Jesus Christ Superstar invited to cathedral; C of Es new Head of Rural Asset Management ; Press coverage including Sam sex marriage legislation; assisted dying; Canterbury succession
Jesus Christ Superstar invited to cathedral
The Bishop of Manchester has invited the actor who will play Jesus, in the arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, to a special welcome at Manchester Cathedral. On 30th September 2012 the hit show rolls into Manchester – the same day as national Back to Church Sunday.
The Bishop said: “Back to Church Sunday is all about the church offering a welcome to today’s culture and that is what we hope to do – both at church and in the MEN Arena, for what should be a fantastic performance of the musical. Having Jesus, the disciples and Mary Magdalene arriving in Manchester on that day was too good an opportunity to miss. They are all welcome – even Herod, Judas and Pilot.”
The Bishop has written to the producers of the show, offering to give cast and crew members a personal welcome at Manchester Cathedral. The cathedral is used to welcoming rock stars and has recently hosted concerts by Elbow and Noah and the Whale.
Back to Church Sunday is supported by thousands of churches across the UK as an opportunity to invite people to come back to church.
Back to Church Sunday was born and bred as a big Manchester idea in 2004; since then it has spread nationally – almost a quarter of a million people (230,000) have come back to try church again, and the idea has gone global.
In the arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus will be played by viewers’ winner Ben Forster, Judas will be played by the satirical and vocal atheist Tim Minchin, Herod by Radio One DJ Chris Moyles and Mary Magdalene by former Spice Girl Mel C.
C of Es new Head of Rural Asset Management
The Church Commissioners today announce the appointment of Carol Hawkey as Head of Rural Asset Management in their Property Investment Department. Carol will be responsible for overseeing more than 100,000 acres of investment farmland throughout England, together with the Commissioners’ mineral interests around the country. She will also take the lead in identifying acquisitions and disposals relating to this portfolio.
Joseph Cannon, Chief Surveyor to the Commissioners, said: “We are pleased to welcome Carol as a senior member of the Commissioners’ Property Investment Department. She is a professional rural surveyor and has considerable experience of dealing with let land investment, strategy and management. Carol will lead our internal and external professional teams in maximising the long term financial returns from this key portfolio.”
Carol was brought up on a farm and has a committed interest in rural matters, as well as being a keen musician and accomplished horsewoman. She is married to Jamie, a Minor Canon at Westminster Abbey.
Carol joins the Commissioners from Bidwells in Cambridge, where as a Partner her responsibilities have included managing a large and varied portfolio on behalf of private and institutional clients. She holds a Master’s degree in Land Economy from the University of Aberdeen and is both a Chartered Surveyor and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. Carol takes up her new post in December.
Press coverage
It’s a shame the Chief Rabbi can’t be the next Archbishop of Canterbury
By Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald – Lord Sacks continues to be the most eloquent spokesman for religion
Benedict Brogan’s interview with Rowan Williams, outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Telegraph last Saturday threw up some interesting observations. Brogan writes, “His time has been marked by an often vitriolic debate about the march of militant secularism. He laughs at the recollection of his exchanges with the atheist academic Richard Dawkins, whom he describes as the “latest pub bore” in thetradition of “great public atheists.”
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2012/09/10/its-a-shame-the-chief-rabbi-cant-be-the-next-archbishop-of-canterbury/
D Tel ; D Mail – More about different aspects of same-sex marriage legislation: its prospects following Cabinet reshuffle; and reported threat of dismissal for teachers who refuse to endorse it.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9531803/Teachers-face-sack-for-refusing-to-endorse-gay-marriage.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2200774/Cameron-faces-new-swipe-Right.html (scroll down)
D Mail Opinion piece on new government minister Anna Soubry and assisted dying.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2200766/Anna-Soubry-New-Health-Ministers-views-assisted-suicide-truly-disturbing.html?openGraphAuthor=%2Fdebate%2Fcolumnists%2Fcolumnist-256%2FMelanie-Phillips.html
Sunday Telegraph – News report “Archbishop launches parting attack on critics”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9530382/Archbishop-launches-parting-attack-on-critics.html