THE ORIGINAL CHURCH NEWSPAPER. ESTABLISHED IN 1828 Search for THE modern-day Christmas saints, in p15 Egypt, CHURCHOF after the ENGLAND trouble, p11 Newspaper NOW AVAILABLE ON NEWSSTAND FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 No: 6258 Archbishop highlights Inquiry into Hunger AN OUTSPOKEN article in the Truro, the Rt Rev Tim Thorn- Mail on Sunday by the Arch- ton. Two members were Con- bishop of Canterbury helped servative MPs, one a Labour ensure that the report of the All- MP and one a Conservative Party Parliamentary Inquiry Peer. into Hunger in the United King- Their report points to a num- dom received good coverage in ber of factors that have raised the media when it was pub- the cost of living in the UK and lished on Monday. hit poor families hard. These The Inquiry was funded by a include the highest rates of gen- charity controlled by the Arch- eral inflation, food price infla- bishop of Canterbury. tion, fuel inflation, and housing Comparisons were drawn inflation in the Western world. with the Church of England Wages have not kept up and report ‘Faith in the City’, which Britain has a large number of caused conflict between the low paid workers. Church and the Thatcher gov- “From 2004 to 2011, for the ernment. first time in post-war Britain, the In his article the Archbishop overall combined proportion of called on David Cameron to household income spent on reverse his Government’s deci- housing, utility bills, and food sion not to take European funds increased,” the report states. to boost food banks in the UK. The Inquiry found it was diffi- DR Welby spoke of meeting hun- cult to count the number of food gry people in the Democratic banks in the country but stated Republic of the Congo and then that there are now 420 Trussell returning to England and meet- Trust food banks and that the ing people in a food bank who number of independent opera- were having to skip a day’s tions may be at least as large. meals once a week to feed their “It became clear from our evi- children. dence that food banks are here Describing hunger in the to stay - for more than the imme- Congo as ‘deeply shocking but, diate future – whatever people tragically, expected’ the Arch- assert,” the report concludes. bishop said although the case It describes the call to abolish “If the Prime Minister wants mendations. The first is for the reallocate some of the EU Struc- he encountered in a food bank food banks as a ‘grandstanding to meet the Big Society, it is creation of a new national net- tural Funds to match public was less serious, it was more response’ and estimates 4 mil- here,” the report claims. But in work called ‘Feeding Britain’ charities to help finance the pro- shocking because it was some- lion Britons are in danger of calling for a ‘zero hunger that would include representa- posed network and foR effective thing he had not expected to see going hungry. Britain’ it says it is ‘necessary to tives from the food industry and action to stop food waste. Finan- in this country. The report described the rethink and reshape the volun- eight government departments cial incentives should be intro- The All-Party Parliamentary work of voluntary groups fight- tary sector’s programme of as well as food banks and the duced to divert food fit for Inquiry was chaired by Frank ing hunger as the ‘equivalent to feeding hungry Britain’. voluntary sector. Field MP and the Bishop of a social Dunkirk’. The report makes 77 recom- It calls for the Government to Continued on page 3 [email protected] facebook.com/churchnewspaper @churchnewspaper THE 2 www.churchnewspaper.com Friday December 12, 2014 News Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham THE A new home has been created for the Holy Family in Minister – out DIARY CHURCHIN of recycled wood. A homelessness charity initiative, named the Woodpeckers, will install a Holy Nativity Christmas Crib scene in Send your events to Southwell Minster on 18 December. [email protected] The Woodpeckers provide important opportunities to those or Tweet @churchnewspaper vulnerable to homelessness to have training, work placement, ENGLAND volunteering and ultimately employment. They produce items like 12 December novelty gifts, garden products, and household items from 100 per cent recycled timber. Angie Walsh, a supporter of the volunteers, said: “Woodpeckers 8.00am Leicester Cathedral are supported by Southwell Minster in such a great way – opens ballot for seats providing a stall for the Craft Fairs in May and November - we at Richard III servic- wanted to give something back.” es in March. 7.30pm Christmas concert at St Nicolas Church, Diocese of Manchester Diocese of York Chipping Hill, With- Manchester Cathedral held Archbishop of York Dr John am. a brief service in Sentamu is using his twitter handle 9pm Canterbury Cathedral, remembrance of the @JohnSentamu to tweet out daily first of a three-part virtuous life of Nelson advice on ways to prepare for documentary series Mandela last Saturday (6 Advent and Christmas this holiday on BBC2 (also on 15 December). season. and 19 December). The day before, 5 He has been tweeting morning December, marked the one- until night since Advent Sunday 13 December year anniversary of the and will continue until Christmas death of this crusader for Eve. 12.15 The Snowman, also at justice and peace that spent The Archbishop said: “I love 2.15pm and 7pm. Car- 27 years in prison for his Advent – it’s a wonderful season of rot Productions pres- oppositioN to racism and watching and waiting for signs of ent a family-friendly prejudice in South Africa. God’s justice,” and “Christmas is Christmas concert coming – come and journey featuring The Snow- through Advent with me!” man film accompa- nied by a live, 25-piece professional Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham orchestra, Chester Archdeacon of Nottingham Sarah Clark has presented a community Cathedral. Ticket garden project that supports people with mental disabilities with a prices: £8.00 to £17.00 cheque for £1,900. 7.00pm Canterbury Choral Ecoworks is based in the Hungerhill allotments in St Anns and Society, Family Car- promotes social acceptance and provides bags of vegetables to people ols, Canterbury who are on benefits. These community gardens allow participants to Cathedral strengthen their connection to nature while also forming important social bonds. Tom West, a trustee of Ecoworks, said that the money will be used 14 December to refurbish a current straw-bale building, contribute to programme costs and help fund new initiatives. Sarah said: “To discover in Ecoworks, in people like Tom and Paul, 3.30pm The Christmas Expe- the community garden manager, such a socially engaged community rience, live theatre of volunteers making a difference in the lives of local people was and carols, Superno- Diocese of Gloucester ‘seeking justice’ – one of the strands of our diocesan mission va Arena, Victoria James Pickersgill will go from a fast-paced life in statement - at work.” Embankment Gar- hospitality event planning to parish priest on December dens, London (until 14. Diocese of Salisbury Diocese of Derby 7pm), WC2N 6PB James will be ordained at St Peter’s Church, The Bishop of Salisbury has announced The Derby Cathedral 4.15pm The fourth organ Winchcombe and believes his former career was great that he will fast and pray on the first day Choir can now be a part recital in the current preparation for the life of a priest. of every month for a significant of your home with their series will be given by He said: “I’ve had the privilege of sharing some of the agreement at the upcoming 2015 UN new Christmas CD. Mr Orly Watson at St most significant times of people’s lives with them, from climate talks. Under the direction of Patrick’s Church of weddings to wakes, and I try to make sure that everyone Colleagues from Johannesburg, Cape Canon Peter Gould, Ireland Cathedral, is cared for. This, I feel, is a key part of Christian Town, New York and Fiji will join Bishop they have released a Armagh. ministry.” Nicholas Holtam in order to bring CD full of songs for Though he is pursuing priesthood, James was not attentioN to the severe consequences of both Advent and 15 December always Christian. He felt a calling to Jesus after he global climate change. He hopes that Christmas. attended an Alpha course at Grosvenor House Hotel. Christians will join in his prayer for the Dr John Davies Dean This same calling eventually led him to study ordained betterment of the climate and for of Derby describes the 5.45pm Derby Cathedral’s ministry at Trinity College. reasonable and effective discussion at music as “Cathedral famous tower will be James and his family of four are looking forward to the climate talks. music at its very best, open for climbs to the what this next chapter in their journey with God will The Bishop said: “At this time next haunting, beautiful and top to give visitors a hold. year, negotiators from around the world very uplifting.” chance to see Derby’s The service is at 10.30am at St Peter’s Church, will gather for another round of UN CDs can be Christmas illumina- Winchcombe on Sunday 14 December 2014. climate talks in Paris, at which it is vital purchased in the tions from above, also to make progress. That’s why I’m asking Cathedral Bookshop for at 6.45 and 7.45. Ages people to join in praying and fasting £10 or ordered by 8 and up.