2004

Responding to the Tidal Wave Tragedy
29 December 2004

The Church of England is responding to the Tidal Wave Tragedy that has caused many thousands of deaths and injuries, and has left millions of people homeless.

Christian agencies unite to make poverty history in 2005
22 December 2004

Released by the Make Poverty History coalition, of which the Church of England is a member. Leading Christian relief and development agencies have united to urge the Government to make the eradication of poverty a priority in 2005, through trade justice, debt cancellation and more and better aid. Tearfund, CAFOD, Christian Aid and World Vision have come together with a wider coalition of more than 100 aid agencies, campaign groups, churches and trade unions known as MAKE POVERTY HISTORY to call on the Government to take the lead.

Cathedrals Count
15 December 2004

Released by English Heritage CATHEDRALS COUNT - Thought-provoking new research reveals the economic and social value of England’s Anglican cathedrals - New research has revealed that nearly nine million people visited England’s Anglican cathedrals in 2003 – two million more than visited Blackpool Pleasure Beach, five million more than went on the London Eye and almost twice as many as visited the British Museum in the same year. This is just one of many compelling findings in a report on the value of England’s cathedrals which is launched today (15 December 2004) as part of Heritage Counts, an annual audit of the historic environment carried out by English Heritage on behalf of the sector.

The Bishop of St Albans writes to The Times on the Mental Capacity Bill
14 December 2004

Loss of capacity to make our own decisions is amongst the worst fates that can befall us and key issues for people in this position arise in the Mental Capacity Bill, with its Third Reading on Tuesday.  The Church of England  welcomes the Bill’s attempt to provide a consistent framework of decision-making for those without capacity. The Bill maximises the possibility of them making decisions for themselves, and enacts the overriding principle that those who decide for them must act in their best interests and with the least restrictive effects.

Bishops’ office and working costs published
10 December 2004

The 2003 office and working costs of bishops in the Church of England are published today. Figures for individual bishops were first published, for the year 2000, in December 2001. Bishops’ office and working costs were previously published as a total figure.

Letter from The Bishop of Southwark to The Chancellor of the Exchequer
8 December 2004

This is the text of a letter sent by the Rt Revd Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark to the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer:

Crockford's Clerical Directory goes online
6 December 2004

Crockford’s Clerical Directory goes online Crockford’s Clerical Directory has gone online in response to a long-standing demand from customers for electronic access. All the information currently found only in the 1200-page directory of Anglican clergy in the British Isles, first printed in 1858, is to be made available through the new www.crockford.org.uk website. The website offers increased flexibility and ease of use and improved data accuracy.

New primary school worship programme
2 December 2004

New primary school worship programme launched Be Bold! an imaginative and creative resource aimed at making collective worship in schools a positive experience for children, is published by Church House Publishing this month.

First edition of In Review
2 December 2004

The first edition of In Review, a newsletter from the National Church Institutions of the Church of England is published today/tomorrow in the Church of England Newspaper and Church Times. A web version of the four-page pull-out is available on the Church of England website, so that articles may be reproduced in parish or diocesan publications. In Review will be produced twice a year. By replacing the former Year in Review annual report, it achieves significant cost savings.

Church of England comments on Draft Mental Health Bill
26 November 2004

People could be forced to undergo treatment unnecessarily if the Draft Mental Health Bill is enacted in its current form, the Church of England has warned. The Bill gives insufficient weight to considerations of capacity and autonomy in the conditions proposed for compulsion.  It should be reconsidered in order to avoid patients being given inappropriate treatment either in hospital or in the community, says a submission by the Church’s Mission and Public Affairs Council to the Joint Committee on the Bill.

Human Genetics Consultation
11 November 2004

The Church of England has warned that human genetics should be developed for the purpose of therapy only, and not for the enhancement of the foetus, in a submission by the Church’s Mission and Public Affairs Council to the consultation Choosing the Future, run by the Human Genetics Commission.

Lent course studies impact of the Beatitudes
11 November 2004

Life Attitudes, published this month, is a five-session Lent course, exploring the Beatitudes and the way they were lived out by Jesus in his earthly life. The course provides practical guidelines for group study with interactive activities, including questions for group discussion and multimedia suggestions. As well as guidelines for group study, the book also provides full background notes for leaders.

Bishop elected to Crown Nominations Commission
10 November 2004

The Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev Martin Wharton, has been elected by the House of Bishops to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) to consider the vacancy in the See of York. In the event of the Bishop of Newcastle being unable to serve, an alternate, the Bishop of Southwell, the Rt Rev George Cassidy, has been elected.

Women Bishops in the Church of England?
2 November 2004

Women Bishops in the Church of England?, the report of the House of Bishops’ Working Party on Women in the Episcopate, chaired by the Rt Revd Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester, is published today, Tuesday, 2 November. The General Synod will discuss the report in February.

Compendium of saintly lives
29 October 2004

Saints on Earth, published this month, is a compendium of people commemorated in the Church of England’s calendar of Holy Days in Common Worship. It celebrates the lives of those who have personally lived out the gospel, often at great personal cost.

National Framework for Religious Education
28 October 2004

Religious Education in all schools will be given a strong boost by the launch today (Thursday, October 28) of the new National Framework. RE has been increasingly recognised in recent years as a vital and popular part of the school curriculum. Representatives of the Church of England, alongside those of other churches and faiths and other professionals, have been actively engaged in the development of the framework.

Initial response to the Lambeth Commission's Windsor Report
18 October 2004

The Lambeth Commission was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, in October 2003, to make recommendations to the Primates of the Anglican Communion on how to maintain the highest degree of communion possible following developments in North America. As the Commission published its report - known as the Windsor Report - today, a Church of England spokesman said:

Churches seek partnerships as catalysts for regeneration
18 October 2004

The Church of England is calling for partnership with national, regional and local bodies, as well as government at all levels, to unlock the potential of church buildings as catalysts for regeneration and safeguard their role as centres for a wide and often unacknowledged range of community activities.

The Lambeth Commission and the Windsor Report
15 October 2004

The Lambeth Commission was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, in October 2003, to make recommendations to the Primates of the Anglican Communion on how to maintain the highest degree of communion possible following developments in North America. The Windsor Report, produced by the Lambeth Commission, will be launched in London on Monday, 18 October, at 12.00 midday in St Paul's Cathedral Crypt.

New guide for churches to promote good mental health in their communities
12 October 2004

Churches can make a real difference to the mental wellbeing of their parishioners, according to a guide published today by the Church of England and the charity mentality.

Latest Pocket Prayers titles for work, peace and justice
29 September 2004

Pocket Prayers for Work, published this month, is an exceptional collection of prayers specially commissioned to reflect, with great honesty, the joys and tribulations faced in the everyday life of people at work. The prayers, compiled by Mark Greene, are designed to be used in a variety of settings, by individuals or groups, and are a new addition to the Pocket Prayers series.

Terrorism and Community Relations
20 September 2004

Terrorism and Community Relations Submission from the Church of England to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee

Communications Training Opportunities
10 September 2004

Affordable courses designed to develop media skills are highlighted in the latest Church of England communications training brochure. Professional tutors provide high quality training in subjects ranging from magazine editing and web design to giving a successful television interview. Courses, for no more than eight people, allow for greater attention to individual needs and teach transferable skills in a day.

Church Statistics 2002
7 September 2004

Church Statistics 2002 has been published and can be viewed on the Church of England website at http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/frame_statistics.html .

Church joins the Trade Justice Movement
7 September 2004

The Church of England today became the newest member of the Trade Justice Movement. The General Synod voted for membership at its July meeting in York, when it also called on the Church to support justice in world trade and to highlight opportunities to make a difference when the UK Government holds the EU presidency and chairs the G8 Summit in 2005.

Bishops oppose 'misguided and unnecessary' euthanasia Bill
6 September 2004

Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops have joined forces to urge Parliament not to change the law on euthanasia, arguing that allowing assisted suicide would undermine the protection of vulnerable people.

Where Two or Three
6 September 2004

The importance of ministry to children is highlighted in Where Two or Three, a new book from Church House Publishing. It provides essential information on what churches can do to improve their children's ministry.

Director of Finance and Central Services announced
31 August 2004

Gill Laver is to be the new Director of Finance and Central Services for the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England.

Select Committee fails to highlight role of worshipping churches in urban regeneration
2 August 2004

A report by a House of Commons Select Committee into The Role of Historic Buildings in Urban Regeneration has noted, but failed to highlight in its recommendations, the vital role played by worshipping churches in bringing life to local communities, says the Church Heritage Forum.

General Synod debates, Tuesday, 13 July
13 July 2004

The Synod spent its last morning on liturgical matters, revising the Weekday Lectionary and commenting on a new compendium of additional service material for use through the seasons of both the church year and the farming year, before ending its sitting with a debate on the misuse of drugs.

General Synod debates, Monday, 12 July, am
12 July 2004

The Synod spent the morning discussing financial matters before tackling an additional private members motion calling on the Royal Mail to issue Christmas stamps with Christian themes every year.

General Synod debates, Monday, 12 July, pm
12 July 2004

The Synod debated new worship material for initiation services, voted to join the Trade Justice Movement, and called for the Church to speak out against the evil of domestic violence. The day concluded with a debate on the Church of England and Europe.

General Synod debates, Sunday, 11 July, pm
11 July 2004

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE - STIPEND DIFFERENTIALS - ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR MINISTERIAL TRAINING - ENABLING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

York Synod sessions begin
10 July 2004

The General Synod began its summer sessions in York last night, Friday, July 9, by giving the Business Committee a steer on how the Synod's procedures could be made more effective and appointing the nominees to chair three of its committees.

General Synod debates Saturday, July 10, am
10 July 2004

The Synod started the day with prayers and an exposition of Scripture by Dr David Hope, Archbishop of York, before working through a range of legislative business.

General Synod debates Saturday, July 10, pm
10 July 2004

The Synod decided not to proceed with recommendations in the Clergy Discipline (Doctrine) Report but did encourage the Marriage Law Working Group to develop draft legislation on the basis of allowing couples to be married in parishes to which they have a demonstrable connection.

Statement on bishops' letter to the Prime Minister
30 June 2004

The letter from the Archbishops to the Prime Minister was written on behalf of all the bishops of the Church of England and sets out their views on a range of issues relating to Iraq and the Middle East.

Bishop dismayed at Government dropping church school PFI scheme
23 June 2004

The Right Reverend Dr Kenneth Stevenson, Bishop of Portsmouth, chairman of the Church of England Board of Education and of the National Society, has expressed dismay at a Government decision to pull out of a scheme for rebuilding time-expired Church of England primary and secondary schools using the private finance initiative (PFI).

Synod to debate Rethinking Sentencing report
21 June 2004

Helping offenders face up to their crimes and repair the harm caused to their victims would not only ease the pressure on over-crowded prisons but provide a more effective means of reducing re-offending, according to a report to be debated by the General Synod in July.

Trade justice report calls for church action
21 June 2004

An urgent call for local churches to campaign for justice in world trade is made in a new report written by Christian Aid and commissioned by the Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Council.

Public policy and mission issues feature strongly in wide-ranging Synod agenda
21 June 2004

The General Synod will grapple with serious public policy issues from restorative justice and trade justice, to European constitutional and ecumenical issues, drug misuse and domestic violence at its sessions in York from July 9-13. The outward looking agenda also includes debates on mission agencies and marriage law.

Regional training partnerships offer creative potential
27 May 2004

Theological education and ministerial training face a challenging and exciting future as the Church of England, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church combine to set up nine Regional Training Partnerships over the next two years.

Next Chairman of Liturgical Commission announced
4 May 2004

The Rt Revd Stephen Platten, Bishop of Wakefield, is to be the next Chairman of the Liturgical Commission. He will take over from the present Chairman, the Rt Revd David Stancliffe, Bishop of Salisbury, in November 2005.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2003: Best investment results for four years
22 April 2004

In 2003 the Church Commissioners achieved their best investment results for the last four years, reflecting the recovery in stock markets since last spring, and another good year for property. There were positive returns in all asset classes and the fund saw a total return of 17.0% (-9.3% in 2002). Assets were worth £3.9 billion (£3.5 billion) at the end of the year. This return was in line with that recorded by the WM All Funds Universe.

New research shows 42% say that Churches should be funded by the State
20 April 2004

Four out of ten Britons ( 42%) think that local churches should receive funding from the State through central taxation, says an Opinion Research Bureau (ORB) survey. A smaller proportion, one in four, (24%) believes that the Church already receives such funding from central Government. One in six (16%) also believe that local taxes ought to contribute to the Church's costs, meaning that over half believe that taxation of some kind ought to bear some of the Church's costs. Young adults as well as older ones, Christians, those of other faiths and no faith all feel similarly.

Vocations in the church
16 April 2004

The number of those recommended for training for ordained ministry within the Church of England rose slightly last year from 475 in 2002 to 505 in 2003. In 2004 the Ministry Division has had to put on 8 extra Selection Conferences to meet the demand of candidates wishing to attend them to test their call to ordained ministry. The Ministry Division in its work of encouraging people to reflect on their vocation has produced an attractive new leaflet with an accompanying A4 poster for display in parish churches.

Pensions Board appoints next chief executive
2 April 2004

Shaun Farrell is to be the Church of England Pensions Board's next Secretary - its Chief Executive position - with effect from 1 October 2004.

Home affairs policy adviser appointed
30 March 2004

The Revd Christopher Jones, theologian and Chaplain and Fellow of St Peter's College, Oxford, is to be the next home affairs policy adviser in the Mission and Public Affairs Division of the Archbishops' Council.

Bishop of Southwark comments on Christian-Muslim relations
26 March 2004

Following press reports of a speech given by Lord Carey in Rome last night, the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Tom Butler, said:

Churches welcome Budget help for listed church buildings
18 March 2004

The Church of England and other UK faith groups represented by the Churches Main Committee, welcomed the Budget announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will be expanded to allowed a full VAT refund of 17.5% on all eligible applications for work carried out on listed church buildings from 1st April 2004 forward.

Director of Communications announced
12 March 2004

Peter Crumpler, currently Communications Officer for the Diocese of St Albans, is to be the new Director of Communications for the Archbishops' Council and General Synod of the Church of England.

The Church of England questions BBC analysis of faith poll
26 February 2004

The Church of England today questioned the BBC's portrayal of results from a survey of 10,000 people in 10 countries in support of the Corporation's What the World Thinks of God programme.

Child protection policy published in third edition
13 February 2004

The House of Bishops has, today, published the third edition of its child protection policy for the Church of England: Protecting all God's Children.

Church policy on gay relationships unchanged
11 February 2004

The Church of England tonight said that the Church's policy on gay relationships remained completely unchanged, following the General Synod's debate this afternoon, 11 February. The outcome of the debate was that the book, "Some Issues in Human Sexuality; a guide to the debate," was commended for study in the Church.

New Commission on Urban Life and Faith launched
2 February 2004

The Commission on Urban Life and Faith, launched today in the House of Lords, will "promote a vision of urban life which analyses and addresses the realities of its delights, injustices and its needs". It will spotlight work, especially by faith communities, that makes a difference in disadvantaged areas.

Families Matter wins Churches' Beacon Award for Sustainable Community Development for Totton College
21 January 2004

'Parenting' courses and basic skills classes, aimed at reducing barriers to learning among the disadvantaged, proved a winning formula for Totton College in the Churches' Beacon Award for Sustainable Community Development.

Secretary of State for International Development to address February General Synod
19 January 2004

Mission, human relationships, social issues, worship and ecumenical relations will be major themes in a challenging and broad ranging Synod agenda

Greater job security recommended for clergy without the freehold
16 January 2004

A new report recommends that Church legislation is brought in to provide greater job security for clergy without the freehold and to clarify their duties. A review chaired by Professor David McClean CBE QC (Professor of Law at Sheffield University) recommends retaining the office-holder status of clergy and conferring a new package of rights and responsibilities on clergy without the freehold.

Church Commissioners consult on Strategic See House Review
14 January 2004

The Church Commissioners are consulting the House of Bishops on a new set of principles and guidelines to provide suitable houses from which bishops can conduct an effective ministry, while providing both a place of work and family privacy.

Provisional attendance figures for 2002
12 January 2004

Provisional figures for 2002 show that the average number of children and young people attending church each month increased by 1% over 2001 to 421,000 while the average number attending each week remained static at 228,000. There are signs of growth in church attendance levels in many dioceses among children and young people under 16 years of age, despite a decline in overall attendance.

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