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Devon Poet Weaves Faith, War and Loss into Poem Commemorating 80th Anniversary of VJ Day
A Devon poet has written a new poem which commemorates the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August. Clare Bryden wrote VJ Day 2025 for Devon’s High Sheriff Caroline Harlow, whose father was a prisoner of war in East Asia. Victory over Japan day marks the end of the Second World War. It was the day in 1945 that Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki…
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Exeter Church Boxing for Fitness Group Offers Love and Hope to People on the Ropes
A boxing for fitness class in a church in Exeter which aims to offer hope to people living with addiction, homelessness and other needs has been officially launched at an event in the city. Fitter for Faith is a community outreach ministry based at St David’s church in Exeter. Participants take part in a hour-and-a-half boxing and fitness training session in the church every Wednesday, followed by a shared lunch, wellbeing check-in and a time…
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Devon’s Bishops’ Statement on Gaza
Here is a statement on the current situation in Gaza from the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin and the Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier: “We are appalled by the lack of humanitarian aid getting through to the people of Gaza and are horrified by the pictures and stories of starvation, shootings of innocents of all ages and the ever-more…
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New Dean of Retired Clergy flying the flag for more than 500 retired clergy colleagues
In the coastal community of Ilfracombe, North Devon, retired parish priest Giles King-Smith continues to serve the Diocese of Exeter with joy. After 26 years serving in Woolacombe and a career that included roles as Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Rural Dean, and Acting Archdeacon of Barnstaple, Giles retired nearly three years ago. Retirement hasn’t see him slowing down, though – in fact, it’s propelled him into a new kind of ministry. Since 2023, Giles…
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Bishop Moira’s Service of Installation at Exeter Cathedral
The Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, the new Bishop of Crediton, has been officially welcomed to her new role with a Service of Installation at Exeter Cathedral. The word installation is a historic one, which comes from the placing of a bishop in their stall (seat) in the quire area of the Cathedral. During the service Bishop Moira was installed in her episcopal seat witnessed by her fellow bishops, archdeacons and other members of the Cathedral…
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New Bishop of Crediton Consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral
The Right Reverend Moira Astin has been consecrated as the new Bishop of Crediton in a service at St Paul’s Cathedral. She was ordained a bishop by the Bishop of London, the Rt. Rev’d Dame Sarah Mulally, who was herself the first female Bishop of Crediton and first female bishop in Devon. Bishop Moira is the third woman in a row to hold the role, following the retirement of Bishop Jackie in January. Speaking after…
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