Fears for St Ethelburga’s, in shadow of skyscraper
A PROPOSED 54-storey skyscraper within the City of London will harm St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation, situated opposite the location, the previous Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams has warned. In a letter quoted in The Daily Telegraph this week, he writes: “Loss of natural light, constructing works over some five to 6 years, general antagonistic effect on the quiet and seclusion of the Centre, all mix to make this a completely undesirable move. The crucial work of the Centre for reflection, conferences and meditation (especially its unique garden) will suffer severely.” Sir Tony Baldry, a former Second Church Estates Commissioner, who formerly chaired the trustees of St Ethelburga’s, said that the work was “a really real threat to the existence and survival of St Ethelburga’s as a church constructing and as an organisation serving the people of London”.
Dr Ward to go away St Stephen’s House
THE Principal of St Stephen’s House, Oxford, Canon Robin Ward, is to go away at the top of April, after 19 years in post. He spoke of a “very pleased and fulfilling time” there in his statement this week. “As I enter my sixtieth yr, I feel it can be crucial that the College is led with fresh eyes and fresh insights.” The work of a theological college, he said, was “shown within the priestly ministry of its students, and the abiding memory of my time here might be the privilege of accompanying them originally of their formation, and seeing it come to fruition within the parishes and places where they now serve so faithfully”. The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, who chairs the House Council, said that it owed Dr Ward “a terrific debt of gratitude for his long and distinguished ministry”. An Acting Principal is to be appointed, whose work will include reviewing the position of Principal.
Views searched for way forward for Interfaith Week
THE way forward for Interfaith Week is to be subject to a nationwide consultation, within the wake of the closure of the Inter Faith Network last yr, after government funding was withdrawn (News, 1 March, 2024). The consultation might be led by the Faith and Belief Forum and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Workshops might be held across the country and online, and an internet questionnaire might be live from Monday 20 January. Inter Faith Week has been held every November since 2009. faithbeliefforum.org
Memorial service in Salisbury for Dean Willis
A MEMORIAL service for the Very Revd Robert Willis, a former Dean of Canterbury, is to be held at evensong at 3 p.m. in Salisbury Cathedral on 2 February (Obituary, 8 November). The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams will preach.
