St Anne’s, Belfast, celebrates 120 years
“EVERY democracy will only be pretty much as good because the civic forces that sustain it,” the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, said during a service of thanksgiving on Sunday to mark 120 years of Belfast Cathedral, the nave of which was accomplished in 1904. Referring to the maritime origins of the word “nave”, he said that the people of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the entire island were “in the identical boat” — facing “so many challenges and threats that it’s unimaginable for anyone person or one tradition to hold it alone.” A cathedral, he continued, was firstly a spot of worship and witness but in addition an area for civic society beyond elected representatives which “makes the peace” after the ending of wars.
Next Dean of Lichfield announced
THE next Dean of Lichfield is to be the Rt Revd Jan McFarlane, who has been Interim Dean since 2023, Downing Street announced on Wednesday. She succeeds the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, who retired on 31 March, aged 70 (News, 20 January). Bishop McFarlane was consecrated bishop in 2016 for the suffragan see of Repton, in Derby diocese, a post that she held until 2020, when she became an hon. assistant bishop in Lichfield diocese. She was ordained priest in 1994 and served her title in Lichfield diocese, before becoming Chaplain and Minor Canon of Ely Cathedral in 1996. She was diocesan communications officer for Norwich, the Bishop of Norwich’s Chaplain, and Archdeacon of Norwich before her consecration.
Cathedrals on ‘best free UK days out’ list
THE cathedrals of Bristol, Chichester, Durham, and St Davids have been listed by Which? as amongst the most effective free days out within the UK. More than 4000 people took part within the Which? survey of the UK’s best museums, of which greater than 3000 recorded their favourite historic attractions. Durham was the highest-rated cathedral, gaining 86 per cent of the votes. St Davids gained 80 per cent, Chichester 77 per cent (the one attraction within the county of Sussex to make the list), and Bristol 68 per cent.
Commissioners appoint chief investment officer
A SENIOR financial-services executive, Poppy Allonby, has been appointed because the Church Commissioners’ chief investment officer, answerable for their £10.4-billion endowment fund. She will succeed Tom Joy, who retired in April (Interview, 23 February), in September. Ms Allonby is currently vice-president and head of the ESG Enablement Remit for T. Rowe Price, where she leads a multidisciplinary team answerable for the firm’s sustainability strategy and execution. The First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith, said that her “investment expertise coupled together with her early and prescient give attention to sustainable investment shall be invaluable”.
Percy review group suspends work
THE review group overseeing the independent review of the handling of alleged safeguarding issues regarding the previous Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, Dr Martin Percy, is suspending its work, it was announced last week. The Safeguarding Practice Review, commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council and Oxford diocese, was announced in November. An announcement on the C of E website says: “Members of the review group were to think about evidence regarding the alleged safeguarding issues with a view to appointing and instructing an independent reviewer with relevant expertise and experience. That has been unable to occur despite the efforts of the review group members. This has meant no further progress will be made on the review. Stakeholders have been informed of this development and support offered.”
Six Pride flags stolen from Essex church
ESSEX POLICE have appealed for information after six Pride flags were stolen from the front of Leigh Wesley Methodist Church, Elm Road, in Leigh-on-Sea, over a two-week period. The thefts were reported between 10 and 25 May. Officers wish to talk to 2 people in reference to the incidents. A church spokesperson told the BBC: “This follows similar incidents where greater than a dozen have been taken in the previous few months. As an inclusive church, we’re saddened by this.”
Bangor diocese launches Welsh course
THE diocese of Bangor has launched a ten-hour online taster course to assist language-learners to take part in church services in Welsh. The first part introduces basic conversational phrases; the second is tailored towards the Church and the Christian faith, and includes saying the Lord’s Prayer in Welsh and understanding an easy eucharist. The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, said: “As a Welsh learner, I’m delighted that this beneficial and practical course is accessible.”
New pledge to back ‘climate solutions’
CHURCHES and other religious groups are being urged to make a commitment to investing in measures to scale back the impact of climate change by signing a latest Green Investment Declaration. Published on Tuesday and supported by the UK charities Operation Noah and JustMoney Movement, it commits its signatories to investing at the very least five per cent of their assets in “climate solutions” inside five years. Operation Noah’s campaign director, Clare Fussell, said that it also encouraged values-driven investors to advocate publicly for green investment, to “create ripples throughout wider Church and society”. Truro diocese was among the many first to sign.
