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UK news in brief

by
29 May 2026

Among the snippets this week: Bible from 1935 restored for Chester University and Lincoln priest convicted of drink-driving is ‘let off’

CHESTER UNIVERSITY

Phill Wood and Amy Hultum

Phill Wood and Amy Hultum

Bible from 1935 restored for Chester University

A BIBLE from 1935, donated to the then Chester Diocesan Training College, now the University of Chester, has been restored by Chester Bookbinders. The project was led by Phill Woods, a local craftsman with more than 40 years of experience. The Bible, which had fallen into disrepair — its front and back covers had become detached, and the spine had been significantly damaged — had been given to the institution by alumni in memory of their fellow student, Billy King. Mr King, who graduated from the college in 1900, was a teacher and a pioneer in community singing. An obituary in the college’s Collegian magazine described his life as being rooted in his devotion both to the Church and the college.

 

Net Zero carbon grants available for churches

CHURCH OF ENGLAND grants are available all year round for a range of church projects that cut carbon emissions from church buildings. “We know every church is different. That’s why we encourage proportionate, affordable solutions that improve comfort, reduce energy use, and support your building’s long-term care,” said a statement from the Church of England. “Investing in energy efficiency can also lower bills, freeing up more resources for mission and ministry.” Applicants are encouraged to speak to their local Net Zero Carbon Officer or Diocesan Environment Officer. churchofengland.org

 

Lincoln priest convicted of drink-driving is ‘let off’

A PRIEST in the diocese of Lincoln, the Revd Sion Hughes Carew, who resigned after being convicted of a drink-driving offence when he crashed the car of the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway (News, 28 November 2025), has been “let off” with a “rebuke and injunction” by a clergy disciplinary panel, the Daily Mail reports. Fr Huges Carew was the Vicar of All Saints’, Lincoln, and Priest-in-Charge of St Mary-le-Wigford, Lincoln. In a letter to parishioners in March, Fr Hughes Carew, who will remain a priest, wrote of how “deeply sorry” he was. “Many of you will know that, in the months leading up to that evening, I had been under a great deal of stress and struggling with depression. While this does not in any way excuse my actions, it does form part of the context within which they occurred.”

 

Poggo to attend Scottish Episcopal General Synod

THE Rt Revd Anthony Poggo will become the first Secretary General of the Anglican Communion in 21 years to attend the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church, which is due to meet in Stirling from 11 to 13 June. Bishop Poggo will address members on the final day, discussing the Anglican Communion’s relationship with its member Churches. “Every Church in the Anglican Communion is valued for its individuality and unique passions,” he said. “I am greatly looking forward to spending time in fellowship with laypersons, clergy and leadership from the Scottish Episcopal Church.” The Primus, the Most Revd Mark Strange, said: “I am delighted that [Bishop Poggo] will be joining us for our meeting of the General Synod. . . As a church we treasure our membership, identity, and unique history within the Communion and I really look forward to sharing that with Bishop Anthony during his time with us in Scotland.”

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