Daily Briefing for Friday 16th November 2012

Issued at 09.05 by NC

Margaret, queen, philanthropist, 1093
Edmund Rich, archbishop, 1240
Tomorrow: Hugh, bishop, 1200

1.  NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK

Archbishop of York to Present Archbishop Desmond Tutu With An Honorary Degree

Hundreds of York St John University students are celebrating their graduation alongside some inspirational honorary graduates in York Minster this week. For further information, see end of briefing or go to: http://www.archbishopofyork.org/articles.php/2698/archbishop-of-york-to-present-desmond-tutu-with-an-honorary-degree

2. Assisted dying proposals rejected as too damaging
A change in the law on assisted dying would 'permit people actively to participate in bringing about the deaths of other individuals, something that, apart from cases of self defence, has not formed part of the legal landscape of the United Kingdom since the abolition of capital punishment', the Church of England Mission and Public Affairs Council has told politicians. For further information, see end of briefing or go to: http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2012/11/assisted-dying-proposals-rejected-as-too-damaging.aspx
 

3. PRESS RELEASE FROM LAMBETH PALACE
Women Bishops: Enough Waiting - Jan McFarlane's message to General Synod
In a video message in support of the legislation, the Venerable Jan McFarlane, Archdeacon of Norwich and Director of Communications in the Diocese, urges General Synod members to recognise that, although the legislation may be imperfect, "Anything that we do is always going to involve compromise". For further information, see end of briefing or go to: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2705/

4. Today's press coverage

Times p20
Report of a letter to the Times from a group opposed to women bishops, under the headline "Vote on women bishops will test new archbishop's authority".
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/faith/article3601776.ece
Times p37
Letter as above signed by Preb Rob Thomas (Chairman, Reform), Canon Simon Killwick (Chairman, Catholic Group in General Synod) and 325 CofE priests.
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/letters/article3601412.ece
Guard p19
Reports that police investigating allegations of child abuse against the Rt Revd Peter Ball have received complaints from a further seven men who claim their were victims.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/nov/15/police-further-complaints-retired-bishop
Even Stand p16 & 57, Tel p8
Reports on the CofE's success as an investor. Articles highlighting new archbishop's former oil industry experience.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/citydiary/9681520/City-Diary-Through-the-keyhole-at-Nick-Candys-Knightsbridge-penthouse.html
http://www.standard.co.uk/business/cityspy/city-spy-archbishop-needs-dark-arts-adviser-8319717.html
Tel p16
Reports on the CofE's submission to a parliamentary consultation on assisted dying.
No online link
Times p10
Reports that the bell ringers of St Mary the Virgin, Baldock, Herts have been supported by almost 2,000 people on social media in a campaign to support the ring of bells on Christmas morning.
No online link
Tel p2
Reports at new faith schools could be forces to admit pupils from non-religious backgrounds if a judicial review being heard by the High Court is successful.
No online link

Letters
Guard p47 David Hadfield, Richard Mantle
Background on challenges facing the new archbishop
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/15/background-challenges-new-archbishop
Times p37 Heather Newman
Locked churches
No online link

Ends