New postgrad course for theological educators

TRINITY COLLEGE, Bristol, launched a postgraduate research track for theological educators, on Tuesday. The track will include a three-year Level 8 module that covers classroom experience and other teaching-related topics. The director of postgraduate research, Dr Jamie Davies, said: “One of the distinctive aspects of our programme is that it integrates, rather than separating out, advanced research in theological subjects with Christian formation in community.”

Portsmouth Cathedral to shelter homeless people

PORTSMOUTH CATHEDRAL, in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and the housing association the Society of St James, will be offering shelter and support for up to 12 guests for five months over this winter in its Becket Hall. The guests will be given a hot breakfast each morning at the council’s Rough Sleeping Hub on Queen Street, where they will have access to showers and help with housing, health, and benefits.

Bishop Usher wants law to consider chalk streams

THE Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, who is the Bishop of Norwich, took an amendment to the House of Lords on Monday. He said that the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill would not require planning authorities and local nature-recovery strategies to take particular account of chalk streams. His amendment to the Bill sought to protect a precious habitat, restore biodiversity, and “create a planning system that works with nature, not against it”. The Lords supported the amendment by 196 to 137.

Charity encourages affordable-housing initiatives

THE charity Housing Justice has launched resources for church communities that wish to use redundant land and buildings to provide affordable homes. The resources, published on Thursday of last week, are part of the Faith in Affordable Housing (FiAH) project, currently paused in England, subject to further funding. The FiAH team has collaborated with churches of various denominations across England and Wales. Housing Justice’s Director for Wales, Nicola Evans, said: “The churches we have worked with were keen to address the housing emergency and fulfil their Christian mission to alleviate suffering.”