Carlisle stained-glass window wins competition
THE east window in Carlisle Cathedral has been named the “Nation’s Favourite Stained Glass Window” within the Association of English Cathedral’s Divine Light social-media campaign and competition (Books, 12 December 2025). Twelve finalists were chosen from the variety of likes given to every of the 42 windows featured on social media. The public were then asked to vote for his or her favourite on the Association’s website (News, 23 January). The Interim Dean of Carlisle, the Ven. Michael Everitt, was “delighted” by the result. In celebration, the Chapter is launching a 40-minute guided tour, Sacred Light: The Stained Glass of Carlisle Cathedral, starting on 21 February.
Archdeacon Mann to retire from full-time ministry
THE Ven. Dr Rachel Mann is to retire because the Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton, in Manchester diocese, at the top of July, after a period of ill-health, it was announced on Thursday of last week. She has been in post since 2023 (News, 23 June 2023). Dr Mann is an everyday contributor to the Church Times and has written several books. Since her ordination to the priesthood in 2006, she has served all her ministry in Manchester diocese. Faith, page 17
Farwell to Dean of Christ Church, Dublin, after 18 years
THE Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, since 2008, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne, is to retire on 1 September, it was announced on Monday. “The cathedral has moved forward in a positive and robust way, especially in last ten years since 2016,” he said. “I used to be on sabbatical, and the cathedral was within the doldrums, and I said to myself that I used to be going to show the ship around and make it successful.” He refers to a rise within the numbers within the congregation, fabric improvements, and an overhaul of its governance as his essential achievements.
Clewer releases modern-slavery resource
THE Clewer Initiative, a church-backed charity working to finish modern slavery, has released a resource, Children within the Shadows Revisited. It includes six movies, each exploring a distinct aspect of kid exploitation, and an accompanying devotional resource, which, the charity says, could be utilized in Lent or at other times. Each session includes definitions, statistics, and insight from frontline experts (each written and on film), examples of excellent practice, a mirrored image on Luke 18 by Bishop Alastair Redfern, group discussion questions, a prayer, and motion points. Established in 2016 (News, 19 May 2017), the initiative became an independent charity in 2024.
Exeter hosts cathedrals conference
EXETER CATHEDRAL hosted the Northern European Cathedrals Conference this week on the theme “Cathedrals: Seats of Wisdom”, with a deal with “identity and culture, wisdom and rootedness”. Speakers included a lecturer in medieval English literature at Oxford, Dr Eleanor Parker; the American composer Nico Muhly; the historian Dr David Lepine; the Canon Theologian of Exeter Cathedral, the Revd Professor Morwenna Ludlow; and Professor Christopher Southgate, a theologian on the University of Exeter. The tenth-century Exeter Book, a UNESCO Memory of the World object and considered the oldest surviving book within the English language, was discussed in relation to its cosmopolitan Northern European content. It is on display within the cathedral’s Treasures Exhibition, opened last yr.
Five men deny Chatham war-memorial theft
FIVE of the six men charged with the theft of two First World War memorials from the lich-gate of Christ Church, Luton, in Chatham, pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court last Friday, the BBC reports. The metal plaques were later present in two scrapyards in Essex (News, 6 June 2025). Abel Murui, 27, of Hallford Way, Dartford, and Manase Marin, 26, of Priory Road, Dartford, face one charge each of receiving stolen goods, which they deny. Martin Feri, 39, of Bryant Street, Chatham, denied further charges of theft and criminal damage. Milan Duna, 34, of New Road, Chatham, can also be further charged with theft, which he denies. Rahid Anwar, 43, of Palm Drive, Rochester, denied receiving stolen goods and failing to reply bail on the appointed time. The sixth defendant, Robert Hajek, 52, of Otway Street, Chatham, is resulting from be arraigned in March.
Correction. A report published last month (“St Albans diocese plans to place faith in Soul Survivor”, News, 23 January) mentioned by name a member of diocesan staff with a past connection to Soul Survivor. There was no intention to suggest that this individual had an undue influence on the diocese’s bid for SMMIB funding. We apologise for any distress caused.
