CATHEDRAL AM, JULY 2013

David Monteith, Dean of Leicester (centre)

Cathedral AM is an early morning networking event held at Leicester Cathedral, gathering together people from different parts of city and county, with a special mission to share news and experience on aspects of life in the the city centre. The meetings are hosted by Urban Canon Barry Naylor and Julie Ann Heath, Chaplain to the Cathedral. Breakfast is served from 0730 then there's a speaker from 0800.

This morning's speaker is David Monteith, Dean of Leicester. David speaks about his own background, the steps he has taken which have led him to this post. He's only been Dean of Leicester for a couple of months, taking on the role at one of the most challenging and exciting times in the life of Leicester Cathedral, with the imminent development of the Cathedral Gardens and the unfolding story around Richard III and plans being laid for the internal renovation of the Cathedral itself.

There's a buzz around the tables about the article in the Independent on Sunday's New Review, which everyone seems positive about - even a few folk who were interviewed and hoped to be mentioned in the article, but didn't feature in the published version. 

I walk out at the end with John Florance of BBC Radio Leicester. As well as giving me his informed opinion on Pacific Rim (which I intend to see this weekend), he asks if I'd be amenable to recording another Thought for the Day soon. Of course I would!

FAITHS COME TOGETHER FOR SYRIA APPEAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Faiths come together for Syria appeal

A toy collection is being held for children affected by the conflict in Syria.

Sharen Ravat, chaplaincy service manager at Leicester College, will be holding a drop-in session for members of the public to hand over unwanted or unused toys on Sunday, August 4, from 1pm to 5pm at St Philip's Church in Evington Road, Leicester.

Many different faith communities have already pledged support, including Leicester Islamic Centre, Leicester Cathedral, Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara and the Sikh Cultural and Welfare Society.

The toys will be given to the UK charity Hand in Hand for Syria, which will then distribute them at hospitals in the war-torn country.

Sharen said: "I decided to organise the campaign after being touched by the plight of children in Syria, many of whom have lost their loved ones, been injured, made homeless or just lost hope.

"The UN has already said that the Syrian refugee crisis is the worst since Rwanda with an average of 6,000 people fleeing every day.

"I am hoping that by offering toys to children, it puts an immediate smile on their faces."

For more information, call Sharen on 07919 290 313.

SERVICE MARKS 40 YEARS SINCE UGANDAN EXODUS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Service marks 40 years since Ugandan exodus

by David W Owen

Leicester Cathedral was the venue for a service commemorating the 40th anniversary of Asians ordered out of Idi Amin’s Ugandan dictatorship finding a new home in the city.

Saturday's thanksgiving service was led by the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, with Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles special guest of honour.

More than 28,000 people arrived in Britain from Uganda in 1972, with7,000 choosing to settle in Leicester despite an advertising campaign warning them not to come to the city.

The service, however, celebrated their positive contribution to the city – in the fields of business, the professions, politics, arts and science.

Bishop Tim said: “It was a great pleasure that Leicester Cathedral was chosen as the venue to give thanks for the contribution of the Ugandan Asian community.

“The service recognised the importance of friendship and generosity, as shown both by those who came to our city 40 years ago under such desperate circumstances, and those who welcomed them to a strange land and opened their homes and hearts, in the best tradition of the faiths of this city.”

SANDFIELD CLOSE PRIMARY PUPILS VISIT LEICESTER CATHEDRAL

This afternoon I'm at Leicester Cathedral, helping out with a visit of Year 5 pupils from Sandfield Close Primary.

This is the second of four visits in two days to local places of worship, arranged in association with The Mighty Creatives (a charity based in Leicester's LCB Depot, working across the East Midlands to champion young people's creativity and innovation).

The group is kitted out with cameras of different kinds (for stills and video), digital voice recorders and good old fashioned paper, pens, pencils and crayons. Artwork that the children produce as an outcome of their visits will be on display under the title, "Faith in Neighbours" in the Mezzanine at Curve as part of An Indian Summer later this month.

We weren't expecting the services of a guide (so I've spent some time boning up on what I think the children need to know, including spending an hour yesterday afternoon, during which time I had useful chats with the Dean and Verger) but I'm glad to say that we do have one after all. Bev Farrand is on volunteer duty here today and she steps forward to give us her time and the benefit of her knowledge. Much appreciated, Bev!

A few of the boys venture outside with a very expensive camera, so I keep tabs on them. While I'm doing that, I notice a woman is standing nearby, gazing quizzically at me. I don't recognise her, but return her smile. She comes over and asks if I'm George Ballentyne. When I reply that I am and ask if we've met before, she says we haven't, but she recognises me from my brief appearance last week on East Midlands Today. I wonder if this is how Matt Smith feels! As I often do when taken by surprise, I make an incongruous remark: "I've trimmed my eyebrows since then", I say.

This morning we were at the Jain Centre, Oxford Street. Tomorrow morning we'll be visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Gipsy Lane; in the afternoon, the Islam Information Centre, Highfield Street.

ARCHBISHOP & IMAM ISSUE APPEAL FOR UNITY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Archbishop and Imam issue appeal for unity

by Dan Martin

The Archbishop of Canterbury today stressed the need for unity among Leicester’s religious communities in the aftermath of the brutal killing of a soldier in a suspected terrorist attack.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, the Church of England’s most senior clergyman, said the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich by two apparent Muslim extremists had “no place in Islam.”

The archbishop spoke about the young soldier’s murder outside the Masjid Umar mosque, in Evington, after rearranging his schedule in a visit to Leicester, planned before Wednesday’s horrific events.He met officials from the mosque, along with the bishops of Woolwich, Bradford and Pontefract as well as Bishop of Leicester Tim Stevens.

he archbishop stood side-by-side with assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain Ibrahim Mogra to address reporters follwing events in the capital.

The archbishop said: “We have all been horrified by the brutal murder of drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich and all of our prayers are with his family, colleagues and comrades, all those who witnessed this crime and members of the community who have been affected by it.

“I want to recognise the response of churches, mosques and other faith and civil society groups, as well as those brave individuals who have done so much to bring our communities together at this time.”

The archbishop, who later signed a book of condolence opened for the murdered 25-year-old at Leicester Cathedral, added: “The strong response from the Muslim Council of Britain and many other organisations have rightly emphasised that these acts have no place in Islam.”

He added: “I think Leicester is a shining example of how communities work together. I am confident because of the very good work Ibrahim (Mogra) has been doing, and we are all doing, that we are in a good position.”

Mr Mogra said: “Muslim communities in Britain are shocked and appalled by the horrific murder in Woolwich.

“The murderers chanted slogans during their heinous crime claiming to do it in God’s name.

“Far from it.

“This is a betrayal of Islam.

“This is a truly barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn it utterly and unreservedly.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Rigby’s family and friends and especially his two-year-old son.

“Drummer Rigby was a serving member of the armed forces.

“Muslims have long served in this country’s armed forces proudly and with honour.

“This attack on a member of the armed forces is dishonourable and no cause can justify this murder.

“This crime has heightened tensions across the country. The MCB calls on all our communities, Muslim and non-Muslim to come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not prevail.

“I am immensely grateful for the leadership of our archbishop during this most difficult time and thank leaders of all our faith communities for your support.

“Your local Muslim communities will welcome your support and I encourage you to knock at the doors of every mosque and offer you neighbourly love.

He added: “There is concern about safety in large sections of Muslim communities who live in mixed areas.

“We hope that the police will ensure law and order is maintained.

“We say to the Muslim community: “Let us continue with our lives as normal.

“If we begin to cower and hide ourselves away then we allow the terrorists win. Life must go on.”

Bishop Tim said: “I hope what is clear is that this terrible incident, from driving a wedge between us will bring us closer together.”

Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the mosque for Friday payers and heard Imam Muhammad Sindhi condemn Wednesday’s tragedy.

He said: “Don’t be extremists. In Islam there is no space for terror or terrorism.

“Islam doesn’t teach, in broad daylight, to go out into the streets of London wielding a butcher’s cleaver and hack someone to death.

“This Stone Age savagery is not the message of Islam.”

NEW DEAN WELCOMED AT "A TIME OF GREAT CHANGE"

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

The Very Reverend David Monteith has been installed as the new Dean of Leicester

New Dean welcomed at "a time of great change"

The Very Reverend David Monteith has been installed as the new Dean of Leicester.

The Very Rev Monteith officially began his new post after a service at Leicester Cathedral on Saturday.

The new Dean, taking over from Vivienne Faull, who last year moved to be Dean of York, has been at the cathedral four years having previously been the canon chancellor with responsibility for pastoral and educational life.

In his sermon to the congregation, the Very Rev Monteith said: "Cathedrals are called to embrace the interface between the spiritual and the secular.

"This Cathedral is invited to create the kind of space which frees up others to explore this spirituality in countless languages, metaphors, images, experiences and church traditions."

During the service the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens welcomed the new Dean.

He said: "Few Deans have been installed at a time of such great change in their Cathedral. We have discerned in you the gifts and qualities this challenge require. May God bless you."

The service included music sung in Irish reflecting the Dean's native origins.

A piece written by Dr Chris Johns, director of music at the cathedral was premiered.

It uses a poem by Robert Herryck who is commemorated in the cathedral and whose family home was on the site of the Greyfriars Friary where Richard III was buried.

MONEY RELEASED TO DRAW UP DETAILED PLANS FOR CATHEDRAL GARDENS SCHEME

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Money released to draw up detailed plans for Cathedral gardens scheme

Money to draw up detailed plans for a revamp of the area outside Leicester Cathedral has been approved by the mayor.

Church leaders and the city council are working together on a £3 million project to develop Cathedral Gardens.

The council has agreed to provide £150,000 so plans and other documents can be completed by July, when the cathedral is expecting decisions on its funding application for the bulk of the projects costs.

The scheme could be completed by next spring, in time for the opening of the Richard III visitor centre, opposite the cathedral, and the reburial of the monarch's remains.

A further £77,000 has been agreed to bring forward work to pedestrianise and improve St Martins and Peacock Lane, along with £33,000 for related project management costs.

Sir Peter said: "By funding this preliminary work now, the project teams will be in the best possible position to complete in time for the opening of the visitor centre.

"We can't afford to miss this unique opportunity to create something the whole city can enjoy and be proud of.

"These projects will provide a wonderful setting for our cathedral and help to make this historic area an even more attractive destination for visitors."

Leicester Civic Society opposed elements of the scheme, such as the near removal of a grade II-listed wall, but planning permission was granted.

Acting Dean of Leicester Cathedral, Canon Barry Naylor, said: "We are delighted and thankful the city council is helping move the Cathedral Gardens project forward quickly.

"This will transform an area which had become a bit of a backwater into an oasis of peace, that is much more welcoming to visitors."

CELEBRATING EASTER, WITH BAPTISM & BONNETS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Celebrating Easter, with baptism and bonnets

Worshippers plunged into a freezing outdoor water tank as part of an atmospheric baptism ceremony at dawn to celebrate Easter Sunday.

The build-up to the service began on Saturday, when about 100 people gathered at Leicester Cathedral for an all-night prayer vigil and to remember the Easter story.

Just before dawn, they went outside to light candles from a bonfire, bringing light into the cathedral, before an outdoor baptism as the sun came up.

Kumari Neelam, 43, from Rowlatts Hill, Leicester, was one of eight people to be baptised.

"It was very good and I am feeling very good. I have now gone forward to Jesus Christ, our saviour," she said.

"I am very happy to be baptised and now I feel very free and I feel alive."

Teenager Reese Musk, from Syston, said it was a ceremony he had been looking forward to for a long time.

The 19-year-old said: "Since I was little I have wanted to do this and I just never did.

"Now I have done it, it feels right.

"It was brilliant. I was a bit nervous beforehand – and it was really cold – but as soon as it was happening I was fine."

Ravinder Kaur, 35, from Beaumont Leys, Leicester, was also baptised.

She said: "At the time, lots of things were going through my head.

"My mum was baptised already and she asked me if I wanted to do it.

"I read up about it and my priest asked if I wanted to do it on Easter Sunday and I thought 'yes'."

The service, which began with a bonfire in darkness and ended with the first sunlight, symbolised the Christian belief that Jesus brings light to the world, even in death.

Entering the water and then emerging symbolises resurrection.The ceremony was led by the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens.

"It was a joyous occasion, with eight new Christians making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ after a night of prayer," he said.

"I was particularly encouraged that this included people of other races and different faith backgrounds."

Homemade chicks and carefully-coloured paper eggs adorned hats at an Easter bonnet parade.

Dozens of children made elaborate headgear for the event held at Leicester Market.

Ayaan Khan, from the city centre, made his hat with some help from mum Nishath.

The five-year-old said: "I had to get some things from the shop to help me make it and then stick it all on with some glue.

"I like the sparkling bits that are on the front and the bits that are hanging off.

"I learnt about Easter at school and I know that the Easter bunny will come and give us some Easter eggs and he will hide them and I will have to find where he put them."

Richard Dowsing, six, from Glenfield, made his Easter bonnet,

complete with dangling eggs and a huge chicken, by himself. Even if he did leave mum Bridgette to do the clearing up.

"I cut some eggs out and put some stickers on it and then coloured them in," said Richard.

"I made it all by myself because I love making things. I like it because I like the eggs hanging off my hat and the big chicken, too."

Proud mum Bridgette, said: "He's very creative. Anything to do with arts and crafts, you just set it out and away he goes."

Nine-year-old Lucy Houghton took inspiration from the seaside for her tall Easter hat.

"It has a slide that goes round the hat and then a bit of sea at the bottom," said the youngster, from Hinckley.

"I got the idea from my mum and I have never made a bonnet before.

"I think I might do really well because I think they will like how it pops out – like 3D."

Three children from each category won a bike, paid for by donations from traders.

In the six and under age category the winners were: Rhys Taylor, four, from Syston; Harshiv Naker, five, from Abbey Park, and Gabriella Webster, three, from Saffron Lane.

In the eight to 12 age category the winners were: Jade Owen, nine, from Birstall, Kira, seven, from Braunstone, and Kyil, nine, from Narborough.

There was also Easter family fun at Great Central Railway, which has been holding a vintage festival over the bank holiday weekend.

Quorn and Woodhouse stations were filled with traction engines, steam rollers, showman's and miniature steam engines, steam lorries and other historic commercial vehicles.

One of the star attractions was an 1898 Gavioli fairground organ, on display for the first time since 1923.

There were craft and trade stalls, a children's funfair at Rothley and a real ale tent with live music.

THE KING OF KINGS & THE KING UNDER THE CAR PARK

The Bishop of Leicester has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

The King of Kings and the king under the car park

It may be that the Easter story takes on a special significance for us in Leicester this year. In the story, Jesus is laid in a tomb and three days later those who were closest to him discovered the body missing. The tomb could not contain Jesus. His presence, his spirit and his very life continued to make itself felt and, 2,000 years later, Christians feel and experience that life and seek to share it with others.

Unexpectedly, this year the story of our city seems to be almost intertwined with the story of a body and with a debate about the kind of tomb he should be laid in.

This newspaper has reflected that debate and shown us how deeply felt are the views people hold about where Richard III should lie and how his grave should be marked.

Rationally speaking, these are simply the last fragmentary remains of an individual whom none of us knew and whose story belongs to the remote past. Why then such passion, indignation and desire to signify his life and his death in a particular way?

Presumably, because in some way the spirit of Richard III lives on. In some way his short life is not extinguished by his death. In some way his life and his story have meaning beyond the grave.

If that is true for Richard III, Christians believe it is true for every human being. Our life is not defined and contained simply by the short span of time on this Earth.

Through the Easter story, we are given a picture of the highest possible degree of human living as seen in Jesus Christ. In him, the gap between what it is to be human and what it is to be divine was bridged. The love of God shone through him undimmed and undistorted.

The extraordinary conviction of the first followers who found the tomb empty was that a life lived so close to the love of God could not be extinguished by death. Further, they came to believe if this was true for Jesus Christ it is true potentially for every one of us who seek to live the loving life he led.

I welcome the debate about Richard III and his final resting place. It is a reminder to us all of the ultimate significance and dignity of every human life, including those who are not kings or whose names do not appear in the newspapers.

If Easter is true it is true for every one of us. Our life extends beyond the grave into an eternal life with God.

When Richard III is reinterred in Leicester Cathedral, that truth will be affirmed and celebrated as the truth about King Richard and as the truth about us all.

A very happy Easter to you all.

By the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester

CATHEDRAL NOT A PLACE TO EAT PIES

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral not a place to eat pies

I write in reply to Kevin Fletcher's article, ("Cathedral should not be market", Mailbox, February 23).

I went along at 2pm on the Saturday out of curiosity as I love vintage fairs.

There was a long queue but I went in anyway.

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Fletcher. I too was upset, as people were eating pies and food in such a wonderful place.

I left after a few minutes. I had seen enough.

J Leader, Leicester

CATHEDRAL WILL NEVER BE A "DEN OF THIEVES"

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral will never be a "den of thieves"

I read with concern two contrasting letters in the Mercury about Leicester Cathedral (Mailbox, March 1).

The first was from Ann Stones about the "vintage fair" which takes place in the cathedral three or four times a year ("Inappropriate use for our cathedral").

The cathedral is, first and foremost, a house of prayer and sanctuary for all who wish to use it.

If people wish to come to pray when another event is happening, we make it clear to the organisers of the event (if there is a charge for admittance) there should be free admission for those who wish to enter to pray.

I apologise if this was not made clear to Ann Stones.

We also have a chaplain and other cathedral staff available during these events, should people wish to have a spiritual conversation with them.

Guild churches, such as St Martins, and cathedrals have always been used for a variety of events and we hope this helps a wide range of people to see it as "their cathedral", a place where all are welcome.

As well as its primary purpose for worship and prayer, the cathedral hosts lectures, concerts, organ recitals and is part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.

We have run series of silent films, a food fair and events associated with the Castle Park Festival among many other events.

We believe that whatever takes place in the cathedral is legal and honest and far from the type of corrupt and exploitative abuse of religion that led Jesus to drive the money changers and other merchants from the Temple in Jerusalem – those who had turned it into a "den of thieves".

Bill Merry wrote about the possibility of Richard III being reinterred in the proposed Cathedral Gardens instead of within the cathedral ("Memorial should be in the open").

Leicester Cathedral is open to the public every day from 8am to 6pm.

As Richard III was a Christian believer, and following the precedence for the burial of monarchs in this land, it seems most appropriate his final resting place should be in a place of Christian worship. We do not charge for entering the cathedral, nor will we do so, though the costs of keeping the cathedral open are nowhere near met by the voluntary giving of visitors, as generous as this sometimes is.

Barry Naylor, Acting Dean of Leicester

INAPPROPRIATE USE FOR OUR CATHEDRAL

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Inappropriate use for our cathedral

I write in support of Kevin Fletcher's letter ("Cathedral should not be market", Mailbox, February 23), regarding market traders in Leicester Cathedral.

In November, I e-mailed the cathedral authorities expressing similar concerns but have yet to receive a response.

Whenever I am in town, about once a week, I like to pop into the cathedral, light a candle and have a few quiet moments to say a prayer.

I attempted to do so on Saturday, November 17, and was charged £1 to be admitted.

I was happy to pay because I assumed there was a Christmas fair, or some sort of charitable event taking place.

However, when I got inside I found out this was not the case.

The cathedral had taken on the appearance of a market place and I was told the stall-holders were traders who had paid a fee to be there.

While I appreciate it is good for the Church to reach out to the community, and that revenue obtained by the cathedral from the stall-holders might be put to good use, I feel the atmosphere in the building on that day was inappropriate.

I believe the cathedral has other premises, such as St Martin's House where the event could have been held. I do not expect to have the Cathedral building to myself – and it is nice when the cathedral is full of people.

On November 17, however, it did indeed feel like the sort of place where Jesus would wish to overturn the tables.

I was able to light my candle (for which I made a voluntary contribution, as usual) and say a quick prayer, but I felt very uncomfortable.

I also think it was wrong to be charged to enter the cathedral in these circumstances.

Ann Stones, Leicester

TELL US OF TALKS

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury (but not on its website)

Tell us of talks

It was an interesting First Person column by Ather Mirza (Mercury, February 22) regarding the discovery of Richard III.

The part of the story that fascinates me is that the Church of England is to reinter the remains of a Catholic king in a Protestant cathedral, presumably with a Church of England service.

Leicester is ell-known for its co-operation between religions, of which this must be a good example, so would not the negotiations that took place also be worth telling?

Patrick Trigg, Oadby

CATHEDRAL SHOULD NOT BE MARKET

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral should not be market

In last Saturday's edition of More, under "Shoppers set to snap up vintage bargains" (February 16), I was disgusted to read of the UK's biggest vintage fair being held in Leicester Cathedral.

The cathedral is God's house and should not be used as a market place.

In the Gospel of John, chapter 2 verses 13-16 say: "When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

"In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves and others sitting at tables exchanging money.

"So he made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple areas, both sheep and cattle, he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

"To those who sold doves, he said 'Get these out of here, how dare you turn my Father's house into a market?'."

Personally, I think it is a disgrace and against what the Lord taught by the cathedral letting itself be used as a market place.

Obviously for some reason they are not prepared to follow the above verses from the Gospel of John.

The cathedral is a holy place and God's house and should have remained so.

Kevin Fletcher, Coalville

CATHEDRAL REVAMP APPROVED

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral revamp approved

Plans to create a new public square outside Leicester Cathedral have been given the go-ahead.

The Cathedral Gardens project was approved by Leicester City Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Church leaders said they were delighted to have gained permission for the £3 million scheme and hoped clearing the hurdle would make it easier to raise the cash they need to make it happen.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has pledged to finance half of the scheme if the Diocese of Leicester can raise the rest.

Project director the Rev Pete Hobson said: "It's an important hurdle to clear because we do need to raise a lot of money and, understandably, there can be a reluctance to offer support to a project that doesn't have planning permission.

"This is a significant scheme for the city and we have worked very hard on it.

"We know we are dealing with a sensitive part of the city's heritage and we want to get it right."

English Heritage had raised concerns about some elements of the scheme, such as the types of flagstones used and the removal of listed railings, but it withdrew objections after the diocese revised the project.

However, Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said he remained concerned about a section of grade II-listed wall which will be reduced in height from seven feet to 16 inches to open the historic Guildhall building up to the new square.

He said: "This has gone through as an alteration to a listed structure which is being reduced in height, but in my view it is simply the destruction of a bit of the city's historic fabric which, once gone, will be lost forever."

The cathedral believes the wall dates from 1888 but Mr Bailey said he thought it was much older, a remnant of the medieval city.

He said: "It's actually irrelevant how old it is. It's listed so it should not be destroyed.

Mr Hobson said there was a "genuine difference of view" on the historic value of the wall.

The scheme will see the overhaul of the cathedral forecourt off Peacock Lane, which was built in 1987, with new lawns and paths installed.

Mr Hobson said the cathedral was anticipating a surge in visitors should human remains discovered by archeologists in a nearby car park turn out to be those of Richard III. He said he expected most of the work on the gardens would be done in 2014.

Anyone wishing to donate to the project should call Mr Hobson on 0116 261 5200.

"FEED THE WORLD" PLEA TO GOVERNMENTS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

"Feed the world" plea to governments

A group of charities has launched a campaign calling for governments to help hungry people in poor countries.

The Enough Food for Everyone If campaign, being run by Christian Aid, Oxfam and Tearfund, was launched at Leicester Cathedral yesterday.

Dozens of people, including Bishop of Leicester the Rt Rev Tim Stevens and assistant city mayor Manjula Sood, attended.

The campaign is based around four "ifs'' it wants members of the world's richest eight countries to agree to when they meet in Northern Ireland in June.

The four "ifs'' involve cracking down on legal loopholes which let multi-national companies operate in developing countries without paying fair taxes, ensuring land is used for food instead of biofuels, having more transparency over business deals in poor countries and pressuring the UK and other governments into sticking to their pledges about combating world hunger.

Judi Perry, of Christian Aid, said: "The campaign is about bringing an end to hunger.

"We produce enough food for everyone and yet one in eight people go to bed hungry each day.

"The G8 leaders are coming to Northern Ireland this year and we want people to bring their voices together to demand more openness and fairness in dealing with poor countries." 

The campaign will involve lobbying members of Parliament, a march in London and a demonstration in Northern Ireland in June.

FAITH LEADERS AND AGENCIES IN BID TO TACKLE WORLD POVERTY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Faith leaders and agencies in bid to tackle world poverty

Faith leaders, charity workers and councillors gathered in the city to urge the Government to tackle hunger and poverty.

Assistant city mayor Manjula Sood joined the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, and representatives from Oxfam, Save the Children and Christian Aid at the cathedral this week to help launch Enough Food for Everyone – a campaign by Christian Aid.

The national campaign is asking the Prime Minister to tackle four problems to ensure there is enough food for everyone – stop poor farmers being forced off their land and use the available agricultural land to grow food for people, make governments keep their promises on aid, close loopholes to stop big companies dodging tax in poor countries and force governments and investors to be honest and open about the deals they make in the poorest countries.

Councillor Sood said: "The campaign will highlight the plight of many who still struggle to have one decent meal a day."

The bishop said: "I am delighted the churches and faith communities are coming together to support this campaign, which draws attention internationally to one of the great issues of justice in our day."

VIEWS ON WOMEN IN INDIA MUST ALTER

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Views on women in India must alter

An open letter to Dr J Bhagwati, high commissioner of India

Your excellency, we are deeply saddened to learn of the brutal assault and death of the young medical student attacked on a bus in Delhi and on behalf of the people of Leicester, we wish to convey our deepest sympathies to her family, relatives and friends.
On Sunday 30 December 2012, a vigil was held at Leicester Cathedral which was attended by representatives of all faiths and none, to stand in solidarity for the victim and her family at this difficult time. During my own reflections on the event, I proposed that a letter of condolence be sent to convey the sympathies of the people of Leicester.

We hope that the perpetrators are brought to account and that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on these individuals for the heinous crime that they have committed and for it to be a lesson to others.

This tragic incident has sparked worldwide outrage at the savage brutality committed by the perpetrators but also concern over the general conditions and treatment of women in India. India is a proud nation with a strong moral compass and proud culture, values and beliefs systems. However, in instances of sexual intimidation, domestic violence and general violence there is a need for a significant change in perceptions of women as well as changes to the law which grant women the full and proper protection that they have a right to. We need to remind ourselves that our mothers, sisters and daughters play a vital role in society and this is something we should all seek to cherish and nurture.

Leicester comprises a significant population who can trace their roots back to the Indian sub-continent, some directly and others via Africa. The recent census results indicate that over 120,000 people in Leicester and Leicestershire are of British Indian ethnicity and this represents the largest concentration in the UK. Leicester is a diverse city and a model for the multicultural UK and so there are so many people who feel affected by developments in their homeland. The intervention of the UN Secretary-General has highlighted how this incident has damaged India's international reputation.

You may be aware that in Leicester, I and several colleagues have led the way on matters of equality and justice, certainly in relation to bridging the gap of confidence and trust between the Police, Judiciary and Government on one hand and the public on the other. If you feel that our experience could be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The recent advancement of India as one of the economic and industrial powerhouses in the world is something that the people of Leicester follow with pride. We are sure the government and authorities in India will be doing their utmost to ensure that incidents such as this do not happen again and will be seeking to address the issues over women’s rights, gender attitudes and changes to the law on rape and violence against women.

We are sure you will agree that it is essential that the perception of women is changed, to ensure that the modern India take its rightful place at the table of the leading nations of the World.

Our thoughts are with the victim, her family, relatives and friends as well as all women who have been victims of mindless rape and violence.

Suleman Nagdi MBE, Leicester

VIGIL FOR RAPED INDIAN

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Vigil for raped Indian

Hundreds of people attended a vigil following the death of a woman who was raped in India.

Prayers were read and candles were lit at the special service held at Leicester Cathedral to pay tribute to a woman who died after she was attacked by a gang on a bus in Delhi, on December 16.

Acting dean Canon Barry Naylor said: "The event went very well. There were more than 200 people there and there was contributions from people of different faiths.

"I think we just felt we ought to do something to show our solidarity."

Police in India said the 23-year-old victim was beaten with iron bars before she was thrown out of the vehicle. She died of her injuries in a hospital in Singapore.

According to national news reports, six people are due to be charged in connection with the murder this week.

CATHEDRAL GARDENS REVAMP CRITICISED BY HERITAGE GROUP

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral gardens revamp criticised by heritage group

English Heritage has raised concerns about £3 million plans to revamp the area outside Leicester Cathedral.

The heritage watchdog says it is unhappy with elements of the Cathedral Gardens project and has joined the Leicester Civic Society in voicing misgivings about the scheme.

Church leaders say they want to create a worthy setting for the 12th-century building, in St Martin's, and an attractive public space.

However, English Heritage has looked at details of the scheme and, though it supports the principle, it says it cannot support it in its current form.

In a letter to Leicester City Council planning officers, its historic building adviser, Helen Ensor, said: "Overall, we see the potential for intervention into this now tired-looking space and the opportunity to create a fitting and functional new forecourt to the cathedral.

"However, we cannot fully support the scheme at this stage and would welcome the opportunity to advise further.

English Heritage opposes the removal of listed railings along the boundary of St Martin's House and St Martin's Lane West as well as the use of Roman-style paving stones.

It has also objected to the removal of headstones.

Ms Ensor said: "Not only are they fine and interesting sculptural elements which point to the cathedral's past as a medieval parish church, but they also represent the life and death of the people who have worshipped here and must be considered as important to the social history of the church and city."

As previously reported in the Mercury, the civic society opposes plans to reduce the height of a grade II-listed Tudor wall, which dates back to 1519, and was part of the Wyggeston Hospital.

It also objects to the alterations to another grade II-listed wall from 1757 which will be reduced in height from eight feet to 16 inches and have an opening created to allow access to the cathedral visitor centre.

It says these will be a loss of historic fabric that has not been justified.

Civic society chairman Stuart Bailey did, however, say the designs for the area were generally of a high quality.

Nobody from the Diocese of Leicester was available for comment yesterday, but the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, has previously said: "Work has been going on to develop proposals for a new Cathedral Gardens space, uniting the current cathedral precincts and St Martin's House grounds to provide not only a more fitting setting for our cathedral, but also a safe and beautiful garden space at the heart of our city for all its residents and visitors."