2005

O come, all ye faithful: Church is a big draw at Christmas
19 December 2005

More than four out of ten adults will attend church this Christmas – up by a third in the past four years. Christmas worshippers are on the increase with more than 43 per cent of Britain’s adult population expected to attend church over the festival, according to a survey by opinion pollster ORB. The figure has been steadily rising since the turn of the millennium from the 33 per cent found by ORB in 2001, to 39 per cent in 2003 and now 43 per cent in 2005.

Conservation expert adds weight to environmental issues work
19 December 2005

The Church of England has given an extra push to its environmental issues work with the appointment of David Shreeve, executive director of The Conservation Foundation, as environmental adviser in the Mission and Public Affairs Division. The conservation expert will work alongside Claire Foster, policy adviser to the Archbishops' Council on science, medicine, technology and environmental issues, for two days a week.

Pearl Luxon appointed to new joint Anglican-Methodist post to advise both Churches on child protection issues
16 December 2005

The Revd Pearl Luxon has been appointed to the joint post of Safeguarding Adviser for the Methodist Church and the Church of England. She will take up the post in September 2006 on the retirement of Mrs Janet Hind as National Child Protection Adviser for the Church of England.

Elections to Synodical bodies
15 December 2005

David Michael Williams, Presiding Officer for the following elections in the General Synod, has certified that the persons named below have been duly elected.

Church of England welcomes results of government’s consultation on anti-terror legislation
15 December 2005

Reports that the Home Office has dropped plans to close places of worship linked to ‘extremism’ following a consultation exercise have been welcomed by the Church of England. The proposals, which would have given police powers to seek a court order for the temporary closure of a place of worship if extremist behaviour or terrorist activity was believed to be taking place, were previously criticised by the Rt Revd Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's Christmas Message to the Anglican Communion
15 December 2005

Bishop of St Albans' prayers following oil depot explosion
12 December 2005

Following the explosion at the Buncefield Oil Depot at Hemel Hemsptead, the Bishop of St Albans said, "My prayers and thoughts are with the injured and with the emergency services who are continuing to fight the fire and support the many hundreds of people whose lives have been affected by this explosion."

Bishops’ office and working costs published
9 December 2005

The 2004 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.

Sermon preached by the Archbishop of York at his Inauguration
30 November 2005

Order of Service for the Inauguration of the Archbishop of York
30 November 2005

The ministry and work of Dr John Sentamu as the 97th Archbishop of York will be Inaugurated at a service in York Minster beginning at 11.30am on Wednesday 30th November 2005.

Background information on the Inauguration of the Archbishop of York
30 November 2005

The ministry and work of Dr John Sentamu as the 97th Archbishop of York will be Inaugurated at a service in York Minster beginning at 11.30am on Wednesday 30th November 2005.

Church welcomes new Memorial Grant Scheme
18 November 2005

The Church of England and the Churches Main Committee, the body with Christian and Jewish representation that communicates with the Government on proposals for legislation, have warmly welcomed the launch of the Government’s Memorial Grant Scheme on 11 November 2005 (Armistice Day).

Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Pakistan
17 November 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is to visit Pakistan next week at what he says is a highly important period for the country.

General Synod, Wednesday 16th November – afternoon sitting
16 November 2005

A review of business conducted during the afternoon.

General Synod, Wednesday 16th November – morning sitting
16 November 2005

A review of business conducted during the morning.

General Synod: Archbishop of Canterbury’s presidential address
16 November 2005

To begin by asking this audience, ‘Why are you here?’ may sound just a bit negative (shades of the wartime challenge, ‘Was your journey really necessary?’).  But it’s meant as a serious and an open question.  Why were you elected to this Synod?  What do you and your electors hope for from your presence here?

General Synod Launch: New workbook for rural churches
16 November 2005

Seeds in Holy Ground, a new resource launched this week by the Church of England, aims to help England’s 10,000 churches in the countryside meet the needs of the 78.8% of the rural population who classify themselves as Christian – as well as the remaining 21% who do not.

General Synod Launch: Blueprint for a growing Church
16 November 2005

A new book by church growth specialist Bob Jackson shows how the Church can take The Road to Growth.

General Synod, Tuesday 15th November – afternoon sitting
15 November 2005

A review of business conducted during the day.

General Synod: Dr Sentamu responds to Her Majesty's speech
15 November 2005

Synod inauguration: A speech of thanks in response to Her Majesty the Queen by the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu. Your Majesty, it is a great privilege to thank you most warmly, on behalf of all those present today for your gracious words to us.  We are all honoured and delighted that you have come to inaugurate this Synod and join with us in our act of worship.

General Synod: Her Majesty opens eighth General Synod
15 November 2005

Speech given by Her Majesty The Queen at the opening ceremony of the eighth General Synod. Your Graces, the Convocations of Canterbury and York, duly called together in obedience to Our Royal Writs, are on this day joined together in accordance with the Synodical Government Measure 1969 and the House of Laity is added to them in accordance with the Measure, so as to constitute the Eighth General Synod of the Church of England.

General Synod: Prof Young's sermon at the General Synod Eucharist
15 November 2005

Prof Dr Frances Young gave the sermon at the General Synod Eucharist in Westminster Abbey, 15 November 2005. The Spirit you have received is not a spirit of slavery, leading you back into a life of fear, but a Spirit of adoption, enabling us to cry ‘Abba! Father!’ (Romans 8.15)

Church rejects latest move to bring in Assisted Dying Law
9 November 2005

The Church of England today rejected new moves to bring in an Assisted Dying law, stating that it would put vulnerable people at risk and endanger palliative care services across the UK.

Faith representatives give evidence on the BBC Charter Review
2 November 2005

Representatives of faith communities gave oral evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on the BBC Charter Review this morning (November 2nd) on the coverage of faith and the role of religious broadcasting.

Food for the journey - Latest Emmaus publication meets needs of mission-shaped Church
1 November 2005

The question of how to sustain new Christians with relevant, engaging material is one faced by many church groups, and a publication launched this week as part of the rejuvenated Emmaus Growth series is set to help meet this need.

New appointment to widen access to Church history and records
31 October 2005

Declan Kelly is to be the first Director of Libraries, Archives, and Information Services for the National Institutions of the Church of England.

Church welcome for Schools White Paper
25 October 2005

The Church of England’s chief education officer, Canon John Hall, has welcomed the Government’s invitation to the Church to establish local diocesan Trusts with the purpose of supporting some of those community or foundation schools which would move into the proposed Trust category under proposals in the Schools White Paper published today.

HM The Queen to inaugurate Eighth General Synod
21 October 2005

Her Majesty The Queen will inaugurate the Eighth General Synod of the Church of England in Church House, Westminster on Tuesday, 15 November. The inauguration ceremony will follow the Eucharist in Westminster Abbey, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will preside, and the Revd Professor Frances Young (until her recent retirement, Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham) will preach. Professor Young is the first woman and the first Methodist to preach at the five-yearly inauguration ceremony of the General Synod.

Bishops give ‘Angels’ their support
19 October 2005

Songs such as Robbie Williams’ Angels and others with a spiritual element do not turn a civil marriage ceremony into a religious service and could be included if a couple wishes, according to the Church of England’s House of Bishops.

Home Office Proposals for legislation on places of worship
13 October 2005

Home Office proposals for dealing with extremism in places of worship are strongly criticised as disproportionate by the Rt Revd Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark. The Home Office is consulting on these proposals at present.

Assisted dying does not provide a ‘better way of death’
10 October 2005

Bishops and Peers, speaking in the House of Lords today, stress that the foundations upon which Lord Joffe’s arguments for assisted dying are constructed are not as firm as he might have assumed. Lord Joffe’s proposal would allow for physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill.

Archbishop – ‘earthquake tragedy'
10 October 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent a message to church leaders in Pakistan and India following the earthquake in the region. In his letter to Bishop Alexander Malik, the Moderator of the Church of Pakistan and Bishop James Teron, the Moderator of the Church of North India, Dr Williams speaks of his distress on hearing of the devastation and assures them of prayers as they tackle the work of rescue and recovery.

Prayer for those suffering following the earthquake in Pakistan and Kashmir
9 October 2005

Hitting the pause button on hectic living
8 October 2005

As major chain stores line up to appeal for all-day opening on Sundays, a new resource published by Church House Publishing aims to re-inject the original meaning of the Sabbath – as a period of pause, reflection and decluttering – into overcrowded and busy lives.

Toolkit for trainee ministers
8 October 2005

A toolkit for trainee ministers is set to help meet the increasing demand for accessible, practical resources for those venturing into recognised ministry within the Church. Learning for Ministry, written by two key figures in ministerial training, is a ‘rough guide’ designed to de-bunk the myths and reduce the fear factor that many who are called to lay or ordained ministry feel when they have to return to formal study.

Nine leaders from six major British faith groups join together in unprecedented stand against assisted suicide and euthanasia
7 October 2005

In an unprecedented move, nine leading figures from the six major faith groups in the UK have joined forces to give a serious warning about any proposed change in the law to allow assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia. The action comes just a few days before the high profile debate in the House of Lords on the Select Committee report on Lord Joffe’s Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, on 10 October.

General Synod Elections
7 October 2005

As presiding officer for the following elections, Stephen Slack, Joint Registrar of the Province of Canterbury and the Province of York and Registrar of the Convocation of Canterbury, has declared that the persons below have been duly elected.

Privy Council Appointment - Dr John Sentamu
6 October 2005

The following announcement was made by Downing Street this morning:

Dr John Sentamu: Confirmation of Election as Archbishop of York
5 October 2005

Immediately folowing the confirmation of his election as Archbishop of York at St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London, on 5th October, Dr John Sentamu said:

New Head of Publishing appointed
4 October 2005

The Archbishops’ Council has appointed Thomas Allain-Chapman as the new Head of Publishing.

Church Commissioners vote to keep the Zurbaráns
29 September 2005

The Board of Governors of the Church Commissioners today voted to retain ownership of the set of paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán of Jacob and his twelve sons, at Auckland Castle, Durham.

Bishop criticises BMJ approach to assisted dying debate
29 September 2005

The Rt Revd Christopher Herbert, Bishop of St Albans, has criticised the British Medical Journal for publishing five articles (including an editorial) effectively in favour of euthanasia but only one article against it. “There needs to be a balanced approach to reporting views about assisted dying as the subject assumes greater prominence in the run-up to the House of Lords debate on 10 October,” he said.

Communications Training expands horizons
26 September 2005

Details of the Church of England’s 2006 Communications Training courses are being sent to all the Church’s paid clergy for the first time.

Countering Terrorism: Power, Violence and Democracy Post 9/11
19 September 2005

Churches have a vital role to play in combating the threat of terrorism, states a report from a working group of the Church of England’s House of Bishops, published today.

Caterpillar: No current grounds for disinvestment
19 September 2005

A robust and rigorous review of the Church of England’s shareholding in Caterpillar Inc – the US-based manufacturer of construction and mining equipment - has resulted in a decision by the Church's Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) not to recommend disinvestment at this time.

Moving on in a mission-shaped church
19 September 2005

Moving on in a mission-shaped church opens up an even wider audience for the agenda-setting message of the 2004 report, Mission-shaped Church, which has already sold 17,000 copies. Moving on outlines the essential message of that report and offers advice on how churches can respond practically and creatively.

Director of Ministry announced
14 September 2005

The Archdeacon of Portsdown, the Ven Christopher Lowson, is to be the next Director of Ministry for the Archbishops’ Council. He will lead a team responsible for developing policy and delivering support to those in lay and ordained ministry throughout the Church. The Ministry Division is responsible for the training of more than 900 new clergy, lay Readers and others admitted to ministry each year. He will succeed the Ven Gordon Kuhrt, who has led the Ministry team since 1996, in February next year.

New statistics show the costs of church repairs
12 September 2005

New statistics show the financial contribution that volunteers are making across England to maintaining the nation’s parish churches. The volume includes financial statistics of parish giving and expenditure in 2003, a map showing dioceses with increasing adult attendance and 2004 statistics of licensed ministers, combined with the attendance statistics for 2003.

Faiths in dialogue - Archbishop
12 September 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams'contribution to debate on ‘faiths in dialogue after September 11th’ Sant’Egidio International Meeting of Prayer for Peace Palais de Congress, Lyons Monday 12 September 2005

Bishop says Church plays an important role
9 September 2005

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, is to appear in  Channel Five’s ‘Don’t Get me Started,’ on Tuesday evening (September 13th)

Archbishop - elderly deserve protection
6 September 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has given a sombre warning today that a more permissive approach to euthanasia and assisted suicide in Britain could undermine fundamental commitments to the needs of the elderly.

Archbishop's prayers for victims of Hurricane Katrina
2 September 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his deep concern for those caught up in the devastation of the Gulf Coast of the United States following the recent hurricane.

A level Religious Studies entries top increase table again
18 August 2005

The A level subject with the largest rise in entries this year - 16.9% - is Religious Studies, according to the 2005 A level entry and results data, published today by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury on the death of Brother Roger of Taizé
17 August 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his shock and sadness on learning of the horrific death of Brother Roger of Taizé:

Training for Christian ministry – delivered in sign language
4 August 2005

Deaf people wanting to train for Christian ministry can now join a new course being taught in sign language.

Dame Betty Ridley RIP
3 August 2005

The Church of England mourns the loss of Dame Betty Ridley, who has died, aged 95. Dame Betty is most closely identified with her role as Third Church Estates Commissioner 1972-81, but that was only the most visible part of her long and distinguished service to the Church.

Way forward on the ‘ecclesiastical exemption’ from listed building control
28 July 2005

Church welcomes Government support for existing controls. The Church of England and the Churches Main Committee have welcomed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s support for ‘ecclesiastical exemption’ from listed building control. The latest proposals from DCMS, issued today, replace the suggestion of a ‘High Level Management Agreement with English Heritage’ in the Department’s February 2004 consultation paper with proposals for purely voluntary ‘Heritage Partnership Agreements’.

House of Bishops issues pastoral statement on Civil Partnerships
25 July 2005

The House of Bishops has today issued a pastoral statement to help the Church as it addresses the implications of the Civil Partnership Act, which comes into force on 5 December 2005.

Bishop of London at Trafalgar Square Vigil
14 July 2005

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, was among those who spoke at the Trafalgar Square Vigil following the terrorist attack in London.

Archbishop's tribute to London
14 July 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has paid tribute to London and the British press in the aftermath of last week’s bomb attacks.

Archbishop - 'respond with hope'
14 July 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, led the observation of the two minutes silence while attending a degree ceremony at the University of Wales Aberystwyth, where he was made an honorary fellow.

Faith Leaders’ Statement
10 July 2005

Senior religious leaders have joined the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at Lambeth Palace, to issue a joint statement following Thursday’s terrorist attacks in London.

60th anniversary of the end of World War II
10 July 2005

Archbishop of Canterbury preaches at a service of prayer and thanksgiving to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II - Westminster Abbey.

New Chairman for Cathedrals Fabric Commission
8 July 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has appointed the Right Honourable Frank Field, MP, PC, as Chairman of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England.

Archbishop of Canterbury: statement on London terrorist attacks
7 July 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has spoken of his horror and grief following the explosions in London this morning.

Bishop of London's statement on explosions
7 July 2005

The Bishop of London said:   "This is a grave day for London. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the bereaved and also with the emergency services who have responded so rapidly.

National Inter Faith Relations Adviser and Secretary for Inter Faith Relations to the Archbishop of Canterbury appointed
7 July 2005

The Revd Guy Wilkinson has been appointed as National Inter Faith Relations Adviser and Secretary for Inter Faith Relations to the Archbishop of Canterbury.  This new post combines the staff responsibilities of the national inter Faith work of the Church of England with support for Archbishop’s work in this area.

Faiths call on Government for a change in the law to enable FE colleges to take young people’s spiritual development seriously
6 July 2005

Churches and other faith communities have called on the Government to extend responsibility for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development to Further Education colleges as well as schools as part of coming Education and Skills legislation. They also recommend that the core entitlement to spiritual and moral development should be a minimum guaranteed two-hour slot for all young people, in vocational diplomas and across all 14-19 education provision.

New EIAG Chairman appointed
4 July 2005

The new Chairman of the Church of England’s Ethical Investments Advisory Group (EIAG) is to be investment banker John Reynolds. He will succeed Archdeacon Ian Russell on 1 January 2006.

London Forum on G-8 – ‘action on poverty needed now’
29 June 2005

A group of UK and US church leaders has called for decisive action and firm commitment on poverty from the world’s G8 leaders meeting this weekend. The London Forum, meeting at Lambeth Palace and hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, issued a final communiqué saying that the time for change is now:

Faith leaders' G8 letter to Prime Minister
28 June 2005

Senior religious leaders from three faiths – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – have come together to publicly urge the Prime Minister to press for radical commitments on behalf of the world’s poorest people when he chairs the annual meeting of the world’s richest nations in Scotland next month.

New National Stewardship and Resources Officer Appointed
20 June 2005

The Church of England’s new National Stewardship and Resources Officer is to be Dr John Preston. Dr Preston will take up his new post at the beginning of September.

Archbishop of York announced
17 June 2005

Downing Street has this morning announced the approval of The Queen for the appointment of the Rt Revd Dr John Sentamu, currently Bishop of Birmingham, to succeed the Rt Revd Dr David Hope as the next Archbishop of York.

Key debates on women bishops and new ordination services at General Synod in York
16 June 2005

Agenda also looks at churches in multi Faith neighbourhoods, assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia, and strategic financial issues, including the future of the Church Urban Fund. http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/july05.html

Bishop responds to Times article
10 June 2005

Sir, You misrepresent the financial difficulties facing the Church of England (report, June 8), which is not considering a cut of 3000 clergy. In fact last year we recommended 566 new candidates to train for the ministry.

Church welcomes RE ‘golden hullos’
9 June 2005

The Church of England today warmly welcomed a package of reforms from the Teacher Training Agency that includes larger bursaries and ‘golden hullos’ for PGCE students in Religious Education (RE), as a recognised shortage subject.

Numbers recommended to train as clergy continue to rise
9 June 2005

A total of 564 men and women were recommended to train as future clergy in the Church of England in 2004; the highest number in six years. The figure represents an increase of more than 10 percent over the 505 recommended in 2003. It has only twice been exceeded in the last 20 years: in 1986 and 1998. The recommendations include 284 men and 280 women.

Top European Churches post for Lancashire Archdeacon
7 June 2005

The Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable Colin Williams, is to be the next General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), encouraging Christian dialogue across 37 countries.

Methodists and Anglicans receive first report on Covenant
3 June 2005

The first report on the practical and theological applications of the Anglican-Methodist Covenant has been published. This first report from the Joint Implementation Commission (JIC) will be presented this summer to the annual Conference of The Methodist Church and the Church of England’s General Synod.

Churches lay down a challenge to Government in Statement on White Papers on Education and Skills 2005
31 May 2005

Churches and other faith communities, in their first joint statement on post-school education and signalling a new commitment to 14-19 students and the Further Education sector, have questioned the lack of breadth in recent government proposals for vocational education, highlighting the lack of attention to students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Easier access to doctrine classics
18 May 2005

Church of England doctrine becomes more accessible with the publication of Contemporary Doctrine Classics. The volume not only draws together three of the most significant books from the Doctrine Commission in the last two decades but also provides an extensive foreword and commentary by Professor Stephen Sykes, who chaired the Commission from 1997 to 2003.

Common Worship offers Daily Prayer
11 May 2005

For the first time in its history, the Church of England has a definitive daily prayer book. Common Worship: Daily Prayer provides structured prayers for every day of the year. Alone or in groups, individuals can link their personal devotions into the prayer life of the Church.

Church Commissioners agree sale of residential properties
9 May 2005

The Church Commissioners have today announced the sale of the freeholds of their residential properties at Stoke Newington, Maida Vale and part of the Waterloo Estate for £70 million.

Church Commissioners publish Annual Report & Accounts
28 April 2005

Details of how the Church Commissioners support the Church of England’s ministry are set out in their Annual Report & Accounts for 2004, published today.

Archbishop - greetings and prayers for new Pope
19 April 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has offered his best wishes and prayers for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on his election as successor to Pope John Paul II.

Practical guides for curates and vicars
19 April 2005

Two new books from the Church of England offer practical advice for men and women beginning life as ordained ministers, through to leading a successful parish and beyond.

Vocations Sunday asks: what are you doing with your life?
11 April 2005

The Church of England’s Education and Ministry Divisions join forces in Vocations Sunday to encourage lay Christians, through their work in local communities, employment and daily lives, to take a crucial role in bringing the values of the Kingdom of God into society.

House of Lords Select Committee Report on the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill
4 April 2005

The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Christopher Herbert, has welcomed the publication of the House of Lords Select Committee Report on the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill.  

Archbishop – Pope’s last days a ‘lived sermon’
3 April 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has paid a warm tribute to the life and ministry of Pope John Paul II, describing his last days as a ‘lived sermon’ for Eastertide about facing death with honesty and courage.

Archbishop's statement on the death of Pope John Paul II
2 April 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his sadness on learning of the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II.

Government urged to take seriously Joint Committee on Draft Mental Health Bill
1 April 2005

The Bishop of Southwark has urged the Government to take seriously the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill, published on 23 March

Archbishop issues letter to political party leaders
31 March 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has issued a pre-election open letter, urging party leaders to avoid political campaigns based on the exploitation of fear.

Church Commissioners’ 2004 returns outperform hundreds of similar funds
29 March 2005

The Church Commissioners achieved a return of 13.6 per cent on their investments in 2004 - placing them in the top three per cent of more than 700 similar funds.

Church Commissioners complete sale of Millbank site
29 March 2005

The Church Commissioners have completed the sale of the Millbank site in central London to the House of Lords for £65 million. The site comprises l Millbank, Millbank House and 5 Great College Street.

Women Bishops in the Church of England? Study Programme published on the web. 
29 March 2005

A study programme to help parishes, deaneries and dioceses engage with the Rochester report, Women Bishops in the Church of England?, has been published on the Church of England website, today. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York commended the Rochester report for prayerful study within the Church when it was published last November.

Church of England: serious questions over science report
24 March 2005

The Church of England has issued a critical response to the publication of the House of Commons Science and Technology select committee report on Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law.

Churches Conservation Trust to take on ‘ghost village’ church?
23 March 2005

The Church Commissioners today publish a draft redundancy scheme providing for the preservation of the redundant church of St Giles, Imber by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Sale of Church House Bookshop
23 March 2005

The Archbishops' Council has today (March 23rd) announced that it is to enter discussions with potential purchasers with a view to selling Church House Bookshop, Great Smith Street, London, as a going concern. The decision is in line with the Council's ongoing review of its activities and its desire to focus on core functions. 

National Worship Development Officer appointed
21 March 2005

The Revd Peter Moger, Vicar of Godmanchester (Ely diocese) since 2001 and previously Precentor of Ely Cathedral, has been appointed National Worship Development Officer by the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England.

A Place of Refuge - report casts doubt on asylum assumptions
21 March 2005

A Place of Refuge - a positive approach to asylum seekers and refugees in the UK advances a Christian case for asylum policies based on compassion and solidarity. The report, published by the Mission and Public Affairs Council today, explains the legal basis of the asylum system and examines the economic and other contributions made to the UK by asylum seekers and refugees. In the process it casts doubt on many popular assumptions and stereotypes.

Church responds to Budget
16 March 2005

The Church of England has warmly welcomed the Budget announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, to extend for a further three years until 2008 the 100 per cent VAT refund for renovation of Listed church buildings and to give the same refund to the construction and repair of memorials: and the announcements on primary school funding and post-16 training.

Church responds to the Daily Mail
16 March 2005

The following letter for publication has today been sent to the Daily Mail. I was surprised to read in this morning's Daily Mail that the Church of England had been silent on the issue of abortion as I, and others within the Church, had made our position on this important issue very clear, both in public statements and in conversations with your reporter.

Helping the Church address the ‘Six questions that won’t go away’
15 March 2005

PEOPLE TODAY are still asking life’s big questions, so how can the Church offer its ancient wisdom to a generation in which interest in spiritual matters is booming? That’s the question being posed by six writers in Evangelism in a Spiritual Age, published this month by the Church of England in its ‘Explorations’ series.

Intercultural theology tutor appointed as Adviser on Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns
14 March 2005

Sonia Barron, a tutor in intercultural theology at Nottingham University, has been appointed as Adviser to the Church of England’s Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC). Mrs Barron, who currently also runs Amaani Tallawah, an African/Caribbean voluntary organisation providing mental health services, will take up her new post at the end of April 2005.

Bishop calls for informed debate on Europe
9 March 2005

The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Christopher Herbert, who chairs the House of Bishops’ Europe Panel has written today to all senior Anglican clergy encouraging them to contribute to a more informed debate on Europe.

Church Commissioners in discussions to sell residential properties
21 February 2005

The Church Commissioners have entered discussions with several specialist housing providers with a view to selling the freehold of the Commissioners’ residential properties in the Stoke Newington and Maida Vale areas of London, as well as part of the freehold of their Waterloo estate, London.

Charles and Camilla - Archbishop's statement
10 February 2005

<p>The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has welcomed the announcement that HRH Prince of Wales and Mrs Camilla Parker-Bowles are to marry.</p> <p>In a statement from Lambeth Palace, Dr Williams said: </p>

Church investors maintain alcohol exclusion
8 February 2005

An in-depth review of the Church of England’s current policy not to invest in brewers, distillers and operators of pub companies has concluded that this is still a relevant investment exclusion for the Church.

C of E Focus For Premier Radio
31 January 2005

New weekly feature explores different aspects of the Anglican Church

Marriage MOT to check you are the perfect match
31 January 2005

Brides and Grooms can make sure they are perfectly matched by stopping at the Church of England stand at the UK Wedding Show in Manchester for a free Marriage MOT.

Archbishop: statement on Holocaust Memorial Day
27 January 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has issued a statement to mark National Holocaust Day.

New guidelines for the treatment of human remains excavated from Christian burial grounds in England
25 January 2005

Issued on behalf of English Heritage and the Church of England Archaeologists, developers, clergy, museum staff, church organisations and scientists will benefit from a new set of guidelines which set out, for the first time in England, standards for the treatment of human remains excavated from Christian burial grounds.

Church gives earthly matters top priority
24 January 2005

The General Synod of the Church of England will debate a Christian vision of a greener world at its forthcoming meeting in London on Thursday 17th February. The debate coincides with the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol around the world. In his foreword to the report Sharing God’s Planet which accompanies the debate, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams urges Christians to recognise their duty to celebrate and care for every part of God’s creation. 

Agenda published for February 2005 Synod
24 January 2005

Synod agenda features debates on women bishops, the Anglican Communion, clergy terms of service, the environment and higher education.

Review recommends improved rights for Clergy
24 January 2005

The second stage of the Church of England’s Review of Clergy Terms of Service will be debated at General Synod in London on Tuesday 15th February. The Review’s first report, issued this time last year, recommended that some categories of clergy be appointed on a new basis: common tenure.  This report now proposes that common tenure should apply to all clergy office holders, including vicars and rectors who now have the freehold which means they are virtually irremovable from office.

Cathedrals respond to English Heritage grants announcement
20 January 2005

English Heritage has today (20 January 2005) announced £1 million of grants for repairs to cathedrals The Very Revd Colin Slee, Dean of Southwark, speaking on behalf of the Association of English Cathedrals, said: “English cathedrals have been enormously helped by the grants from English Heritage over the past 15 years and are very grateful for their support.  “But cathedrals spend £11 million on restoration and maintenance each year, raising, by their own initiatives, more than ten times as much as English Heritage is now able to allocate. 

Church of England confirms no change in position on euthanasia
17 January 2005

In a statement made in September 2004 to the Select Committee on the Assisted Dying Bill, ('The Joffe Bill') the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales together opposed the legalisation of euthanasia.

Bishops back 'Make Poverty History' Campaign
14 January 2005

Church of England bishops have backed the call to Make Poverty History in 2005. At a meeting of the House of Bishops in Leeds, Church of England bishops issued a statement backing the Make Poverty History campaign.

Church of England comments on prostitution
13 January 2005

Sexual activity should not be treated as a commodity by decriminalising and regulating prostitution, the Church of England has warned. But public policy must not victimise individuals to deal with the symptoms of prostitution - while failing to tackle the causes and conditions, says the Church’s Mission and Public Affairs Council, in a response to a Home Office Consultation on Prostitution.

Attendance figures for 2003 published
7 January 2005

Provisional figures for 2003 from the Church of England show that more than 1.7 million people attend church and cathedral worship each month while 1.2 million attend each week and one million each Sunday. 

BBC in grave danger of causing serious offence, says Bishop of Manchester
5 January 2005

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, has said that the BBC is in grave danger of causing serious offence in proposing to broadcast Jerry Springer the Opera on BBC2 on 8 January.

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