Links to Irish & GB news reports.
IRELAND
Repeal protests attract thousands to the streets of Dublin
The Journal
Similar demonstrations were staged in other cities around Ireland.
http://www.thejournal.ie/repeal-protest-dublin-3276271-Mar2017/
There were 56,000 reports of child abuse in three years
The Journal
Mattie McGrath said the numbers were “horrifying and deeply disturbing”.
http://www.thejournal.ie/child-abuse-reports-3276951-Mar2017/
DUP Minister Hamilton blocks information to press on RHI scandal
News Letter
Just hours before he left office last week, a DUP minister blocked eight separate News Letter Freedom of Information requests for documents relating to the RHI scheme.
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/rhi-scandal-departing-dup-minister-blocked-multiple-foi-requests-1-7857448
GB
Newspaper headlines: ‘Chancellor hits white van man’
BBC News
A National Insurance increase for the self-employed leads to claims the Tories have broken an election pledge.
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-the-papers-39213756
Budget 2017 summary: Key points at-a-glance
BBC News
An at-a-glance summary of the key points of Philip Hammond’s Spring 2017 Budget.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-39203784
Christian Today/Premier
Reports on a response issued by the Bishop of Birmingham, David Urquhart, (see News from the Church of England above) following the Budget. The articles highlight his remarks about the impact of benefits freezes and a rising cost of living on the poorest in society as well as his welcome for the announcement of an extra £2 billion over the next three years for social care.
https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Budget-Bishop-of-Birmingham-welcomes-social-care-boost
Tel
Report that Exeter Cathedral has put three administrative members of staff at risk of redundancy after accounts showed that the cathedral faced a funding shortfall. A spokesperson for the cathedral is quoted.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/08/staff-made-redundant-exeter-cathedral-row-spending/
Premier
Report on a film released by the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, to mark International Women’s Day in which she speaks about her hope of helping women ex-offenders rebuild their lives and self esteem.
https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Bishop-s-video-calls-for-change-on-International-Women-s-Day
Premier/Christian Today
Further coverage of reaction to the nomination of Philip North, Bishop of Burnley, as the new Bishop of Sheffield. Christian Today reports that statues commemorating women steel industry workers were adorned with episcopal mitres and stoles yesterday in a move organised by the group Sheffield Action on Ministry Equality. Premier reports on an open letter on his appointment written by Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley.
https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/MP-asks-to-meet-Bishop-of-Sheffield-over-female-clergy-views
Mail/Exp
Reports speculation that a 700-year old labyrinth known as Caynton Caves in Shropshire could have been where persecuted Knights Templar sought refuge. The Mail features a series of photographs of the caves.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4295570/Knights-Templar-s-secret-rituals-inside-Shropshire-caves.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/776805/What-is-Knights-Templar
Exp
Report that British archaeologist Dr Ken Dark, from Reading University, believes he may have found the house in Nazareth where Jesus grew up. Writing in the Biblical Archaeological Review, Professor Dark said there was “no good reason” why the courtyard style house, located beneath the Sisters of Nazareth Convent, was not the home of Jesus.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/science/776618/Jesus-Christ-home-nazareth-jerusalem-ken-dark
Comment
Tel
Let the trebles sing: why cathedral choirs should be all-male
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/08/let-trebles-sing-cathedral-choirs-should-all-male/