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Interfaith Advisor reflects on Yoga, Remembrance Sunday and Interfaith week
The Reverend Deborah Parsons is the Interfaith Advisor for the Church of England in Devon. Here she responds to recent press coverage about church hall yoga bookings with a personal reflection on Interfaith week, Remembrance Sunday and where Christians stand on yoga: “The beauty of the Anglican Church is its breadth. It recognises that theology, how we speak, know and understand God is a life-long journey. We’re invited to be curious, to listen to difference…
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New online safeguarding tool for churches
The Church of England in Devon has signed up to a free online tool to make it easier for churches to manage their safeguarding requirements. The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard will also enable the Diocese of Exeter Safeguarding Team to make sure that each parish is up to date with its safeguarding administration and help those which may be struggling. Charlie Pitman, Safeguarding Advisor for Diocese of Exeter, said: “It should make life easier for churches….
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Celebrating the unsung heroes and heroines of Devon’s church communities
The first people to be admitted to the new Company of St Boniface were presented with their medals during a special service at Exeter Cathedral on November 9. The award has been introduced by the Bishop of Exeter to honour volunteers who have made a substantial contribution to Devon’s churches, communities and schools. It also recognises those who have worked to support churches abroad. The nine winners were nominated by church members across Devon. “Liz…
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New book shows that ‘The Rule of St Benedict’ is more relevant than ever
In our modern age of fast paced living, the writings of a monk who lived 1,500 years ago offer the perfect anecdote to the busyness of life. In his new book, Life with St Benedict, Richard Frost uses the Rule of St Benedict as the basis for daily reflections. Through his new book Richard hopes to help people “relate their faith to ordinary day to day life”. He hopes that readers will see a relationship…
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Bishops write to Devon’s 600 Anglican churches calling for prayer and practical support over Brexit anxiety
The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, and the two Suffragan Bishops of Plymouth and Crediton, the Right Reverend Nick McKinnel and the Right Reverend Jackie Searle, have written to all the churches in Devon for which they have responsibility with guidance about how to respond to Brexit anxiety in local communities. The Bishops said they were responding to the worries of many in the county, particularly in the farming community, and their…
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Reverend runs half marathon as “act of defiance” against grief
A Church of England minister who recently completed his first half-marathon at the age of 61 says he took up running as an “act of defiance” against grief. Reverend Philip Sourbut completed the Great West Run in Exeter in two hours and five minutes. He said he was “disappointed not to do the race in under two hours but relieved to have still been running at the end.” The Director of Mission and Ministry for…
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