Carlisle stained-glass window wins competition

THE east window in Carlisle Cathedral has been named the “Nation’s Favourite Stained Glass Window” in the Association of English Cathedral’s Divine Light social-media campaign and competition (Books, 12 December 2025). Twelve finalists were chosen from the number of likes given to each of the 42 windows featured on social media. The public were then asked to vote for their favourite on the Association’s website (News, 23 January). The Interim Dean of Carlisle, the Ven. Michael Everitt, was “delighted” by the result. In celebration, the Chapter is launching a 40-minute guided tour, Sacred Light: The Stained Glass of Carlisle Cathedral, starting on 21 February.

Archdeacon Mann to retire from full-time ministry

THE Ven. Dr Rachel Mann is to retire as the Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton, in Manchester diocese, at the end of July, after a period of ill-health, it was announced on Thursday of last week. She has been in post since 2023 (News, 23 June 2023). Dr Mann is a regular contributor to the Church Times and has written several books. Since her ordination to the priesthood in 2006, she has served all her ministry in Manchester diocese. Faith, page 17

Farwell to Dean of Christ Church, Dublin, after 18 years

THE Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, since 2008, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne, is to retire on 1 September, it was announced on Monday. “The cathedral has moved forward in a positive and strong way, especially in last ten years since 2016,” he said. “I was on sabbatical, and the cathedral was in the doldrums, and I said to myself that I was going to turn the ship around and make it a success.” He refers to an increase in the numbers in the congregation, fabric improvements, and an overhaul of its governance as his main achievements.

Clewer releases modern-slavery resource

THE Clewer Initiative, a church-backed charity working to end modern slavery, has released a resource, Children in the Shadows Revisited. It includes six films, each exploring a different aspect of child exploitation, and an accompanying devotional resource, which, the charity says, can be used in Lent or at other times. Each session includes definitions, statistics, and insight from frontline experts (both written and on film), examples of good practice, a reflection on Luke 18 by Bishop Alastair Redfern, group discussion questions, a prayer, and action points. Established in 2016 (News, 19 May 2017), the initiative became an independent charity in 2024.

Exeter hosts cathedrals conference

EXETER CATHEDRAL hosted the Northern European Cathedrals Conference this week on the theme “Cathedrals: Seats of Wisdom”, with a focus on “identity and culture, wisdom and rootedness”. Speakers included a lecturer in medieval English literature at Oxford, Dr Eleanor Parker; the American composer Nico Muhly; the historian Dr David Lepine; the Canon Theologian of Exeter Cathedral, the Revd Professor Morwenna Ludlow; and Professor Christopher Southgate, a theologian at the University of Exeter. The tenth-century Exeter Book, a UNESCO Memory of the World object and thought to be the oldest surviving book in the English language, was discussed in relation to its cosmopolitan Northern European content. It is on display in the cathedral’s Treasures Exhibition, opened last year.

Five men deny Chatham war-memorial theft

FIVE of the six men charged with the theft of two First World War memorials from the lich-gate of Christ Church, Luton, in Chatham, pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court last Friday, the BBC reports. The metal plaques were later found in two scrapyards in Essex (News, 6 June 2025). Abel Murui, 27, of Hallford Way, Dartford, and Manase Marin, 26, of Priory Road, Dartford, face one charge each of receiving stolen goods, which they deny. Martin Feri, 39, of Bryant Street, Chatham, denied further charges of theft and criminal damage. Milan Duna, 34, of New Road, Chatham, is also further charged with theft, which he denies. Rahid Anwar, 43, of Palm Drive, Rochester, denied receiving stolen goods and failing to answer bail at the appointed time. The sixth defendant, Robert Hajek, 52, of Otway Street, Chatham, is due to be arraigned in March.

Correction. A report published last month (“St Albans diocese plans to put faith in Soul Survivor”, News, 23 January) mentioned by name a member of diocesan staff with a past connection to Soul Survivor. There was no intention to suggest that this individual had an undue influence on the diocese’s bid for SMMIB funding. We apologise for any distress caused.