I’ve sometimes heard preachers tell me that we need more of this Holy Spirit. And, yes, I know what they mean. But I have a different prayer. If we are going to change the world, I think the Holy Spirit needs more of us

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, sermon preached at Christ Church, Westerly, on Rhode Island, 23 May

She was at the end of her life, a lovely woman with a deep and very delicious faith. I went to see her and at one point she just looked towards the window and her face lit up. And she had this radiant smile and I thought, it’s Jesus. She’s seen Jesus. Then I looked over and it was the Red Arrows flying past

Richard Coles, priest and writer, speaking at the Hay Festival, quoted in the Telegraph, 25 May

I have found that I can do a great deal of effective ministry in the pub. There I encounter people who are unlikely to darken the church’s door. They might tell me things they’d never dream of telling me elsewhere

Fergus Butler-Gallie, priest and writer, the Telegraph, 27 May

The Government Review of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme found that repairs were carried out two years faster and to a higher standard when churches could claim back all their VAT costs. In ending the scheme, we now face the risk of delayed repairs, substandard materials or repairs not going ahead at all. This puts the buildings at risk — but also the important heritage inside

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, The Art Newspaper, 26 May

The loss of a churchwarden creates a significant gap, often filled by hard-pressed clergy. The Church should develop an effective recruitment strategy

Michael Windridge, letter in The Times, 25 May

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