The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, has voiced disappointment after MPs backed a Government plan to impose new financial tests before restoring the legal commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income on aid.Under a motion approved by the Commons, spending on international development would only be returned to that level if the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) believes the UK is not borrowing to finance day-to-day spending and underlying debt is falling.MPs voted by 333 to 298 in favour of the motion despite significant opposition including from the former International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell.Bishop John, the Church of England’s lead bishop for international development, said the test could be so stringent that it risked making the cut "permanent".He said: “I am very disappointed that Parliament has not seen fit to honour this country’s laudable promise, enshrined in law, to devote 0.7% of GNI to aid.“As Andrew Mitchell commented this morning, it is not right that the world’s poorest should be the only ones to suffer from a reduction in spending following the pandemic.“The commitment was one of which the Conservative party could be proud and I hope it will be restored very soon.“It is a matter of some concern that the criteria which the Government has now set out for a return to 0.7% are so stringent that it risks making permanent rather than temporary the reduction in our overseas development.”
There’s been both enthusiasm and disquiet around as the Church of England has started discussing its vision and strategy for the next five to ten years: enthusiasm for its vision of a ‘humbler, simpler, bolder’ church; disquiet about some of the specific aspirations that have been widely shared (with the mention of ’ten thousand new lay-led churches’ in particularly leading some commentators to believe that the Church of England plc has fallen out of love with her parishes and even her clergy!). There are undoubtedly different views around here, compounded by a careless use of language from some quarters: but I do want to reassure both clergy and laity here in Guildford that I and my colleagues remain fully committed to the vision of loving, healthy parish churches with ordained clergy leading them! (The same, I know, is true of both our archbishops). The pandemic has stretched us all to the limit, but it’s also demonstrated the tremendous quality of our clergy and lay leaders, and the extraordinary blessing of our parish churches, deeply rooted as they are in the communities that have never needed us more. As we prayerfully negotiate the steady return to something a little closer to normality, please be encouraged that we’ve got your back! Of course we’re committed to chaplaincies too, and church schools, and the many new worshipping communities that have emerged from within our parishes and deaneries (messy churches, youth congregations, worship in residential homes and the like). We’re also committed to renewing our parish churches through a range of interventions (including grafting from one church to another) where the number of the faithful has fallen beneath any kind of critical mass; and it would irresponsible of us not to keep a careful eye on the bottom line. But as we face the continued uncertainties of the coming weeks and months, here’s what the Apostle Paul would say to us: ‘Let us not grow weary in welldoing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart’.Every BlessingBishop Andrew
In the wake of the racist abuse aimed particularly at England players Marcus Rashford, Jason Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the General Synod released this statement."On behalf of the General Synod we wish to applaud the achievements of the England men’s football team in reaching the final of Euro 2020."The multicultural composition of the team, and the sense of mutual support which they exude is a model for the whole country."As officers of the General Synod we wish to express our deep disappointment and concern that the achievement has been marred by disgraceful racial abuse."The statement, which was circulated to Synod members in a notice paper, is signed by the following: Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of YorkSimon Butler, Prolocutor of the Province of CanterburyJoyce Jones, Prolocutor of the Province of YorkJamie Harrison, Chair of the House of Laity, and Liz Paver, Vice Chair of the House of Laity.The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who is on sabbatical and not attending Synod, also tweeted that those engaging in racial abuse "must be held accountable."He said: "This @England team are an example, a gift and a reflection of what’s best about this country. Rashford, Sancho and Saka showed incredible courage in stepping up to take penalties. Those who are racially abusing them show the opposite and must be held accountable."
Lord Boateng has been appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to chair a three-year Commission of independent advisers to scrutinise the Church of England's policies, practices and culture in relation to racial justice. The Commission will report to the Archbishops every six months during the three-year period, with recommendations to help the Archbishops fulfil their commitments to identify, respond to, and root out systemic racism in the Church.Previously, the Revd Dr Joel Edwards had accepted the post of Chair before suddenly becoming ill. He died in June 2021, and Synod members remembered him and his family in prayer at today's meeting. Speaking to the General Synod, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, said: "I am delighted at this time to be able to share with you that that the Rt Hon Lord Paul Boateng has been invited and accepted the challenging task of chairing this Commission."Lord Boateng is of Ghanaian and Scottish origin, and was the UK's first Black Cabinet Minister, when he was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in May 2002."After serving the House of Commons, he served as the British High Commissioner to South Africa from March 2005 to May 2009. He was introduced as a member of the House of Lords in 2010. We are grateful to Lord Boateng for stepping into the breach at this time to take up the leadership of the Commission." Lord Boateng said: “Racism is a gaping wound in the body of Christ’s church. Our mandate as a Commission is not only to bind but to heal."This is a grave responsibility and one which can only be taken up and guided by prayer. I assume this new role with that in the forefront of my mind and ask for your prayers at this critical time in the history of the Church”.The Commission is being set up following preparatory work by the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce. The nine-strong Taskforce published its report From Lament to Action in April.Members of the Archbishops' Racial Justice Commission are in the process of being appointed, and will be announced during July 2021. The Commission is expected to hold its first meeting later this year, in the autumn of 2021.
