Institute launched to save lots of legacy of spiritual life
THE Society of the Sacred Mission has launched the Herbert Kelly Institute for Anglican Religious Life, which seeks to preserve the legacy of Anglican religious communities. “The religious life represents a living tradition and a universal calling, but it surely is in decline,” its website says. “We subsequently see the Institute as having a task to play in the long run development of Anglican religious life, in addition to being a resource for the expansion of Christian spirituality more generally.” The Institute comprises 4 strands: a library “specialising in religious life and contemplative spirituality”, work to create “a comprehensive database of Anglican religious archives”, scholarly research concerning the religious life, and publishing books. ssm.org.uk/institute
Lord Carey ‘shocked’ by own 2003 comments on NOS
RESPONDING to the conviction last week of Chris Brain, the founding father of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey told The Times this week that he was “shocked” to be reminded of a passage in his 2003 autobiography by which he wrote of NOS members: “How could they are saying that they were misled and duped by the Church? They were responsible adults. If Christian morality had any part to play of their faith, surely they too must share a few of the blame? There seemed no willingness to listen to this.” Lord Carey told The Times: “I regret using these words in 2003 and apologise for causing hurt to survivors. I wouldn’t write in this manner now having learnt much within the intervening years. Even responsible and very smart adults can develop into vulnerable to spiritual and emotional manipulation by appalling abusers like Chris Brain.”
Scottish Synod to satisfy a second time in 2025
THE Scottish Episcopal Church’s Synod is to satisfy a second time this 12 months “for the particular purpose of constructing an amendment to the Canon for electing bishops in time to be used during a forthcoming episcopal emptiness”, an announcement says. Revisions to Canon 4, in regards to the election of bishops, were approved in 2023 (News, 16 June 2023). Since then, after feedback, “minor but vital amendments” have been made. These were carried at their first reading in June, but, to be enforce, they should be carried at a second reading. This can be held online on 9 September, in order that any changes are in place before the election of a successor to the Bishop of Edinburgh, Dr John Armes, who retires on Sunday (News, 24 January).
Flag sprayed on church is intimidation, says vicar
THE spray-painting of a St George’s flag on a wall at St John the Baptist, Ermine, in Lincoln (Features, 4 April), on Monday, was “an try to intimidate”, the Vicar, the Revd Rachel Heskins, has told the BBC. “The St George’s Cross has develop into an emblem of nationalism which has develop into confused with patriotism — the 2 are very different,” she said. The graffiti didn’t “represent us or what goes on contained in the church”, she said. “It’s not nearly being proud about being English. This has gone up with an excluding and offended message.”
Baptist minister arrested for Palestine Action support
THE Minister of New Road Baptist Church, Oxford, the Revd James Grote, was arrested outside his church on Sunday after holding an indication that expressed support for Palestine Action, a gaggle proscribed under the Terrorism Act last month (News, 15 August). Mr Grote told the Oxford Mail: “I’m not a member of Palestine Action, but I support its work of disrupting anyone within the UK providing weapons for the war in Gaza.” A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said on Sunday: “Officers have today arrested a person in his 60s from Bicester on suspicion of Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. It pertains to an incident by which a person was seen to be holding an indication showing support for a proscribed terrorist organisation. Thames Valley Police is carrying out an investigation and the person arrested stays in custody right now.” Comment, page 8
Future of St Paul’s, Astley Bridge, looks uncertain
ST PAUL’s, Astley Bridge, Bolton, in Greater Manchester, has closed temporarily after structural problems were reportedly identified. A post on the church’s Facebook page last week said: “St Paul’s Church constructing is temporarily closed. Sunday morning services will proceed in St Paul’s School, Newnham street for 4 weeks starting on Sunday, twenty fourth August. There can be a public meeting concerning the church constructing on Tuesday 2nd September 7-8.30 pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club. There can be representatives from the diocese and church to, hopefully, answer all questions.” The Manchester Evening News quoted an Astley Bridge councillor, Hilary Fairclough, as saying that St Paul’s was “probably going to must close permanently”; he said that “the steeple has structural problems” and that repairs could cost greater than £500,000.
