Quoted ...

Is it becoming more difficult to be a Christian in today's world?

Read about what others are experiencing at www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/23/nchurch223.xml. 

See also other peoples' stories at www.christianlegalcentre.com/

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Lambeth Palace Library acquires important historical document

Lambeth Palace Library, the historic library and record office of the Archbishop of Canterbury founded in 1610, has acquired a document intimately involved with one of Britain's most dramatic historical events.

Benefactors of Lambeth Palace Library donated funds to keep a copy of the warrant for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in the UK.  The Library purchased the document for £72,485.50, funding for which came from bodies concerned with heritage, without depleting resources available for the Church's mission.

Mary Queen of Scots, who with her claims to the crowns of England and Scotland, has long been a heroine in the popular imagination. Her execution on February 8, 1587, after much agonizing by her cousin Elizabeth I, is one of the best known events in British history.

The original warrant, signed by Elizabeth I, was destroyed, probably shortly after the execution.  This copy, the only one of five known to have survived, includes annotations by Robert Beale, the principal clerk to the Privy Council of Elizabeth I.

Dr. Richard Palmer, the Lambeth Librarian, said: "The Library is delighted to have played its part in saving this document for the nation. The warrant is now reunited with the papers with which it belongs and accessible for the benefit of all."

Lambeth Palace Library is one of England's oldest public libraries. Its entire collections are designated by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (www.mla.gov.uk/home) as outstanding in national and international importance. The Library, which holds significant archives relating to Mary Queen of Scots, also holds the sermon which was to have been preached at the execution, but which Mary declined to hear.

An illustrated subject guide to these sources on the Queen is accessible on the Library's website at www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/

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Birthdays... one

The one pound coin is 25 years old. Since its launch in 1983, there have been fourteen different reverse designs. Celebrating the event, The Royal Mint has issued sets of 22ct gold coins, containing one of each design. You'll have to hurry to get yours as there are only 150 sets. The price? A cool £4,995!

See all the designs of the £1 coin and a wealth of other information about coinage at the Royal Mint's Web site at www.royalmint.gov.uk/Corporate/BritishCoinage/CoinDesign/OnePoundCoin.aspx

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Birthdays... two

"The jewel in the crown" was how Director General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, described BBC Radio’s Daily Service. He was speaking at a recent party to celebrate the programme's 80th anniversary of the daily broadcast, which goes out every weekday on Radio 4 long wave and DAB. The programme was first transmitted when the tenacious Kathleen Cordeux corresponded with the then Director General, Lord Reith who eventually permitted a short religious service throughout January 1928. It was an immediate hit with listeners, 7000 of whom wrote to Lord Reith in support of the experiment; it is now the longest-running programme in the world.

The Daily Service is broadcast weekdays on Radio 4 (LW and DAB and also online at bbc.co.uk/radio4) at 9.45am.

Go to www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=49210 for further history of the programme and how the present Executive Producer, Phillip Billson, produces current broadcasts.

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Is God bovvered?

Well he is when it comes to poverty and injustice. Many times in the Bible, we read of God’s heart for the poor, the marginalised and his compassion for the oppressed.

A new Bible published March 2008, using the Contemporary English Version (CEV), highlights with orange markers more than 2000 verses that demonstrate God's attitude to poverty and justice and the many faces of injustice. Described by the Chief Executive of Bible Society, as 'bright, breezy and edgy, this new edition of the Bible could mark a turning point in the way the Church addresses the issues of our day.'

The Poverty and Justice Bible is published by Bible Society and is available from your local Christian bookstore or click this link to go to Bible Society's online store at www.bibleresources.org.uk/. The introductory price in the UK is £9.99.

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