Churches protest at VAT on building works
Roof theft campaign
Thirty R&L churches a year would be hit by 20% tax on development projects
Diocese spearheads national initiative
Churches across the diocese have joined the growing protest over government plans to put VAT onto the cost of alterations to listed buildings.
Ripon and Leeds is leading a new national campaign to be rolled out across the country to stop criminals from stealing lead from Britain's church roofs.
external funding manager and Michael Langford, Project Manager), said the move flew in the face of the Big Society.
"This is a kick in the teeth. In Ripon and Leeds it is We are trying to emerge out of expected that some thirty this and the government says, 'we're slapping something churches per year will be afelse on top of it."' The extenfected if VAT at 20% is added to the cost of big projects or sion will house a new kitchen, minor alterations to improve a community room and new listed buildings and make toilets. So far nearly £160,000 themmore r-----------~~~~------~~~~~ community friendly. They include StAndrew's Starbeck which has been raising money for an £800,000 extension, with work due to start this September. has been raised. Unless the Chancellor, George Osbourne, changes his mind Other churches facing an extra St Andrew's will now face an 20% tax bill include StJohn's extra bill of £90,000. East Witton (lighting improveIn a front page article in the ments), StMary Appleton Harrogate Advertiser, vicar, Wiske (new toilet facilies), St. Revd Francis Wainaina (picMary's Garforth (reordering) tured with Maurice Pindar, (Continued on Page 2) www.riponleeds.anglican.org
Several churches, starting in the north of the diocese, along with two other dioceses - Peterborough, and St Edmundsbury and Ipswich - have had roof alarms fitted to some of the most at-risk churches by leading church and heritage insurer Ecclesiastical. Churches throughout the diocese will be able to display signs warning criminals of the presence of roof alarms. Because the alarm sensors are virtually undetectable from (Continued on Page 2)
Inside this month's Together: p II p
m
pN p pVI pVIII
Poverty Conference Welcome to Paul New comms director A greener church Baptism history June celebrations
News ... News ... News ... News ... News ... News ...
Leeds hosts major poverty conference "We have lost a vision of how we might transform our society," Dr John Sentamu said in his keynote speech at the Church Urban Fund conference, Tackling Poverty, in Leeds last month. He told delegates from throughout the country, "We are seeing cuts to valuable public services where investment is needed."
Other speakers included John Bell of the Iona Community and local curate Revd Jude Smith.
Archbishop Sentamu spoke of a "poverty of vision" and told delegates, "We are far richer today yet misery is growing. ... As well as the reality of poverty and growing inequality in our country today, we also face the problem of poverty of vision."
Diocesan Urban Officer, Kathryn Fitzsimons said, "Hosting the CUF conference in Leeds was a great opportunity for Christians in the city who work together in tackling poverty to stand in solidarity with others from across the country."
VAT protest
Roof theft campaign
(Continued from Page 1) and Grewelthorpe (new kitchen and toilets).
(Continued from Page 1) the ground, criminals will be unable to tell which churches are alarmed and which are not. Precise details of the alarms and their locations are not being revealed.
Alice Ullathome, Church Buildings Support Officer said, "If passed, after October 2012 churches will probably have to find 20 per cent more money for alterations and other new work. This will cost the Church of England up to £20 million per annum on works to its 12,500 listed church buildings." The CotE has created an e-petition calling on the Chancellor to bring back zero rate VAT: http:// epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32229
•
~
•
: 1,,, '1 • ~ ~
I !":JI • I
..
• ~,, ~
I
II I •
"Poverty," she said, "causes chaos and mess, being alongside those who live in poverty can be messy and difficult but it also brings gifts of love, friendship and hospitality."
II~
I•
;I •
• I:::I •
~ · IIi '
'
D . .- -
The campaign will continue to be rolled out to other dioceses across the country throughout 2012 until most of the 42 mainland English dioceses and a number of Scottish and
I
•
~.
Welsh dioceses are alarmed. Hands Off Our Church Roofs has been launched by Ecclesiastical Insurance, which is investing £500,000 to install roof alarms free of charge on some of the most vulnerable churches.
The campaign is backed by the Church of England Church Buildings Council, the Association of Chief Police Officers and Minister of State for the Home Office, Lord Henley.
News ... News ... News ... News ... News ... News ...
City service of welcome for Archdeacon Paul
The new Archdeacon of Leeds, the Venerable Paul Hooper, has been welcomed and licensed at a special service at Leeds Parish Church. The congregation included the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alan Taylor, (pictured with
consort, Mrs Betsy Johnson), as well as representatives of other churches and faith groups. Clergy from across the city attended the service as well as Paul 's family, friends and colleagues. Representatives from each deanery presented Paul with symbolic gifts including a rugby ball in the colours of Leeds Rhinos.
In his address, Paul said that the good news of the risen Christ needed to underlie the ' tough challenges' facing the church in Leeds. "Christian ministry in the 21st century is really tough. But on the other hand, is not this, then, just the right moment to acknowledge our dependence upon God, and commit ourselves to fostering a sustainable network of lively and dynamic Christian communities across the city? This will mean growing healthy parishes, planting fresh expressions of church and pioneering innovative models of Christian community."
Bishop lifts the lid on media ethics On the day that Rupert Murdoch gave his evidence to the Leveson Enquiry, the Bishop of Bradford, Nick Baines, shone a timely spotlight on media and ethical issues, speaking of his own experiences at the hands of the press, in his St Wilfrid lecture at Ripon Cathedral. Bishop Nick, a regular guest on Radio 2 's Breakfast show, looked at the nature of the media, journalistic practices and recent challenges. His strongest criticism was reserved for the Murdoch empire. "Nothing should distract us from the ethical mire into which this
particular media organisation has dragged us ." He said there was "allegedly a culture of bullying in which journalists were compelled to indulge practices they clearly thought were dubious."
The next lecture in the series is on Thursday June 18 at 7pm when Michael Nazir-Ali, the former Bishop of Rochester speaks on 'Bio-Ethics and Respect for Persons'. Admission is free. Ill
Bishop John writes Equality for all [n the celebrations this month of the Queen's diamond jubilee we see again tho ·e pictures of the Coronation in 1953 when the ymmg Queen vowed to erve her peoples under God. On a number of occasions 1 have had the privilege of receiving Holy Communion at the same service as the Queen, and ha e pondered the way in which that sen•ice places each one of us as equal in the sight of God. We receive Christ ' presence for our li es whether we do so in Westminster Abbe . in Armley prison hapel, in our CathedraL in our parish church or in a bed in a hospice.
Equality is a popular word in our culture, though it means very different things. A couple of years ago, Wilkinson and Pickett's The Spirit Level was a popular reflection on our society, with its ub-title, ' Why more equal societies almost always do better ' . It advocated greater financial and social equality, but its message has been largely lost at a time of economic pressure. People are more concerned ith their own standard of living than concepts of equality. Ideas of equality based on human right howe er are alive and well. We all deplore di crimination based on race or gender, though there is a IV
Harrogate curate to be comms chief A former Harrogate curate, the Revd Arun Arora, has been appointed Director of Communications for the Church of England. Arun (40), who was Curate at St. Mark's Church Harrogate from 2007 until 2010, while at the same time serving as Director of Communications to the Archbishop ofYork, is expected to take up the post in late July. His
long \ ay to go before the reality matches the rhetoric. We affirm equality of choice, whether in religion, schooling or where we li ve. Here we need to pau e. Equality of choice for some may well mean a lack of opportunit for others. We need to ensure that the equality we seek doe not mean depri ation for others. Amongst the great erses of cnpture is Jesus ' assertion that, ' I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself' (John 12 v32). That i the equality we affirm, of which Holy Commtmion is one expres ·ion. We pray for an ever deepening understanding of equality both in our church and in our world. +John
wife Jo was also a curate at St. Mark's Harrogate and the couple have one daughter. (Pictured above, Arun Arora, Paul Hooper now Archdeacon of Leeds, and Jo). The Communications Office is based at Church House Westminster and provides direct support to the national institutions, bishops, cathedrals and diocesan communications officers . Graham James, Bishop of Norwich said: "Arun Arora is a person of great and varied talents. I know his appointment will be warmly welcomed within the church and well beyond it, too."
Diocese takes strides towards cutting its carbon footprint Last month there were three significant developments in efforts to make the diocese greener. A nev.J' Environment Officer was appointed, solar panels were installed on a church roof for the first time, and the diocese joined a pilot cheme to cut energy emissions. Together found out more.
"''I
Jemima's environment role The diocese has appointed Jemima Parker as the new part-time En ironment Officer to encourage churches to take steps to reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint. Jemima, a geograph 路 _ teacher and a member of St Mark's Harrogate, is also a member of the Environment Task Group and is being taken on to work part time on a one year contract. In her own church she has helped to spearhead the introduction of solar panels as well as more modest changes: "They range from witching to a green energy supplier, to campaigning on climate justice, to tangible things like having bike racks, ' walk to church ' Sundays, recycling, and switching from paper to email." Jemima says that Christians have omething distinctive to say about the environment, but we need to take the lead: " We 're called to honour creation and give glory to God himself. I want to encourage and support churches across the dioce e to take the next step in engaging ' ith the environment and cutting their carbon footprint in a measurable way." Contact Jemima at jemima.parker@riponleedsdiocese.org.uk or (01423) 569121. Diocese joins energy saving pilot scheme The diocese has joined four others in pioneering an online energy data tool to make efficiency savings. "The sMeasure will enable every church to make cost savings on their energy use and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint," says Jemima
Parker who will be helping churches implement the scheme.
Church is a shining example -says MP The sun came out as Bishop James Bell (below left) and the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Andrew Jones (right), launched the solar energy scheme at St. Mark's Harrogate- the first church roof in the diocese to be fitted with solar panels. From twenty feet above a crowd of churchgoers, Bishop James led a prayer of dedication before Mr Jones cut the ribbon to officially declare the scheme open. St Mark's has fitted 3 9 solar panels to its roof and received a grant to cover 56% of the costs from WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants to community projects from funds donated by Waste Recycling Group (WRG) to the Landfill Communities Fund. Later, at an environment morning in the church, Andrew Jones said the St. Mark's church scheme was an example he hoped others in the area would follow: "I hope we will see more emphasis on this from companies and other organisations and charities in the area."
1,, '..
News ... News ... News ... News ... News ... News ...
Baptisms make history at Leeds Parish Church For the first time in its history, Leeds Parish Church saw baptisms by fu ll immersion in water, following the ancient church practice of welcoming new members in time for the Easter feast.
Wallace using a specially installed baptism pool and surrounded by a congregation of seventy people. During the Transcendence event, the congregation walked around the building to watch the creation his-
In a special Saturday ~_jl.;J路路~-_j~J tory, light the Easter evening Transcendence service held fire, and renew their baptismal vows. Transcendence is a on Easter Eve, three childen, Blessing, Casey and Isabella, monthly multimedia Euchawere baptised by Canon Tony rist, held on the first Saturday of the month at 7.30pm. Bundock and Revd Sue
Young people paint the walls The young people of St James ' Manston found an unusual way to welcome new Vicar, Revd Carolyn James when she was licensed last month.
and came up with lots of designs," says Jane Fewster, a member of the Manston St James, Junior Church team.
"Over the last few months this has been The 11-16 taking year olds, shape, who are whenpart of "J@M", L -_ _ .....:__ __::......_.-_ _ _....J ever they decided to had free time, even coming create a series of murals in the down on a night after school church hall. and after clubs that they attend." "They jumped at the chance VI
Church centre for veterans The Church Housing Trust, a charity begun by the Church Army and dedicated to the rehabilitation and resettlement of homeless people, has put its support behind The Beacon, a housing and training centre for single homeless veterans. The Beacon, near Catterick Garrison, was opened last month by local MP and Foreign Secretary, William
Hague and is run by Riverside ECHG, formerly the English Churches Housing Group. It aims to help single exServicemen and women who are most at risk of homelessness, and provides temporary accommodation for up to 18 months. The centre has on-site training facilities and helps residents into employment and permanent housing. Church Housing Trust, the charity partner of Riverside ECHG, raised 拢65 ,152 to help towards furnishings and equipment for the fiats . More at www.churchhosuingtrust.org.uk
Diary Date Yo01· guide to events
in the Diocese of Ripon & Leeds
June Diamond Jubilee Celebratory Service, Leeds Parish Church, 6pm. Preacher, Bishop John. All
1925
19 Olympic Torch comes to Ripon and Leeds -Wetherby, Knaresborough, Starbeck and Ripon - Celebration on the Cathedral West Front. 20 Aiskew, Bedale, Aysgarth, Leyburn and Richmond. 23 Olympic 24 hour prayer event, Bridge Street Church, Leeds (organised in conjunction with StGeorge's Church) open to all 24 Burley, Kirkstall, Headingley, Pottemewton and Harehills - St Chad's Olympic Party" from 1.30pm-5pm and then 6 till late. 25 Leeds via the city centre, Hunslet and Beeston . StGeorge's Church host a 24 hour prayer event over the weekend (23/24), receiving the 'prayer torch relay' from Manchester and delivering it to Sheffield on Monday 25th . Check the torch route online at www.london2012. com/olympic-torch-relay-map
~elcome
2
Diamond Jubilee party St Cyprian with St James, Harehills, Leeds, from 2pm
3
'Big Lunch Celebration' as part of St Barnabas' Church Alwood ley 50th Anniversary eelebrations. BBQ and entertainment by the North Leeds Jazz Orchestra. Tickets for the BBQ are £5 adult, £3 chi ldren. (0113) 2268269 or email celebrate@stbarnabasleeds.org.uk
3
Celebrity Five Aside Football Tournament - inc luding teams from Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, with Live music. In aid of St Georges Crypt. Gerforth Town FC, I Oam
3
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Service. Ripon Cathedral , 3.30pm
19
Diamond Jubilee celebrations, StJohn's Bi lton, Harrogate !lam- 4pm. St John'sDrive and Hall wi ll be the scene of festivities with fun and food for everyone
The PCC- what you do and don't need to know . 7pm - 9.30pm, Gilling West. £10 per parish - book and pay online or contact gaiL matthewman@ripon leeds-diocese.org. uk
23
School of Theology, Bible Track- eight Saturday morning sessions at StGeorge's Centre, Leeds LSI 3BR, 9.30am - lpm. Coffee, pastries, worship, and teaching. £10 (£5 cone.) for each session : email sot@stgeorgesleeds.org.uk
26-
Lifepath at Jervaulx Abbey. A Scripture Union event for 800 schoo lchildren, based on the lives of the Cistercian Monks at Jervaulx Abbey. If you are interested in helping out contact Victoria Wi ld (01765) 676832 or email lifepathJervau lx@scriptureunion.org.uk
4
12
Welfare Reform, 7.30pm, Leeds Church Institute. Hosted by Leeds Churches Together in Mission. Sue Hoey on 07946 085 575 or info@leedschurchestogether.org.uk
16
Refuel - the exciting once-a-term children 's event for 7- 11's - 4pm- 6pm, Mosaic Church, Sweet Street, Leeds, LS I I 9DB . Information www.refuelleeds.org.uk, (0113) 8800 133 or email: anne.carter@riponleeds-diocese.org
29
17
Golden Wedding Service - Ripon Cathedral, 3pm. Service of blessing fo r 50 )ears of marriage. Tickets essential - from Linda Bennett, The Chapter House, Ripon Cathedral HG4 I QT
30
Create 3-6 pm, at St Richards 's Church, Kentmere Avenue, Seacroft, Leeds, LS 14 I BX. More contact Judith Shalkowski (0 113) 226 5515/ 07759470199 VII
A month of celebrations JLme 201.2 is a month of celebration 路路many cathedrals and churche:. will be marking the Diamond Jubilee of Her MaJesty Queen over the e\tended bank holida_路 weekend of June .2nd-5th. and then from June 18th - 25th. the Olympic Torch will be coming through the Diocese on t<1ur different days with seH:ral churches planning to celebrate as the Olymp1c flame goers past. Here are some highlights: Cathedral lights From dusk until midnight, every evening until June 5th, Ripon Cathedral will be bathed in red, white and blue floodlighting, to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Events at the Cathedral include a Service of Celebration on Sunday 3rd June at 3.30pm, a floral installation: 'Happy and Glorious' , a book of messages for the Queen, a display of
Coronation memories and a street party in the Nave for sixty selected people on Tuesday June 5th. Jubilee celebrations Among other events in the diocese, on Friday June 1st Leeds Parish Church will be holding the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Service of Celebration for Leeds at 6pm with Bishop John speaking. On Saturday June 2nd, from 2pm, there'll be bunting streaming from the rafters for St Cyprian with St James, Harehills' version of a street party. St Augustine's, Wrangthome at Hyde Park Comer, Leeds have a Diamond Jubilee church picnic on the Moor at midday on Sunday June 3rd. At Christ Church, Upper Armley, on Sunday June 3rd, there is All Age Jubilee Worship followed at 12.30pm by the Big Jubilee
Moves and Appointments Revd Olivia Lambert of Harrogate; has been given Permission to Officiate
Jemima Parker has been appointed Diocesan Environment Officer (part-time).
Revd John Richard Bullamore of Leeds LS14; has been given Permission to Officiate
Temporary Contact Details for the Archdeacon of Leeds: The Ven Paul Hooper, Hollin House, Weetwood Avenue, LEEDS, LS 16 5NG Office Tel : 0113 269 0594 Email: paul.hooper@riponleeds-diocese. org.uk
Revd Sharon Vernie Kaye, Curate at Yeadon (Bradford); to be Team Vicar of the Moor Allerton and Shadwell Team Ministry VIII
Lunch with free barbecue and children's activities. At StJohn's Bilton, Harrogate on Monday June 4th from llam - 4pm, StJohn's, Drive and Hall will be the scene of festivities with fun and food for everyone. Olympic Torch Relay Olympic celebrations have already begun at All Saints Church, Kirby Hill, which recently held a United Benefice service with an Olympics theme. Other churches are joining in when the Olympic flame makes its way through the diocese (see Diary Dates p7). In Headingley, for example, where the Torch Relay goes through on Sunday June 24th, St Chad's is holding an Olympic Party from 2pm and then 6 till late with a ' 50s style fete with sports activities, crafts, stalls and teas. David Brighton Ediwr (0 113) 2000540, email:Together @riponleeds-diocese.org.uk John Carter Managing Editor (01423) 530369, email: jhgcarter@aol.com Cost and delivery enquiries: Julie Milboume, Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Office, (0113) 2000540