Archbishop of Wales: Respect public servants
THE Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, has called on the general public to respect politicians for his or her readiness to serve. The First Minister of Wales, Vaughan Gething, stepped down this week after 4 of his ministers resigned, saying that they were unable to proceed under his leadership after a lost vote of confidence within the Senedd last month. Archbishop John said: “People who’re prepared to tackle the responsibilities, and the risks, of political life deserve our respect for his or her readiness to serve the general public. While criticism may sometimes be needed, compassion is all the time essential, and it’s in that spirit that we assure all those involved on this painful experience of our prayers as they seek to serve the people of Wales.”
Explorations of science and faith supported
SEVEN churches in England and Wales have been awarded funding of virtually £70,000 to explore the connection between science and faith through the programme Scientists in Congregations. Established in 2015 (News, 20 March 2015), the programme is run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS). Recipients of the grants of as much as £10,000 each, to deliver a project over the subsequent 12 months, include St Mark’s, Wrexham, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich.
Diocese of Truro funds Cornwall poverty research
THE diocese of Truro is funding recent research into the Government’s official measure for experiences of deprivation in England to see whether it is acceptable for people living in rural Cornwall. The Cornwall Rurality Matters research, which is being carried out by Plymouth Marjon University in Cornwall, has received £27,078 from the diocese through the Lower Income Communities Fund. The diocesan social-responsibility officer, Joel Dougan-Davies, said: “Many people around Cornwall reside in great need.” The diocesan secretary, Canon Simon Cade, said: “Often the size of the deprivation isn’t understood and issues are missed.”
Music-outreach programme receives £1m donation
THE Julia Rausing Trust has made a £1-million donation towards the refurbishment of the organ at Gloucester Cathedral, which, the cathedral says, can be central to its recent music-outreach programme. The money, donated in memory of the philanthropist, may also fund an organ scholarship. The organ was built by Thomas Harris in 1666 and has the one complete Seventeenth-century cathedral organ case within the country. The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust supported the conservation of the 14th-century cathedral cloister in 2022 (News, 5 August 2022).
Woman raped in Hereford Cathedral precincts
A 31-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with rape after a lady was attacked in Hereford Cathedral grounds, within the early hours of last Friday. West Mercia police said that officers were alerted shortly before 4 a.m. and consider that the victim met her attacker while out on Thursday evening. The Cathedral had given police access to CCTV. Christopher Filbrandt, of Eign Mill Road, Hereford, appeared before magistrates at Kidderminster, on Monday, and the case was sent to Worcester Crown Court, where Mr Filbrandt will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 12 August.
WTC to launch theology course for prisoners
A CERTIFICATE of Higher Education in Kingdom Theology course is to be launched by the Westminster Theological Centre (WTC) for men at HM Prison the Mount, in Hertfordshire. The course, to begin in 2026, is, the WTC said on Tuesday, “in response to learning that many individuals are finding faith in prison, and are keen to take their journey with God to the subsequent level by training at a theological college”. WTC’s Principal, Dr Lucy Peppiatt, said: “For years we now have managed a bursary fund for men and ladies from offending and addiction backgrounds, and have seen the advantages of an education in theology for job opportunities, ministry opportunities, and raising self-esteem and confidence.” The programme requires £38,000 for the primary 12 months and £45,000 for the second. Sarah Coppin, who’s to guide the programme, said: “This appears like numerous money, but we could easily reach our first-year goal if 100 people signed up to provide £32 per 30 days.” wtctheology.org.uk
