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Press Release Archive

2009

Response to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Consultation on the interim policy for prosecutors on assisted suicide
20 November 2009

It is essential that assisted suicide is never deemed to be acceptable or commendable, the Church of England has said in response to the Director of Public Prosecutions' consultation on an interim policy for prosecutors on assisted suicide. While some people will believe that they may best express genuine compassion by assisting a loved one to commit suicide, it says, compassion is best expressed by making every effort to dissuade them, not by assisting them.

Elections to the CofE Pensions Board
17 November 2009

Results of elections to the Church of England Pensions Board.

Use cash not credit cards, say new videocasts helping Christmas shoppers stay on budget
16 November 2009

Leave your credit cards at home and use cash when you are Christmas shopping if you want to stick to your budget - that’s the advice from Dr John Preston, the Church of England’s National Stewardship Officer, in the first of three new videocasts helping people enjoy Christmas without getting into debt.

Revision Committee on Women in the Episcopate
14 November 2009

Latest update from the Revision Committee on Women in the Episcopate.

Thousands of church school pupils get ready to mark inaugural inter faith week
10 November 2009

Students and staff at many of the Church of England's 4,700 schools will be joining in the UK's first inter faith week.

Apostolic Constitution - Bishop of Guildford responds
9 November 2009

Responding to today's publication of the Apostolic Constitution and its complementary norms by the Vatican, the Rt Revd Christopher Hill, Bishop of Guildford and Chairman of the Church of England's Council for Christian Unity, said:

New Bishop of Peterborough announced
5 November 2009

The Prime Minister's Office has announced today that the next Bishop of Peterborough is to be the Ven. Donald Allister, currently Archdeacon of Chester.

Election to the Dioceses Commission
5 November 2009

The Revd Paul Benfield has been elected to serve on the Dioceses Commission.

Bishop encourages commuters to get to work on prayer
4 November 2009

The Church of England has published a book of prayers and reflections to help frazzled commuters prepare for the winter ahead – and then unwind on the way home.

Response to 'misconceived' article in Financial Times regarding the clergy pension scheme
3 November 2009

Response to article in Financial Times (3 November 2009) regarding the clergy pension scheme.

C of E Launches 7-Year “Church and Earth” Climate Change Action Plan
2 November 2009

Windsor, 2 November 2009 The Church of England has launched its environmental strategy for the next seven years, as global faith leaders and UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, gather today to discuss commitments on climate change, before the world’s political leaders meet in Copenhagen in December.

Election to the Deployment, Remuneration and Conditions of Service Commitee
2 November 2009

Youth Council anniversary celebration – should you be there?
27 October 2009

Westminster Abbey is preparing to host a fifth birthday celebration for the Church of England Youth Council.

Commentary on 'Personal Ordinariates' by the Rt Revd Christopher Hill
23 October 2009

A commentary on the meaning of 'Personal Ordinariates'.

Church academies 'family' launches 'new phase of development'
21 October 2009

The Archbishop of Canterbury will today address a special gathering of the leaders of the Church of England's growing network of academies, which have already provided a fresh start to the educational chances of 30,000 young people.

Election to the Business Committee of the General Synod
19 October 2009

The Ven Julian Henderson has been elected to the General Synod's Business Committee.

Bishops’ office and working costs published
15 October 2009

The 2008 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.

Young people communicate God’s love through ice-cream, surfing and socks – Youth Evangelism Fund primes the pumps
12 October 2009

Young people in Coventry Diocese are about to blend their love for God with their love of ice-cream by opening an ice-cream parlour, to give away ice-creams and host events for young people in the area who fancy a fun flavour of Church life.

Revision Committee on Women in the Episcopate
8 October 2009

The Revision Committee established by the General Synod to consider the draft legislation on enabling women to become bishops in the Church of England today completed the first phase of its work. The Committee has further meetings planned between now and December and is aiming to complete its task by Christmas so that its report can be debated in full Synod in February and the draft legislation begin its Revision Stage in full Synod.

Conference to explore the future of the countryside
6 October 2009

A major conference is to bring together leading thinkers on rural economies, planning, policy and mission to explore the sustainability of rural communities and their churches.

Church welcomes government commitment on ‘rain tax’
28 September 2009

The Minister's promise to “. . . legislate to allow water companies to run concessionary schemes (for churches, sports clubs and youth organisations) so they can get on with doing a great job instead of worrying about unaffordable bills” will be very welcome to many churches, Scout and Guide groups, amateur sports clubs and others.

Churches hosting the whole wedding day - wedding-with-reception package saves time and money, say couples
28 September 2009

More churches should be saying yes to couples who want their whole wedding day - ceremony and reception - in church, say two Church of England bishops.

Rose Castle, Carlisle
25 September 2009

The Church Commissioners, following an extensive review of Rose Castle, have deemed the property no longer to be suitable as the see house for future Bishops of Carlisle.

Response to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Interim Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Assisted Suicide
23 September 2009

In great shape – but for how long?
21 September 2009

English cathedrals have never been in better condition nor better cared for.  Yet they may soon be at risk.  That’s the paradoxical conclusion of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England in its Annual Review 2008, published today.

Bishops' call to 'come as you are' this Sunday
21 September 2009

'Back to Church Sunday' takes place this weekend, with thousands of people set to return to churches of all denominations following a personal invitation from a friend.

Protect the Poor, Pressurise the Politicians
21 September 2009

Statement from the Church of England's College of Bishops responding to the challenge of Climate Change in the run-up to Copenhagen.

Launch of Climate Justice Fund - make it personal, support the poor by counting your carbon, says CofE
17 September 2009

Churches take to the airwaves to extend warm welcome
14 September 2009

As half a million people across the UK are set to receive personal invitations 'back to church' in the next few days, thousands more will be hearing their invitation over the breakfast table or on their drive home.

Archbishop encourages ‘response to God’s hope for us’ in environment videocast
27 August 2009

Eleventh annual increase in number of students taking Religious Education GCSE
27 August 2009

A 1.8 per cent rise in the number of students taking Religious Education at GCSE level marks the eleventh annual rise in entrants for the subject, according to figures released today

Student numbers grow for sixth year running in Religious Studies A-Level
20 August 2009

Today’s publication of A-level results marks the sixth year in a row that the number of students taking Religious Studies A-level has risen, with an increase of 4.7 per cent over 2008.

Lambeth Palace bees buzz for miles
5 August 2009

Get a buzz out of caring for creation, said David Shreeve, the Church of England’s National Environment Adviser, after visiting Lambeth Palace’s 12 hives, whose bees help London grow greener. The bees pollinate plants and flowers across a seven mile radius in the capital with each hive providing around 60lbs of honey a year. Wax from one hive has even been used to make a small model of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Going on staycation? Put local churches and cathedrals on the itinerary
3 August 2009

The Church of England has launched a new web service for people taking a Staycation - holidaying from home instead of going away - during the recession.

Director of Investments appointed for the Church Commissioners
3 August 2009

Tom Joy has been appointed as Director of Investments for the Church Commissioners to advise on the strategic development of their multi-asset investment portfolio in light of the increasing complexity of the financial markets.

Kicking off a team effort to grow churches: Training launched to extend warm welcome to people intrigued by church
27 July 2009

Two church growth consultants are encouraging churches across the country to set up 'Welcome Teams' as part of a drive make Church more 'sticky'.

A wider wedding welcome for families - Church offers family-friendly weddings for couples with children
23 July 2009

The Church of England has produced two new service guidelines which merge the marriage service with a thanksgiving for the gift of a child or with baptism. The Church hopes these new ideas will help churches show their welcome for couples with children, and give the whole family a special occasion and a new beginning.

Swine Flu: Archbishops' advice on sharing of Communion
23 July 2009

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have today written to Bishops in the Church of England recommending the suspension of the sharing of the chalice at communion.

College inspection report published: Oxford Partnership for Theological Education and Training
20 July 2009

The Church of England today publishes the inspection report on the Oxford Partnership for Theological Education and Training.

Bishop blesses compost toilet
20 July 2009

Rural churches with no running water are improving their facilities with the installation of cost-effective compost toilets. The latest environmentally friendly toilet, installed in an isolated church in Devon, has been blessed by the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Revd Bob Evens.

Bishop’s Water Warning for Parliament on St Swithun’s Day
15 July 2009

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Rt Revd George Cassidy, today joined representatives from the faith, community and voluntary sectors in lobbying Parliament for a fairer deal on water charges.

General Synod - Summary of business conducted on Monday 13th July 2009
13 July 2009

General Synod - Summary of business conducted on Sunday 12th July 2009
12 July 2009

General Synod - Summary of business conducted on Saturday 11th July 2009
11 July 2009

General Synod - Summary of business conducted on Friday 10th July 2009 PM
10 July 2009

Archbishop’s Response to DFID White Paper
9 July 2009

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, welcomed the launch this week of the Government White Paper, “Building our Common Future”, which commits additional support for the world’s poorest people affected by conflict, climate change and the global economic crisis.

Church House Publishing - agreement signed
1 July 2009

The Archbishops’ Council has signed an agreement with Anglican charity Hymns Ancient & Modern to publish liturgy, key reference titles and other resources for the Church.

Update published on Clergy Pensions Scheme
30 June 2009

The Church of England has today published a second and more detailed report on the impact of the credit crunch and recession on the financial position of the Funded Clergy Pension Scheme. The report puts forward various options relating to the future of the scheme.

Protecting life is the most important thing, Church says, on easy-to-read website
30 June 2009

The Church of England website has today published a new section called ‘Protecting Life - Opposing Assisted Suicide’. It summarises quickly and simply the Church’s position in the sometimes confusing assisted suicide debate.

Appointment to Chair of Church Buildings Council announced
29 June 2009

Anne Sloman has been appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to chair the Church Buildings Council, the new statutory body created last year to succeed the Council for the Care of Churches and the Advisory Board for Redundant Churches. The CBC supports dioceses and parishes in their stewardship of more than 16,000 church buildings.

College inspection report published
29 June 2009

The Church of England today publishes the inspection report on one of its ministerial training colleges: St Mellitus College and Chelmsford and London Reader training.

Next Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham is announced… on a bus
29 June 2009

The new Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham is to be the Rt Revd Paul Butler, currently the Bishop of Southampton.

Archbishop's statement for Armed Forces Day
26 June 2009

The Archbishop of Canterbury has published the following statement in support of Armed Forces Day.

Church calls for sexual health campaigns to take precedence over condom advertising
24 June 2009

The Church of England has published its response to a major review of advertising codes, giving its view on topics ranging from advertising condoms and post-conception advice centres, to doctors endorsing products on-air and the use of sacred music in radio adverts.

July Synod Briefing – Debates on Church finance, legislation, governance, and the Church’s ministry in the community
22 June 2009

The Human Genome Project: investigating identity and history
19 June 2009

A new book, God, ethics and the human genome: theological, legal and scientific perspectives, helps the Church and individual Christians explore the questions  raised by advances in genetic science and medicine over the last few decades.

Lost for Words this Fathers’ Day? Put God in your card
11 June 2009

The Church of England is making a bid to put God into Fathers’ Day with a prayer for children to include in their cards on June 21, asking God to help dads grow in love and wisdom.

Shrinking the footprint in every parish
11 June 2009

A senior bishop and a Government minister today spelled out the importance of the Church of England’s role in mobilising action on climate change, as its Shrinking the Footprint campaign unveiled energy saving toolkits for every parish in a bid to create the 20% Church by 2050.

Pray now, act now
2 June 2009

The Archbishop of Canterbury is urging churches to use Environment Sunday (June 7) to pray for the planet and campaign for climate change in the run up to the important UN talks later this year in Copenhagen.

Feasts and Festivals unwrapped for all ages to worship
2 June 2009

Together for a Season’s latest volume, published by Church House Publishing, provides the resources for all ages to mark the Feasts and Festivals of the Christian year.

Next Bishop of Carlisle announced
28 May 2009

Downing Street announced this morning that “The Queen has approved the nomination of the Right Reverend James William Scobie Newcome MA, FRSA, Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, for election as Bishop of Carlisle in succession to the Right Reverend Geoffrey Graham Dow, MA, BSc, MSc, MPhil, who resigned on 30 April 2009.”

Church universities and colleges to consider their distinctive role amidst 'crisis of values'
27 May 2009

Academics and chaplains from across UK colleges and universities with an Anglican foundation will gather in London today.

Joint Statement from the Archbishop of York and Archbishop of Canterbury
24 May 2009

"The European Parliamentary and local elections on June 4th will take place at a time of extraordinary turbulence in our democratic system. It is a time for great vigilance over how to exercise our democratic right to vote.

College inspection reports published
22 May 2009

The Church of England today publishes inspection reports on two of its ministerial training colleges: Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and Oak Hill College, London.

College of Evangelists marks top ten years of spreading the word
19 May 2009

Four Christian leaders are preparing to join the College of Evangelists – a collective of modern-day missionaries gifted at helping others discover a living relationship with Jesus Christ – as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the group.

CofE Environment Adviser on new Government task force
18 May 2009

David Shreeve the Church of England’s Environment Adviser has been selected as one of the 16 members of the new Third Sector Task Force on climate change, the environment and sustainable development. The appointment was made by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn and the group meets for the first time this week.

Church Commissioners announce audited results for 2008
12 May 2009

The Church Commissioners intend to continue planned levels of support for Church of England dioceses through to the end of 2010, despite a year of declining asset values.

One moment, one question, one aim: half a million people to be invited 'Back to Church'
12 May 2009

Churchgoers across the Church of England are set personally to invite up to half a million people to services on Back to Church Sunday, 27 September 2009.

Churches’ key role in assisting recovery
11 May 2009

"It is vital that the European institutions understand that the Churches have a key role to play in assisting recovery from the economic and financial collapse and in relieving suffering caused by it," the Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, Bishop for Urban Life and Faith told the three EU presidents today, May 11. "The lives of people across Europe are affected and as ever the poor are the most vulnerable."

New bishop: Church needs to navigate change by using the compass of Christ
11 May 2009

The Church of England's newest diocesan bishop has issued a call for churches to refocus on Jesus as the compass to navigate the changing terrain of the world.

Church House Publishing
8 May 2009

The Archbishops’ Council is in discussion with Hymns Ancient & Modern with a view to outsourcing the Council’s publishing services. The proposed agreement would maintain the Council’s long-term commitment to publishing liturgy, key reference titles and other resources for the Church.

Pinpointing Christian values at the heart of great schools
7 May 2009

A new website launched by the Church of England today marks a groundbreaking initiative to identify the distinctive values that make Christian schools popular with parents and students.

Church uploads 'crammer's prayer' as exam period looms
4 May 2009

School pupils facing exams this month can look to a new source of revision aid this year, with the publication of a set of downloadable prayer cards designed to be included in students' crib card packs.

Church publishes swine flu prayers
1 May 2009

The Church of England has published the following selection of prayers for use in churches from this weekend, in light of the developing situation regarding swine flu.

Successful youth vocations conference continues on Facebook
27 April 2009

Further update on the Clergy Pensions Scheme – Recession forces contribution increase
22 April 2009

Falling share prices and yields on gilt edged securities have forced the Church of England Pensions Board to increase contribution rates from 1 January, 2010.

Online Bible verses give hope to hopeless in current financial situation
20 April 2009

Words of hope and specially selected Bible verses have been added to the Church of England’s Matter of Life and Debt online initiative to help those suffering from the agony of hopelessness in the current financial situation.

Growing churches sit down for ‘Big Lunch’
20 April 2009

Churches are being encouraged to grow their own produce – or use local food – and break bread with their own community as part of the Eden Projects nationwide ‘Big Lunch’ this summer.

Offering a welcome for all: church accessibility guidance updated
17 April 2009

A thoroughly updated guide on how to make church buildings as accessible as possible to people with disabilities has been reissued this month.

Archbishops' Council Spending Priorities 2010-2015
15 April 2009

A review group, set up by the Archbishops' Council in November and chaired by Andrew Britton, the chair of its Finance Committee, has published a consultation document as a first step in establishing spending priorities for the Council for 2010-15.

Brand new resources for Vocations Sunday 2009 affirm all in how they serve
14 April 2009

Fresh worship resources for use on or around Vocations Sunday 2009 (May 3rd) are now available on the Church of England website to encourage and affirm all Christians in their vocations and ministry.

Churches across England offer fresh takes on world’s ultimate story of death and life
8 April 2009

This week, the most significant days of the Christian calendar are being marked with a wide range of innovative services and events to help regular worshippers and those with less experience of church explore the story of Easter.

Charity 'rain tax' petition delivers 45,000 signatures to Downing Street
7 April 2009

Campaigners have today delivered a 'rain tax' petition to the door of Downing Street, and are demanding action from the Government.

National Adviser for Quality in Reader Education appointed
6 April 2009

Sue Hart from the Diocese of Newcastle has been appointed as Ministry Division’s first National Adviser for Quality in Reader Education.

Sermon at the funeral of Jade Goody
4 April 2009

The Rev Corinne Brixton's sermon for the funeral of Jade Goody will be posted, on Saturday afternoon, on the Diocese of Chelmsford website.

Unsung Heroes – the hunt is on!
1 April 2009

The Church of England has teamed up with Country Life magazine to hunt for an elusive species: the unsung hero!  Rural churches and chapels are often the thriving hubs of their communities. Together, Country Life and the Church of England are looking for the unsung volunteers - of any denomination - who keep them alive.

Women in the episcopate draft legislation: Revision Committee announced
25 March 2009

The members of the Revision Committee which will scrutinise draft legislation which would enable women to be consecrated as bishops in the Church of England have been announced.

Church opens book of remembrance for Jade Goody
25 March 2009

St John the Baptist Church in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, will open a book of remembrance for the late Jade Goody tomorrow, March 26. Jade’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 4 at the church.

Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential
24 March 2009

The Government and the Church of England have published guidelines today to help all religious groups overcome the “squeamishness” they can encounter from funding providers. Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential identifies funding and support for faith groups that will enable them to adapt their buildings for community use and build on their capacity to engage at local and regional level.

Church signs up to adult learning pledge
24 March 2009

The Church of England has joined other organisations in signing a pledge to use its network of people and buildings to support a drive to create more 'informal adult learning' opportunities across the country.

Lambeth Conference: funding
20 March 2009

The Lambeth Conference Funding Review Group has published its report. The review was commissioned last August by the Board of Governors of the Church Commissioners, and the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England following an approach from the Lambeth Conference Company* for financial help.

There’s a Call Waiting… for young people in Cambridge
18 March 2009

Church publishes inspection reports
17 March 2009

The Church of England today publishes inspection reports on two of its ministerial training colleges.

Bishop of Exeter to chair Churches’ Legislation Advisory Service
16 March 2009

The Rt Revd Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, has been appointed to chair the Churches’ Legislation Advisory Service (CLAS) in succession to the Rt Revd George Cassidy, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.

Beat the credit crunch - book a church wedding, says bishop
12 March 2009

The Bishop of Birmingham, Rt Revd David Urquhart, will help engaged couples slice a huge chunk off the cost of their wedding, at the National Wedding Show in Birmingham this weekend (NEC, March 13th-15th), when he introduces them to the 'three V's' for choosing a church wedding: venue, vicar and vows.

The baptism of Jade, Bobby and Freddy Goody
7 March 2009

Many will be praying with Jade Goody and her family at their baptism, conducted by the Revd Corinne Brixton at the Royal Marsden Hospital, today. It is a very personal moment between the family and God.

Update published on Clergy Pensions Scheme
5 March 2009

The Church of England has today published a paper on the impact of the credit crunch and recession on the financial position of the Funded Clergy Pension Scheme and what this might mean for the future of the scheme.

Bishops’ advice to Prime Minister on Copenhagen climate change conference
2 March 2009

Failure to secure a strong, just and effective response to the challenge of climate change at the Copenhagen climate change conference in December 2009 would amount to a moral failure on the part of humanity as a whole, Church of England bishops have told Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Seeing the big questions of life and faith 'through the eyes of a child'
2 March 2009

Complex topics ranging from creation and freedom to sin and forgiveness are seen 'Through the Eyes of a Child' in a landmark collection of essays on children's theological perspectives published today by Church House Publishing.

Church Commissioners reassure Church on levels of support
27 February 2009

After a year of declining asset values, the Church Commissioners have reassured Church of England dioceses that they still intend to continue their present level of support at planned levels through to the end of 2010.

Church offers a 'Welcoming Marriage' for brides and grooms
24 February 2009

Grooms are more conscious of the serious commitment of marriage than many people might think, while their fiancées are focused on making the wedding day itself a special occasion, according to research included in a new book released today.

Cut the carbon this Lent, says Church of England
23 February 2009

Advice from a banking boss, the latest eco-technology in a country church, lifestyle pledges in the North East and a cut-carbon-not-chocolate challenge from church and government leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury are just some of the ways the Church of England is putting a green stamp on Lent as part of its Shrinking the Footprint campaign.

Church gives out ‘tweets’ for Lent
21 February 2009

'What are you doing?' asks the Church of England this Lent as it connects with people through the social networking site Twitter and a new Facebook application designed to get people to share their top tips for helping each other.

Provisional attendance figures for 2007 released
19 February 2009

Protection of the work-free Sunday: MEPs launch Written Declaration
17 February 2009

The Church of England’s House of Bishops’ Europe Panel, the Secretariat of COMECE (Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of the European Community) and the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) have welcomed the initiative of several Members of the European Parliament, to ask the House to decide on a Written Declaration “on the protection of a work-free Sunday as an essential pillar of the European Social Model and as part of the European cultural heritage”.

New Secretary for Ethical Investment Advisory Group
16 February 2009

Money can’t buy you love, say Valentine couples in Church survey
14 February 2009

Nine out of 10 adults say time with their loved one on Valentine’s Day is more important than an indulgent gift – with men valuing quality time more than women.

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Friday 13th February 2009 AM
13 February 2009

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Thursday 12th February 2009 PM
12 February 2009

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Thursday 12th February 2009 AM
12 February 2009

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Wednesday 11th February 2009 PM
11 February 2009

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Wednesday 11th February 2009 AM
11 February 2009

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Tuesday 10th February 2009 PM
10 February 2009

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Tuesday 10th February 2009 AM
10 February 2009

Church highlights Darwin’s ‘forgotten’ parish work
10 February 2009

A new page paying tribute to the ‘forgotten’ church work of Charles Darwin in his local parish of Downe, Kent, has been published on the Church of England’s website, at www.cofe.anglican.org/darwin/downe.html, to illustrate, once again, how science and the work of the Church can combine together.

General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Monday 9th February 2009 PM
9 February 2009

What are you surfing for?
9 February 2009

The Church of England is increasingly using a range of new media in order to enhance its web presence. So, the webmasters of the national Church of England web-site, recognising the need to engage directly with visitors to the site, have launched an on-line survey to gather visitors’ views.

Dioceses Commission begins review of structures
29 January 2009

Further provisions of the Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2007 come into force on 1 February. The Measure makes it a duty of the Dioceses Commission to review the provincial and diocesan structure of the Church of England, including the size, boundaries and number of provinces and dioceses, and arrangements for episcopal ministry. It will also have the power to draw up reorganization schemes.

Elections to the Church Commissioners
28 January 2009

In its current round of quinquennial elections to the Church Commissioners, the General Synod has appointed three clerical and four lay members.

Latest from Bishops in the House of Lords on C of E website
26 January 2009

The work of bishops in the House of Lords is highlighted today in a new section on the Church of England website with up to date links to their contributions in debates. The new area includes background on bishops in the Lords and individual pages for each bishop, listing their interests as well as the web links to Hansard reports on their contributions to debates.

Church of England opposes proposed increases in stakes and prizes for gaming machines
26 January 2009

The Mission and Public Affairs Council of the Church of England (MPA) has opposed Government proposals to double the stakes and prizes for fruit machines and even larger increases for 'crane-grab' machines.

New Chair for Central Readers’ Council
23 January 2009

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have jointly appointed the Rt Revd Robert Paterson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, to chair the Central Readers’ Council with effect from the end of April 2009.

Christian scholars call for New Year’s resolution to daily prayer
21 January 2009

Renowned Christian authors behind the latest in a series of Bible notes from the Church of England, released today, have called for Christians to reconsider the time and energy they spend on daily Bible study and prayer in the same way as they might be reassessing other areas of their lives at the beginning of the year.

Church makes Lent a family affair with launch of next ‘Love Life Live Lent’
21 January 2009

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu, are encouraging families to share in simple acts of kindness together during this Lent.

Statement from Chair of Church of England’s Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns on the inauguration of the new American President
20 January 2009

At a meeting last week, the Church of England’s Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns discussed the impact of the election of the new American President, reflected in the following statement from the committee's chair.

Green light for Education Sunday 2009
19 January 2009

Church youth groups and schools are being encouraged to test out their green credentials – from how they travel to school to their packed lunch habits – as part of this year’s eco-themed Education Sunday, taking place on Sunday 8th February.

General Synod: February 2009 - Key debates on the international financial crisis, women bishops, the Anglican Covenant, human trafficking, asylum, Anglican-Roman Catholic relations and inter faith relations
19 January 2009

Major debates concerning the Church’s ministry and relations with other Churches, the financial crisis and the Church’s engagement with wider society will be on the agenda at the General Synod when it meets at Church House, Westminster from Monday to Friday, 9-13 February.

Celebrating 150 years of the parish magazine – unless you know better!
13 January 2009

The Church of England today launches a new section of its website in celebration of 150 years of the parish magazine. 

St Albans tenth Bishop greets the Diocese in person and on You Tube
13 January 2009

The tenth Bishop of St Albans is to be the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Downing Street has announced this morning.

Church launches spiritual survival training for Lent – and life
12 January 2009

The Church of England is offering worshippers insights into the Christian faith's own set of 'travel essentials' for use during life's tougher times with the launch of a new 'spiritual survival course'.

Amazing Grace named as the favourite wedding hymn - Church of England’s new online ceremony planner reveals brides’ top picks
12 January 2009

Amazing Grace is the number one hymn chosen by the 400 couples a month planning their wedding through the Church of England’s new online ceremony planner at www.yourchurchwedding.org.

New prayers for those affected by redundancy published on CofE website
6 January 2009

The Church of England has published two new prayers to comfort people made redundant, and those remaining in the workplace following a round of redundancies, at the beginning of a year in which the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has predicted that at least 600,000 people could lose their jobs.