Rachel Mann. The concert is on 5 December. Parts will be broadcast in the Daily Service on Radio 4 Extra from 22 to 26 December.