Safeguarding Audit published
Safeguarding Audit published An independent audit of safeguarding arrangements in the Church of England Diocese of St Albans strikes a positive note about safeguarding in the Diocese. It has affirmed the commitment shown to safeguarding by the Bishop and his senior staff in the diocese. The independent review was carried out by the Social Care… Read more »
Read moreBishop’s Bill to Put Mothers’ Names on Marriage Certificates Passes First Stage
Bishop’s Bill to Put Mothers’ Names on Marriage Certificates Passes First Stage A move to end the “historic injustice” of excluding mothers’ names from marriage certificates has passed its first parliamentary stage in a Private Members’ Bill brought by the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith. The bill, which also includes provision to modernise… Read more »
Read moreCovenant signing in Sweden
Covenant signing in Sweden Bishop Alan visited the Diocese of Linköping, in Sweden to sign the covenant the two dioceses, Linköping and St Albans, on 21 January 2018. The sermon he preached on that occasion can be read here. Just as when the covenant was signed at St Albans Diocesan Synod in October 2017, Bishop… Read more »
Read moreThe Bishop of St Albans’ New Year Message 2018
The Bishop of St Albans’ New Year Message 2018 HEAR Bishop Alan speaking on Three Counties Radio on New Year’s Eve about looking back and looking forward (opens in new tab) The Bishop of St Albans message for the start of 2018 provides a message of hope for the start of the year. It recalls the opening… Read more »
Read moreBethlehem had no walls for centuries; why are we building them?
Bethlehem had no walls for centuries; why are we building them? asks the Bishop of St Albans READ: the whole sermon here In his Christmas sermon at St Albans Cathedral, the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, will speak about modern political leaders’ predilection for wall-building. He will contrast this with the good news of the Christmas story, in which the… Read more »
Read moreHow are you spending this Christmas?
How are you spending this Christmas? The Bishop of St Albans Christmas Message 2017 Deck the aisles with tinsel and turkey! This year’s Christmas ads are out! John Lewis’s wants to end your fears of monsters under the bed, Tesco’s says it makes everyone welcome and Marks and Spencer’s shows a life-changing encounter between Paddington… Read more »
Read moreMothers’ Union gets behind ’16 Days of Activism’
Mothers’ Union gets behind ’16 Days of Activism’ St Albans Diocese Mothers’ Union has got behind the ’16 days of activism against gender-based violence’ which runs until 10th December. An all-day meeting drew more than 100 people from all over the diocese to hear Nicola Lawrence, Head of Development and Policy for the Mothers’ Union,… Read more »
Read moreFive New Canons
Five New Canons During evensong at St Albans Cathedral on November 11th 2017, the following were installed as Honorary Canons in St Albans Cathedral: Left to right: The Revd Canon Steven Liley, Rural Dean of Sharnbrook and Vicar in the benefice of Clapham. The Revd Canon Ruth Pyke, Rector of the benefice of Barkway, Barley,… Read more »
Read moreChurch Resources for Parliament Week
Church Resources for Parliament Week Parliament week (13-19 November) is a programme of events and activities that connects people with the UK Parliament and democracy. There is something for everyone: whether you attend or organise an event or simply take part in conversation online @YourUKParl. Resources for churches have been produced which major on themes of… Read more »
Read moreBishop speaks ahead of Government’s review of gambling stakes
Bishop speaks ahead of Government’s review of gambling stakes Speaking ahead of the publication of the Government’s review of maximum stakes for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, (FOBTs) the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, said: “I remain deeply concerned that if the Government recommends a higher maximum stake than £2, this will not go… Read more »
Read more