Your Church

Salisbury: The Bishop of Kajo-Keji in Sudan was interviewed on his recent travels, growth of churches, and religious challenges by the Bishop of Sherborne during a sabbatical in Salisbury. The interview of Anthony Poggo, conducted by Dr Graham Kings, marks part of the 40-year anniversary of the Salisbury-Sudan Link. When asked about his work and the rewards, Bishop Poggo enthusiastically responded: “It’s encouraging to see the growth of the Church. Most times when I undertake confirmation services, there are at least 100 candidates!” Southwark: On Thursday 14 February, the Dean and Chapter of Southwark Cathedral took a central role at the official reopening of Borough Market. Reopened by Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the market is right next to the Cathedral. During a short service the Dean of Southwark, the Ver y Rev Andrew Nunn, said that the Market had been at the heart of Southwark and London’s community for hundreds of years, living alongside the Cathedral and the ever-changing landscape of the Borough. Then he and the Canon Precentor, Canon Gilly Myers, prayed the specially written blessing for the market and all the people who make it the ‘colourful, diverse and exciting place that it is’. After the blessing His Royal Highness rang the new market bell, cast in the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, for the first time. The bell will be rung at the start of every market day to signify the start of the day’s trading. Stafford: After the release of the Francis Report into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation, the Bishop of Lichfield and the Bishop of Stafford issued their response. The Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, of Lichfield, noted the difficulty and work that need to be done, “Our first obligation is to make sure that the chief recommendations of the Francis Report are carried out so that people will not be afraid to go to their local hospital. The NHS was built on a foundation of Christian values so that every individual is of infinite value, whether rich or poor. This Christian basis has been weakened in recent years and covering the bottom line has become all important.” The Rt Rev Geoff Annas, of Stafford, expressed condolences for the families: “We must remember that behind the horrific events catalogued in the Francis report lies the experiences of thousands of people in our county (and, it now seems, across the countr y) who have been affected. No Report or Plan or Direc- tive can ever bring back loved ones who suffered and died… I hope the future sees a return to patient-centred management that puts caring for people and enabling staff to raise concerns above administration.” Wakefield: The Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev Tony Robinson, led prayers for the building of friendships between communities and “the strength to resist extremism and hatred” on Ash Wednesday. Bishop Robinson, local students, and senior West Yorkshire church leaders “braved” the snowfall in hopes of reconciliation outside of Dewsbury Town Hall. During the day of repentance, Bishop Robinson continued in prayer with senior Catholic leaders, other Anglican and Lutheran bishops, with Methodist, United Reformed, Salvation Army and Moravian leaders and a Quaker representative. Bishop Robinson, chair of West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council, said: “We pray for all people of goodwill who encourage mutual respect, who value the dignity of every person, who build bonds of community and peace; that their example may encourage all citizens to do the same.” Local church ministers followed the prayer by announcing their own “act of commitment to the town.”