News (June 2010)
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St. Mary’s couple scoop top award
Congratulations to Judith and Nigel Robinson, members of St. Mary’s Monkseaton, who have scooped a top award with their family business, N and J Robinson Optometrists, claiming the title of "Independent Practice of The Year" at The Optician Awards ceremony, overcoming shortlisted finalists from London, Aberdeen, Harrogate and Ireland.
Link recently reported on Nigel and Judith’s work in collecting redundant spectacles for re-use in Africa through Vision Aid, a charity which has enabled many people previously thought blind or severely visually impaired to regain their sight. The Robinsons’ effort was recognised as part of their bid for the title.
The awards are the industry's equivalent of the Oscars and the event was hosted at The Park Lane Hilton in London by TV comedian Marcus Brigstocke. Nigel says: "We decided from the outset that we were going to enjoy the night, win or lose, but winning really was the icing on the cake. The Banqueting Room at the Hilton accommodated about 500 people and our seats were fairly near the back.
Marcus Brigstocke very wittily informed everyone that the people at the back might as well clear off home since the organisers would never place the winners there. It was funny, but we also thought it was probably true!"
He adds: "We had been advised that if we were to win, then two people should go up to collect the trophy, but we were so excited that all six of us who went along rushed up to the stage!”
Judith says: “It was a tremendous moment for our staff who have worked so hard to bring us to this point. The next 20 minutes after the announcement was spent texting the staff who hadn't made the trip but were waiting with bated breath."
In announcing the decision, the judges paid tribute to patient care, forward thinking strategies, embracing technological advances, supporting Vision Aid overseas, playing a large role in the community, pursuing green policies and the building of bridges with other healthcare professionals.
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New Assistant Bishop announced
The Diocese of Newcastle is to get a new assistant bishop. Bishop Frank White, who is currently Bishop of Brixworth in the Peterborough Diocese, will be coming to the North East later this year.
Bishop Martin says: “I am thrilled that Bishop Frank White has accepted my invitation to become the next Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Newcastle, and I am sure that the people of the diocese will quickly take Bishop Frank and his wife Alison to their hearts.
“Alison is already well known in the Diocese through her work with the Springboard team and as a speaker at our last clergy conference. She is a well established and highly respected leader of retreats and conferences, and is much sought after as a spiritual director, companion and guide. We will be seeking a suitable appointment for Alison in the coming months.”
For Bishop Frank and Alison, their arrival in the North East represents a real homecoming. Until he was consecrated as Bishop of Brixworth in 2002, Bishop Frank had served all his ordained ministry in the Diocese of Durham. He was ordained in 1980, served curacies in Durham City and Chester-le- Street, was a full-time hospital chaplain in Durham, and then Vicar of Birtley before becoming the first Archdeacon of Sunderland in 1997.
Hailing originally from south of the Tyne, Bishop Frank says he is relishing the opportunity to become part of the Church in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. He will share with Bishop Martin in the Episcopal Ministry in the Diocese of Newcastle and says he hopes to bring his passion for mission and spirituality to further the church’s engagement with the people and communities here.
He draws inspiration from the lives of the Northern Saints and is keen to support, encourage and develop the work of the parishes throughout the diocese. In his leisure moments Bishop Frank enjoys bird watching, walking and cycling, and he has been a lifelong supporter of Newcastle United ever since his school days in the city, although when Archdeacon of Sunderland he rightly exercised dual loyalties!
Bishop Martin adds: “I am greatly looking forward to his return to these parts and to giving him and Alison the warmest of welcomes when they move to Newcastle.”
Bishop Frank hopes to start work in the diocese towards the end of November.
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What is happening on Sunday 26th September 2010?
Is your parish signed up to the national initiative 'Back to Church Sunday'? Register and order resource packs online at www.backtochurch.co.uk no later than 15th June 2010.
Back to Church Sunday began in Manchester Diocese in 2004 growing year on year. In 2010 every diocese in England signed up with some dioceses in Australia caught up in the buzz too. This initiative is not just a one off, not a big thing to try only once then move on to something else. Being part of this national initiative can help us individually and corporately to gain strength and confidence in proclaiming our Christian faith.
The key to success in BTCS as with other approaches to Mission & Evangelism is personal invitation and making people welcome. In order to make the most of this experience, the Evangelism Task group is sponsoring a morning at St John's Kingston Park on 10th July (10am-1pm) to be led by the Revd. Alison Gilchrist, author of the Grove Booklet 'Creating a Culture of Welcome in the Local Church.' Alison Gilchrist, Missionary Leader: St Hilda Church Community (Hull) and Chaplain to Hull Kingston Rovers, says: "After eight years in full-time ministry, I spent two in Durham being 'prepared' and was ordained in 2004. My current post is a pilot project for the CofE which came about as a result of Archbishop John Sentamu responding to the Faithful Cities report.
"My experience before ordination includes: evangelism and mission in UPA parishes and schools; management of multiple outlets of international company both in the UK and overseas; the support and education of special needs pupils in mainstream school and junior management in a government department. Outside the parish I work with a number of para-church groups involved in evangelism.
"My spiritual/theological journey is very much rooted in new monasticism, with hospitality (always a major motif of monastic communities throughout the ages) featuring highly, hence - St Hilda's Church Community: a new urban monastic missional church.”
Diocesan contact Revd Dorothy Robinson.
Tel 0191 2570980.
Email: dottirobinson@hotmail.com
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Inspired Heritage kicks off
A week may be a long time in politics but a month is not a long time for Andrew Duff and David Lovie to get up and running. Andrew and David share the role of Development Officer of the newly created 'Inspired North East' project, and have had a busy first few weeks. In addition to setting up an active office base in Church House, a first leaflet describing their purpose, services and contact details is now available and a basic web site can be accessed on www.inspirednortheast.org.uk.
Already Andrew and David have begun the process of engaging with parishes and Area Deans as well as being booked to present an overview of North East historic church architecture at SPAB's award-winning 'Faith in Maintenance' courses in Newcastle and Alnwick.
For Andrew, from a tourism and heritage background, churches have always been special places because of their rich history and visitor potential - as long as they can be kept open for all. He says: "a number of churches, offering both challenging problems and interesting opportunities, have already been brought to our attention and we have begun a round of meetings and site visits. We need to target effort where our help may make a difference as preparation for setting programmes of 'Inspired' work for 2010 and for the two years beyond. However, we continue to welcome new approaches.'
Already, certain common challenges to parishes wishing to make the most of their churches, have begun to emerge. The level of metal theft and the difficulties of finding successful sources of funding will come as no surprise to anyone but other challenges may be less predictable. David Lovie, an experienced heritage manager and writer, says: 'we realised fairly early on that successful projects depend upon sound project planning. Providing inclusive and sustainable futures for our churches, involves preparation and 'homework', including basic visioning, community auditing, fabric assessment and researching the best sources of help. Lack of preparation for sustainability may have become a feature of a UK development industry under pressure to deliver but church projects should be different. Now is a good time to take another look at our project planning and here the 'Inspired North East' project can help to squeeze the maximum long term benefit from every pound we raise and spend'
Andrew and David's engagements have included presentations at the May Synod meeting in Rothbury, and the next few weeks promise more meetings with Area Deans in July and the Alnwick SPAB course, also in July. They are working hard at becoming 'churchhold' names in all denominations within the Diocese as soon as possible. They are also looking at developing their training and information services that will help parishes to succeed but these will take a little time to refine so keep yourself up to date by monitoring the 'Inspired' web site as it unfolds over the next few months: www.inspirednortheast.org.uk
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Brigade enjoys wild weekend
The 1st Morpeth Company of The Boys' Brigade, based at St James's Church in Morpeth, visited the BB's Broomley Grange Activity Centre recently. The 30 lads of the Company enjoyed a wild and challenging weekend of fun and exciting activities in the wonderful spring countryside.
The older boys were taught about forest survival techniques, while the younger lads experienced the high wire course and the huge zip line. On Sunday we were joined by Jeremy Cooper, our Chaplain, and on Monday the whole trip was rounded off with a huge water fight!
Our picture shows BB lads emerging from the tunnels beneath the Broomley Grange site, one of the many activities undertaken in our annual visit.
Everyone in the BB company would like to thank the Broomley Grange staff for feeding us and looking after us, and to say thank you to God for the opportunity to explore the wonderful world He's made.
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Cramlington Flower Festival
St Nicholas Church, Cramlington is to hold a Flower Festival during the weekend of 25th to 28th June. The theme this year is Celebrating St Nicholas, who is the patron saint of more causes than any other. He is celebrated as the guardian and special protector of a great many classes of people, churches, cities and countries.
His worthy example of faithfully following Jesus Christ has made him widely known especially for his patronage of children, seamen, soldiers and trades such as lace makers, wood turners and candle makers, as well as the saint of the hungry and desolate. The flower festival at St Nicholas, Cramlington is to be officially opened by Bishop Martin on Friday 25th June at 7pm. This is to be followed by a concert featuring harpist and singer Janet Bennet, and, in the second period, the group Vocals Live performing songs from West End musicals. Tickets, at £5, can be obtained from Sandra Stewart on 01670 716543.
The St Nicholas Sanctuary Guild is ably supported by Cramlington Floral Art Club and flower arrangers from other local churches. In past years, selected photographs of arrangements have been published in the National Flora Magazine.
Throughout the festival Heavenly Delights Café will be serving refreshments and light lunches in the recently refurbished Parish Centre. Viewing times are as follows: Saturday 26th 10am - 6pm; Sunday 27th Noon - 5pm, Monday 10am - 4pm. Admission is free.
Profits from the festival will be divided between church funds and Water Aid. A very warm welcome is extended to all.
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The Spirit of the Tyne
The Spirit of the Tyne, on July 2,3 and 4, will be St. Hilda's (West Jesmond) 10th Flower Festival, and who knows it could be our best? We are quite excited about it and also if I'm honest, perhaps a little daunted by the enormity of the whole thing.
The Tyne will wind its way round the inside of the whole church, beginning at Tynemouth with the pier and going up the river to Hexham, with some of the Tyne's most interesting features along the way. On paper we plan to construct bridges and buildings, with spires and swans, all done in flowers..... A bit of a challenge! It will all be worthwhile if lots of people come to see it!
Lesley Dinning
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Cathedral celebrates landmark day
Bishop Martin opened the new St. Nicholas’ Cathedral offices in Mosley Street, Newcastle, by describing the occasion as “a landmark day for the Cathedral”. He said that thanks to the generosity of three benefactors, it had been possible to purchase the building to allow the work and mission of the Cathedral to be developed.
Moseley street was to be a ‘shop front’ for the Cathedral and also for the work of the Street Pastors who go out onto the streets of Newcastle at the weekend to offer practical help to drinkers who may find themselves in difficulty. Other developments planned for the Cathedral included making the west door the main entrance to render the building more open and welcoming for visitors.
A new education suite is to be built in the old Cathedral offices, and the Cathedral shop will move to the ground floor of Cathedral House for more visual exposure.
The Cathedral and Cathedral House is not for the Bishop, not for the Dean and not just for those who worship at the Cathedral, Bishop Martin said. “It is there for the people of Newcastle.”
What do you think of our new offices? Our picture shows Cathedral secretary Elspeth Robertson showing off the Mosley Street building to Cathedral congregation member Jean Goddard.
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On the run … for WERS
On 19th September, I shall be lining up with 54,000 people to take my place in the 2010 Great North Run, writes Jane Musto, administrator at Hexham Abbey. This will be my third time of running and I am delighted, this year, to have got a place through the public draw which means that I can run for the charity of my choice. So I shall be raising money for the West End Refugee Service (WERS), a charity that does fantastic work in the West End of Newcastle providing support for asylum seekers and refugees. I hope to be able to raise at least £1,500 through my run and would be very grateful indeed for your support. You can sponsor me by sending a cheque, made out to WERS, to Hexham Abbey Parish Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3NB.
Thank you in anticipation for your generosity. If you would like to know more about the work of the West End Refugee Service, please visit their website at www.wers.org.uk
Jane Musto, Administrator at Hexham Abbey.
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Rogation Sunday Walk held at Kirkheaton
Kirkwhelpington with Kirkharle, Kirkheaton and Cambo enjoyed their annual Rogation Sunday Walk around Kirkheaton. This year, they invited their urban link church, Christ Church Walker to join them and a very happy time was had by all - walking, talking, singing in a short act of Rogation worship on Kirkheaton Village Green, and of course over tea in the WI hut. In turn, a group from Kirkwhelpington was welcomed to Christ Church's Patronal Festival service on Ascension Day.
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Musical celebrations at St. George’s Church
The Backworth Male Voice Choir had asked to be part of the 125th Anniversary celebrations at St. George's Church Cullercoats and we were delighted to welcome them. This particular occasion was even more special since they were accompanied by the band of the Northumberland Fusiliers. Although the church seats 600, there was standing room only. It is not often we can fill this church to overflowing, but we did that night. It was simply wonderful to welcome so many people into this extraordinary parish church.
St.George's has a large nave and a stone vaulted ceiling. It creates a unique and remarkable acoustic. The mediocre sound wonderful and the good sound sublime. We shall welcome two other male voice choirs to St. George's before the end of the year. The Newcastle Male Chorus join us for a concert in support of Christian Aid on Saturday 9th October, and the Felling Male Voice Choir supported by local schools perform on Saturday 18th December in aid of Javea in Nepal. If you have never heard music performed in St. George's Church, we should be only too pleased to welcome you.
Adrian Hughes
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Diocesan Certificates in Basic Youth Work Awarded
Our picture shows left to right : Alma Knott, Diane Armstrong , Katie Bell and Hilary Elder who made up the first group to receive Newcastle Diocesan Certificates in Basic Youth Work following their attendance of six evening sessions. Andrew Shipton who ran the course hopes to repeat the training later in the summer and welcomes enquires from across the diocese. Tel. 0191 236 3788 or email andrewshipton085@aol.com
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St John’s team presented with trophy
St John’s Kingston Park junior football team are pictured being presented with their trophy and medals from Bishop Martin. The trophy was for the referees’ team of the season and the medals were for taking part in the league. The players are aged from 9yrs to 12yrs. Churches Together Football League (five a side) are looking for more churches to take part in the new season starting in September.
Teams play at Concordia Leisure Centre every other Saturday, and boys and girls aged 9 yrs to 16 years can take part. At the moment there are 24 teams taking part and organisers are looking for more teams. If you are interested please contact the secretary on 07751020918 or e mailthomas.mccabe@talktalk.net Closing date for entry 1st July.
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Reflecting New Art
A group of third year part time BA Fine Art students from Newcastle College held an exhibition of their newest work at St Mary’s, Monkseaton to help church members celebrate Pentecost.
The exhibition, entitled ‘Reflect’, used the theme of Pentecost as a concept and starting point. The art works were all large scale and although exhibited in the church, not all of them had a religious theme.
Sue Hart, Reader at St Mary's and retired manager from the Art School, says:, “We were delighted to host this exhibition created by Degree students from Newcastle College for the second year running and welcome everyone from the community to reflect on the work the students created using Pentecost as their starting point. There was something for everyone there.”
Throughout the week of the show, groups of local school children were invited to view the exhibition and given the opportunity to work with the students.
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Getting There by Degrees
Do you have a Durham University diploma in Theology & Ministry? If so, have you thought about ‘topping this up’ into a complete BA (Hons)? In September Lindisfarne will be launching its level 3 teaching, providing an opportunity for people to complete this award over 2 or 3 years. Each year will comprise 40 taught credits and you will in addition complete a 40 credit dissertation.
These modules will be rooted in practical ministry. In 2010/11 modules offered will be: The Bible in Ministry (20 credits), Issues in Pastoral Ministry and a Preaching module (10 credits each). Your level 2 qualification needs to be from Durham University as universities only permit a third of a final award to have been gained at another institution. (However, if you started your study via Sunderland University, transferring to Durham University when Sunderland’s department closed, you will still be eligible.)
Contact the Revd Canon Richard Bryant, Lindisfarne’s Director of Studies,
richardbryant@lindisfarnertp.org or
0191 270 4150 for a conversation about whether this could be right for you.
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Here Come the Street Pasties!
"I didn't know you were part of the God squad, Brian!" My two sessions with the Newcastle Street Pastors were spent in and around the Bigg Market, The Gate and Central Station between 10pm and 4am, observing the pastors at work.
There was no Bible-bashing, preaching or moralising, but plenty of practical help. This included handing out spare blankets to people who were cold, flip flops to girls who had lost shoes, helping people separated from their friends and diffusing possible fights.
There were also conversations: "Oh, here come the street pasties" and "I'm over 18 now, Sir" (ex-pupil drinking on the street). A squaddie who had served in Iraq told us that there were no atheists on the battlefield – he had prayed for the first time when the bullets went whizzing past him.
So why was I walking the streets until 4am? As a first year Lindisfarne student on placement, I could have chosen to observe the Church at work in a hospital, prison or school, but I opted instead to be placed with the Street Pastors, an organisation I had learned about from media coverage. I spent half my time with Sam Douthwaite, the organiser and only paid pastor, and the other half observing the pastors on the streets. I shadowed Sam as he chaired meetings, gave talks and was interviewed by a PhD student researching binge drinking amongst young people.
When the pastor I was with was asked why he did this without pay, he replied, "Jesus loves us, we love Jesus, so we love you”. Many people find God's church in a building; like the pastors, on these two nights I found it on the streets.
Visit www.streetpastors.co.uk to find out more about the Street Pastors.
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Lindisfarne’s first Enquirers’ Evening
There was a real buzz in the air at Lindisfarne’s first Enquirers’ Evening. This hugely successful event saw almost 40 people present to hear about the courses that Lindisfarne will be offering this coming autumn across the region. The event took place at St Ninian’s Church in Low Fell –an ideal location, accessible to people from both sides of the river.
Alastair Macnaughton, Developing Discipleship Officer gave a series of short presentations about different elements of Lindisfarne’s Developing Discipleship programme and Cathy Rowling, Principal, spoke about the Certificate / Diploma / BA (Hons) in Theology & Ministry and about the various pathways and timescales through this.
The Lindisfarne staff were kept busy talking to people with a wide range of questions, about what the courses involve, both in terms of content and commitment. People shared with each other something of their stories, hopes and expectations; all had come with the question ‘where next in my journey of discipleship?’
We were delighted with the turnout and the enthusiasm shown for continued learning. We have had tremendous interest in our various programmes and are looking forward to September and the start of a busy second year.
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Church Commissioners report financial growth
The Church Commissioners achieved a 15.6 per cent return on their investments during 2009. Results announced today show that the fund has now outperformed its comparator group over the last year as well as over the past five, 10 and 20 years.
Today’s results mean that the Commissioners’ current level of support to the Church – including increased pensions costs - can be maintained, in cash terms, for a further three year period, from 2011 to 2013.
The Commissioners’ asset value has grown to £4.8 billion (from £4.4 billion at December 31, 2008), and the fund has been able to distribute £31 million more each year to the Church than if the investments had performed only at the industry average over the last ten years. The 15.6 per cent return was achieved against a comparator performance of 15.1 per cent for 2009.
In the last five years, the Commissioners achieved average returns of 6.6 per cent per year, against the comparator of 6.2 per cent. Over the past 10 years, the Commissioners’ total returns averaged 5.1 per cent per year, against the comparator group’s 3.1 per cent. Over the past 20 years, the Commissioners outperformed the comparator group with an average annual return of 7.8 per cent against 7.7 per cent.
Andrew Brown, Secretary to the Church Commissioners, said: “The Commissioners’ mission is to support the Church of England’s ministry, particularly in areas of need and opportunity. To that end, we invest so we can meet our continuing commitments to the Church’s mission and achieve sustainable long-term growth.
“These results demonstrate how the Commissioners have tailored their investments to meet changing financial conditions and have prudently managed the Church’s historic resources.
“Looking across our portfolio, it is our property investments that have performed particularly well, both in the past decade and during 2009. They delivered an average total return of 11.2 per cent between 2000 and 2009, including 5.2 per cent in 2009, even after writing off our investment in Manhattan at the year-end.
“The fund’s performance means that we can continue to support the Church of England’s ministry to the whole country at a similar level to that of recent years, despite the difficult economic times.”
For several years the Commissioners have operated, with the support of their actuaries Hymans Robertson, a smoothing arrangement covering levels of distribution. They have paid out less to their beneficiaries than might have been possible in good years to increase the probability of being able to maintain a steady level of contribution to the Church’s mission and ministry in more challenging market and economic conditions.
Following an actuarial review earlier this year, the Commissioners have confirmed they can now maintain the current level of non-pensions support for beneficiaries in cash terms from 2011-13. This amounts to £94.6 million in each of the three calendar years.
Investments
The key elements of the Church Commissioners’ investment portfolio, as at December 31, 2009, are set out below. The levels at the end of December 2008 are in brackets.
Investments, including fixed interest, UK and overseas equities
£3,167.4 million (£2,661.4million); Investment properties, including urban, let land, strategic land and global indirect property holdings
£1,308.2 million (£1,300.8 million); Other net assets, including loans, short term deposits and cash – £339.6 million (£402.3 million).
Serving the Church
The Commissioners contribute to the ministry of each of the Church’s 44 dioceses, in addition to their major role of funding all clergy pensions earned before 1998. This contribution includes supporting the ministry of bishops and cathedrals, as well as parish ministry particularly in poorer dioceses.
In 2009, the Church Commissioners continued to provide significant support to encourage the growth of the Church’s existing ministries and new opportunities. Since it began in 2002, the mission development fund has given dioceses extra resources for parish ministry totaling £34.0 million, including £5.0 million in 2009. A further £5.2 million is to be distributed for this purpose in 2010.
A fund of £7.25 million, earmarked for investment in areas of new housing and other developments, has been allocated between 15 dioceses facing significant challenges and opportunities. Distribution of the grants began in 2009.
The Commissioners' total charitable expenditure in 2009 was £190.8 million (£189.1 million in 2008). Total non-pensions expenditure, including support for ministry within dioceses and for the ministry of bishops and cathedrals, totaled £81.6 million in 2009, compared with £84.8 million in 2008. Governance costs and other resources expended were £1.8 million in 2009 (2008: £3.6 million).
Synod received reports from the various diocesan task groups, many of which mounted “marketplace” style presentations and displays for Synod members. The meeting also received the diocesan accounts for 2009, click here to read them. Click here to read Bishop Martin’s Synod presidential address.
The main items of expenditure were (with 2008 figures in brackets):
£111.0 million (£107.9 million) for clergy pensions based on service before 1998
£42.0 million (£41.8 million) for parish mission and ministry, primarily to less-resourced dioceses
£26.6 million (£29.3 million) for supporting bishops in their diocesan and national ministries, mainly for staff costs.
£7.4 million (£7.5 million) for stipends of cathedral clergy and grants to cathedrals, mainly for staff salaries
£3.8 million (£2.6 million) for other charitable expenditure including administration of national church functions, support for other Church bodies and church buildings.
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Refugee Week 14 – 20 June
Much has been written recently about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, nationally and in our region, and of the hard work of many groups in giving advice and material support. 14-20 June sees again the annual Refugee Week, which endeavours to heighten public awareness of the way in which are many refugees and asylum seekers are treated by the law and the immigration authorities, and to counter some of the commonly expressed myths about this situation.
www.refugee.org.uk is a useful website, with resources, facts, etc. It also includes a list of suggested Simple Acts: as it says, simple acts to raise our own and others' awareness, and to show concern. One Simple Act is to 'Say a little prayer'. This Refugee Week could the churches in our diocese make a particular point of remembering Refugees in our public prayers?
Kevin Hunt, Area Dean, Newcastle East; Chair, East Area Asylum Seekers Support Group (Common Ground)
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