New Testament for the unchurched generation; Bishop Andrew takes to the water; Vicar steeplechases across Wales on tractor; C of E plans six wind turbines; C of E new Head of Strategic Land Investment; ‘Alienated’ Muslims urged to use right to vote
New Testament for the unchurched generation
Christian Today – Bible Society has released a new version of the New Testament geared towards people who do not read the Bible or find traditional translations hard to access. It describes the Who? version as the New Testament “in a different voice”.Despite being the world’s best-selling book, few people in this country read the Bible today.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/new.testament.for.the.unchurched.generation/29783.htm
Bishop of Reading takes to the water
ACNS – The The Bishop of Reading is going on a pilgrimage with a difference – one that will take place entirely on water. The Rt Revd Andrew Proud, who is responsible for the “old Berkshire” part of the Diocese of Oxford, is to spend a week aboard a narrowboat on the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Thames as a way of getting to know his patch and encouraging the clergy in Berkshire to take time out from their busy lives. Each evening he will hold a service in nearby churches to which everyone is welcome. His journey starts in Newbury in the west on 30 May April and ends in Windsor in the east a week later. He will be accompanied by his wife Dr Janice Proud and his chaplain for the week, the Revd Graeme Fancourt. Along the way he hopes to raise money for WaterAid in Ethiopia – where he served as a bishop before moving to Reading a year ago.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm/2012/4/30/Bishop-Andrew-takes-to-the-water
Vicar steeplechases across Wales on tractor
ACNS – A vicar driving a tractor is visiting all six Welsh Cathedrals next week to highlight the plight of farmers. The Revd Richard Kirlew will trundle 700 miles from St Davids to Brecon – via Bangor, St Asaph, Newport and Cardiff, meeting bishops and an archbishop on his way. He’ll be driving a borrowed 7.5 tonne JCB Fastrac, towing a caravan, for eight days – at a maximum speed of 40mph. Richard is the Church in Wales’ national lead on rural affairs and he hopes to raise at least £3,000 for three charities – the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution; Farm Crisis Network and The Colwyn Benefice (Richard’s very small group of very rural parishes in the Radnorshire Hills). He’ll be accompanied by his wife, Liz, and their dog, Raife.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm/2012/4/30/Vicar-steeplechases-across-Wales-on-tractor
C of E plans six wind turbines on Diocese of Exeter land
Telegraph – Residents have protested against Church of England plans to build six large wind turbines on its land in the Devon countryside.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/windpower/9236989/Church-of-England-plans-six-wind-turbines-on-Diocese-of-Exeter-land.html
Church Commissioners appoint new Head of Strategic Land Investment
ACNS – The Church Commissioners today announce the appointment of John Weir as Head of Strategic Land Investment in their Property Investment Department. John will be responsible for overseeing more than 50 strategic sites across 5,400 acres, as well as numerous smaller sites within the Commissioners’ rural portfolio. He will also take the lead in identifying acquisitions to replenish the Commissioners’ strategic land holdings.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm/2012/5/1/Church-Commissioners-appoint-new-Head-of-Strategic-Land-Investment
‘Alienated’ Muslims urged to use right to vote
BBC – A lot of Muslims “feel alienated from the political process”, according to the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). That has led some to opt not to vote in past elections. But now the MCB, which represents more than 500 Islamic organisations in Britain, has been encouraging Muslims to vote ahead of the local elections on Thursday.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17858969