Monthly news bulletin from the Communications Office, Church House, London.

Feel free to forward this to others, or to use in diocesan or parish newsletters or magazines.

This news bulletin is issued to members of General Synod, recipients of the e-mailed daily briefing, within the National Church Institutions’ All Staff bulletin and to parish magazines via the http://www.parishpump.co.uk website. It is also available on the Church of England website at http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/cofegazette/

Please scroll down to read items. Comments, please, to Peter Crumpler, Director of Communications on peter.crumpler@c-of-e.org.uk

This month’s contents:

• Walk of Witness and Archbishops’ reflections on Slavery
• February General Synod
• Archbishop of Canterbury’s Presidential Address at General Synod and Trident speech
• Engaging with the media – Church of England webpage
• Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to South Africa and Angola
• Churches challenged to create carnival spirit this Easter
• Churches' systems - vote of confidence in Heritage Protection White Paper
• Archbishop of Canterbury shock at news of the death of Fr Paul Bennett
• Archbishop of York speaks during Lords Sexual Orientation debate
• Archbishop of Canterbury - in-depth interview to BBC World Service
• Archbishop of York speaks against an all elected House of Lords
• Building Faith in our Future
• Archbishop - Communion challenges require 'generosity and patience'
• Shrinking the Footprint – update
• Archbishop of Canterbury - Fresh Expressions is the 'life blood' of who we are
• Love Life Live Lent news
• Archbishop of Canterbury calls for Churches to welcome and celebrate the London Olympics
• Archbishop of Canterbury speaks out for African cleric imprisoned for peaceful political views
• National Church staff come together under one roof in Church House, London

Walk of Witness and Archbishops’ reflections on Slavery

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York published an innovative online reflection on the nature of the Slave Trade in readiness for the Church of England’s Walk of Witness to take place in London on Saturday March 24. The joint reflection was posted on YouTube and is also accessible through the Archbishop of Canterbury's web site. It was filmed at the site of the Slave Market in Zanzibar, now the island’s Anglican Cathedral, during the recent Anglican Primates Meeting. The Archbishops were shown two small preserved slave pits, where up to 175 men, women and children were held in appalling conditions, chained and in darkness, often without food and water. Dr Sentamu spent some time at a memorial to the slaves which features some of the original chains used when the market was operating. The reflection has attracted 500 downloads each day since it was posted. More information about the Walk of Witness at: www.makingourmark.org.uk

February General Synod

Information, documents, updates on motions and audio files of debates in the current General Synod Sessions are available on the Church of England website from a link on the home page and at: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/feb2007.html

Archbishop of Canterbury’s Presidential Address at General Synod and Trident speech

The Archbishop gave the Presidential Address at General Synod in February, in which he reflected on the recent troubles in the Anglican Communion and the Primates' meeting in Tanzania. The full address can be read here:

http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/sermons_speeches/070226.htm

Dr Williams also sent a powerful message to the government during an intervention in the Trident debate, describing nuclear weapons as "a category of weapons that are never morally permissible because they are intrinsically indiscriminate….. one of the facts about nuclear weaponry is its incalculable environmental effect as well as its destructive scope"

Read the full speech at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070226a.htm

Engaging with the Media – Church of England webpage

This new resource gives users of the Church of England website contact details to give positive and negative feedback to broadcasters and newspapers and information on how to contact regulators for newspapers, radio and television, premium rate phone lines and illegal internet content. See:www.cofe.anglican.org/news/comms/mediaengagement.html

Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to South Africa and Angola

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited South Africa and Angola as part of a trip to the Anglican Province of Southern Africa on 5th – 13th March 2007. The visit incorporated a special Anglican Communion Conference on the church's contribution to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals in South Africa. The Archbishop gave the keynote address to the conference in which he put forward the vision that “There are no ‘gated communities’ in the Kingdom. There are no communities that are protected from involvement in the loss or the trauma of others, much as we’d like to think so." The full lecture can be read here:

http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/sermons_speeches/070313.htm

Whilst in South Africa, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Central Africa held a meeting with Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, Anglican Bishop of Harare in which they discussed how Zimbabwe's Anglican church could be encouraged to develop an 'independent voice' on human rights The two Primates issued a joint conclusion which can be read at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070307.htm

The Archbishop also had a meeting with South African President Thabo Mbeki during his visit to Johhanesburg, in which they discussed the Millenium Development Goals, as well as the common work of the churches and government. Further details of the meeting can be found at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070309.htm

During his visit to Angola, the Archbishop preached at a eucharist held in a basketball stadium in Angola's capital Luanda, to a Christian congregation of over 2000 people, telling them that the International community can be too cautious in wanting change in struggling countries before stepping in to help, and promising to speak out for them on his return. The full sermon can be read at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/sermons_speeches/070311.htm

Also during his visit to Angola, the Archbishop expressed 'concern' following a private meeting with Dr Sarah Wykes, a human rights worker with Global Witness, who was detained in Cabinda, Angola, last month on suspicion of espionage. After a short period of detention, Dr Wykes was released on bail but is not allowed to leave the country. The meeting took place in the capital Luanda and Dr Williams said it had been useful in briefing him on her case. He added that he had raised the matter with the Angolan authorities.

Churches challenged to create carnival spirit this Easter

The Church of England should look at ways of taking the Christian message into the heart of the community, according to a resource recently published by Church House Publishing: Together for a Season – All-age seasonal resources for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Aimed at those planning and leading worship, the book offers ideas and inspiration for inclusive services that reach out to all. For full details see: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr2007.html

Churches' systems - vote of confidence in Heritage Protection White Paper

The Church of England and the Churches Main Committee have welcomed the Government’s White Paper on Heritage Protection for the 21st Century. The Paper gives a vote of confidence for the Churches' own systems set out in the current ecclesiastical exemption from listed building control and extends the exemption to cover churchyards and structures within them. See: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr2207.html

Archbishop of Canterbury shock at news of the death of Fr Paul Bennett

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams spoke of his shock at the news of the death of Fr Paul Bennett in Trecynon, nr Aberdare in Wales, and has said that the family will be in his prayers. “ The news of Fr Paul’s death has come as an appalling shock. I know something of his devoted and selfless ministry in testing conditions, and I can well understand the depth of grief felt by local people, both church members and others in the community. Fr Paul’s family will be especially in our prayers here at Lambeth as they come to terms with this terrible tragedy.”

Archbishop of York speaks during Lords Sexual Orientation debate

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, spoke in the House of Lords on 21 March during the debate on the Equality Act (Sexual orientation) regulations 2007. See: http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/cgi/news/news.cgi?t=template&a=1036

Archbishop of Canterbury - in-depth interview to BBC World Service

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, gave an eye-opening interview to the BBC World Service in which he reflects on his recent visit to Angola, as well as his experience of visiting post-conflict countries in Africa generally, and the work of the Anglican Communion in these countries. A full transcript of this interview can be read at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070319.htm

Archbishop of York speaks against an all elected House of Lords

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, spoke on 13 March in the House of Lords against an all elected House of Lords during a debate on Lords reform. See: http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/cgi/news/news.cgi?t=template&a=1033

Building Faith in our Future

The fifth e-bulletin since the publication of Building Faith in our Future has been issued. It sets out developments to date and seeks help as the campaign moves forward. The latest e-bulletin can be seen at: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/builtheritage/buildingfaith/newsletter5.pdf

Archbishop of Canterbury - Communion challenges require 'generosity and patience'

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said that generosity and patience will be required for the Anglican Communion in the days ahead. In a Pastoral Letter sent to the Primates of the Anglican Communion, Dr Williams says that the recent meeting in Tanzania had been difficult, but that the issues had been properly aired. The full text of the letter can be read here: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070305.htm

The Archbishop set out the work of the Primates meeting in Tanzania and answered journalists' questions about the Communique during the event's final press conference. Read the comments in full at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070220.htm

Shrinking the Footprint – update

The Church of England Shrinking the Footprint campaign has been boosted by the positive reception in parishes of the dedicated campaign website (http://www.shrinkingthefootprint.cofe.anglican.org/) which offers easy to follow advice about reducing carbon emissions and promoting green alternatives to provide energy needs. The Church’s national Shrinking the Footprint team welcomes feedback, particularly about local initiatives, which might be supported by wider publicity, and will seek to answer other questions/queries. Contact the team at: shrinkingthefootprint@c-of-e.org.uk

Archbishop of Canterbury - Fresh Expressions is the 'life blood' of who we are

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams spoke on Tuesesday 27th February about Fresh Expressions being a central part of the Anglican Church "to provide a place where Christ is set free in our midst", in an introduction to a presentation on Fresh Expressions at General Synod. The full text can be read at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070227.htm

Love Life Live Lent news

Love Life Live Lent continues to gain momentum as people all over the country take part in the generous daily actions for Lent delivered by booklet, website or text message.

www.livelent.net has received more than 10,000 unique visits: a third of visitors subscribe to receive email updates and news. 1135 people have signed up to receive the action by daily text to their mobile phone. To join in text Lent to 64343.

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for Churches to welcome and celebrate the London Olympics

Dr Rowan Williams has called for Churches to welcome and celebrate the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. Dr Williams spoke on Monday 26th February at the launch of More than Gold, an interdenominational initiative for Christians seeking to provide a positive and affirming Christian contribution to the 2012 Olympics. Read the Archbishop's remarks at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070226.htm

Archbishop of Canterbury speaks out for African cleric imprisoned for peaceful political views

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is lending his support to an Amnesty International appeal for Reverend Bienvenido Samba Momessori, a clergyman imprsioned in Equatorial Guinea for his peaceful political views. In an article for the New Statesman, Dr Williams attacks “The ongoing scandal of imprisonment without trial as a sanction against peaceful dissidents or ethnic minorities,” and adds: “To let this go unchallenged in any area is to sell the pass for universal justice. And that is not an option for any religious person, or indeed anyone who thinks human dignities and liberties are more than a local arrangement for the convenience of the prosperous.”

Read further about the article here: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/070221.htm

National Church staff come together under one roof in Church House, London

The majority of staff of the Archbishops’ Council, the Church Commissioners, the Church of England Pensions Board and the Corporation of the Church House are now located under one roof at Church House. Reductions in overall staff numbers over recent years led to the possibility, for the first time, of the staff of the NCIs (Bishopthorpe and Lambeth Palace excepted) being accommodated within a refurbished Church House. Financial and operational benefits accrue by the Church maximising the use of available space at Church House, which also allowed No1Millbank to be vacated and sold. The postcode for the Church House address has changed slightly too: Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ (formerly '3NZ').