Media Centre News List

Synod focuses on the international situation, educational opportunity and financial challenge

22 October 2001

The agenda for the November Synod will have time set aside for a debate on international affairs, following the terrorist attacks on the United States. The precise form of this debate will be shaped in the light of the unfolding world situation.

Church leaders issue joint invitation to prayer in aftermath of American attacks

02 October 2001

Senior Church leaders across the nation have today issued a joint invitation to people in all walks of life to join a special time of prayer later this week for peace, justice and reconciliation in the aftermath of the atrocities in the United States.

For such a time as this: A Renewed Diaconate in the Church of England

01 October 2001

A renewed, permanent diaconate could support the flourishing lay ministries of readers, pastoral assistants and evangelists and bridge the gap between the Church and the needs of people who are not regular churchgoers . 'For such a time as this', the report of a working party of the House of Bishops, chaired by the Rt Rev Barry Rogerson, Bishop of Bristol, urges the Church of England to take the diaconate more seriously and to become aware of its untapped potential, especially in mission.

Report recommends higher and redefined stipends

27 September 2001

Clergy stipends should be redefined and increased, according to the report of the Clergy Stipends Review Group, published today, Thursday 27 September. The Group, set up in 1999 by the Archbishops' Council, has made 30 recommendations to the Church of England. The report, 'Generosity and Sacrifice', has only the authority of the Group that produced it.

Octavia Hill Estates: Church Commissioners respond to consultation

26 September 2001

Existing tenants of the Church Commissioners' residential properties in London, the Octavia Hill Estates, will continue to be protected on their current terms under a new letting policy announced today, Wednesday, 26 September, 2001. Residents on assured shorthold tenancies will be able to apply to upgrade to assured tenancies after four years' residence, while, for future tenants only, the Commissioners will move to a mix of affordable rents and market rents on the estates.

Church responds to drugs policy inquiry

26 September 2001

The Board for Social Responsibility has warmly welcomed the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee decision to hold an investigation into the Government's drugs policy. In a submission, building on one to the Runciman Inquiry in 1998, the Board argued that the possession of cannabis should no longer be an imprisonable offence. This follows the recommendation of the Runciman Inquiry (para 77.2)

Personality Disorder and Human Worth

21 September 2001

The Board for Social Responsibility has published the report of a conference on Dangerous Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD).

Church to sell Zurburan paintings of Jacob and his Sons

20 September 2001

The Church Commissioners' Board of Governors has approved, in principle, the sale of a series of paintings by Francesco de Zurburan, of Jacob and his twelve sons. The paintings are displayed in the dining room in Auckland Castle, home of the Bishops of Durham.

Church welcomes Education White Paper Schools achieving success

05 September 2001

The Church of England's Board of Education has welcomed the Government White Paper, Schools achieving success, published today, but warned against any erosion of the place of religious education and spiritual development in the curriculum.

The BBC's new Head of Religion and Ethics

11 July 2001

The Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, has welcomed the BBC's announcement that Alan Bookbinder is to be the new head of Religion and Ethics for the Corporation and has wished him well in the challenges ahead.