Chelmsford diocesan synod has formally approved a proposal to cut 61 stipendiary clergy posts by the end of 2021; a possible 49 more posts are to go if the financial situation does not improve.

The cuts come five years in advance of the original proposal for 2025, in the light of the pandemic. But plans have been in place since 2011 — when 47 per cent of stipendiary clergy were due to retire within the decade — to reduce clergy posts to the minimum sustainable number of 215 (News, 9 June).

A traffic-light system will operate, where posts “to be retained or filled if vacant” are classified as Green, and those “desirable and should be retained if finances permit” are Amber. Red posts are those “unlikely to be filled with a full-time stipendiary incumbent, and other options for enabling ministry should be considered.”

Benefices in the Red category which are unable to cover the average £80,180 costs of a full-time stipendiary priest will be invited to discuss alternatives, such as interim ministry, a self-supporting priest, or a licensed lay minister.

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Chelmsford diocese to lose stipendiary clergy posts https://t.co/R1QQdAJgFk

— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) December 7, 2020

When a physician working for biopharmaceutical company Moderna pushed a shot into the arm of Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld this past July as part of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine trial, the Orthodox Jewish leader offered up a blessing of gratitude.

Then he posted a video of the moment on TikTok.

“I say a blessing to God for this moment — for taking a shot that can help save people’s lives,” Herzfeld says in the video, which has been viewed nearly 390,000 times on the viral video website.

Speaking to Religion News Service this week, the leader of Washington’s Ohev Sholom synagogue said participating in the trial in such a public way made him proud of his faith. He also hoped the moment, which was captured in a widely distributed photograph by the Washington Post, modeled a science-forward vision of Judaism and showcased how religious belief and science are not incongruous.

“It’s the most important sermon I’ve ever given — by far,” said Herzfeld.

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A growing number of faith leaders and religious groups are promoting the use of #vaccines or offering up their facilities to assist with the daunting task of distributing the drugs to hundreds of millions of Americans. https://t.co/cioHHemUPZ

— Religion News Service (@RNS) December 11, 2020

The Church of England, education charity Teach First and the Chartered College of Teaching are today launching the new Rural Teaching Partnership. The partnership will run in ten pilot regions across England and will see trainee teachers, trained by Teach First, start two-year placements with Church of England primary schools in September 2021.

By coming together, these three organisations hope to tackle teacher recruitment challenges currently faced by schools in poorer rural areas, with evidence showing that rural school leaders face greater difficulties with staff recruitment and retention compared to urban schools.

With more than half of its 4,644 schools situated in rural areas, the Church of England is the majority provider of rural schools nationally. Within ten pilot regions, schools serving areas of rural deprivation will be selected for placements either in Church of England schools, or non-Church of England schools which are part of a Church of England federation or multi academy trust.

All trainee teachers in the partnership will be enrolled on Teach First’s Training Programme, which has recruited, trained and placed over 15,000 trainee teachers in schools serving disadvantaged communities to date. They will receive ongoing support and training from Teach First throughout the two years and will also benefit from bespoke training for rural school settings, such as teaching multiple year groups.

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This looks like a good initiative. https://t.co/jp63HwqqCN

— Gill Kimber (@WardenGill) December 11, 2020

Archbishop Foley Beach, Chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council, who will provide primatial oversight to ANiE said: “Anglicans in Europe need a network that is faithful to the Bible, focused on reaching the lost, and distinctly Anglican. Over ten years ago, when Gafcon enabled Anglicans in North America to come together for the good of the Gospel, I was one of them.

“Now, I am honoured to serve as the Chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council and provide for others what was provided for me: a spiritual home within Anglicanism and a base for mission.

“Please join me in prayer and support for the Anglican Network in Europe as they seek to proclaim Christ faithfully to the nations.”

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ANiE will be " a home for those congregations that find themselves unable to continue part of the formal structures of their national churches", says Bishop Andy Lines. https://t.co/06coXxsoXJ

— Christian Today (@ChristianToday) December 10, 2020

Federal employees who violate religious freedom protections can now be held liable for monetary damages they cause after the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the law allows people of faith to seek financial relief.

Money is “the only form of relief that can remedy some … violations,” wrote Justice Clarence Thomas in the court’s unanimous decision.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not take part in the case because oral arguments took place before her Senate confirmation.

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Supreme Court rules that religious freedom law allows for monetary damages https://t.co/GvwpT3bXsy pic.twitter.com/ABRIsA6KLC

— Kelsey Dallas (@kelsey_dallas) December 10, 2020

O Lord God, heavenly Father, who through thy Son hast revealed to us that heaven and earth shall pass away: We beseech thee to keep us steadfast in thy Word and in true faith; graciously guard us from all sin and preserve us amid all temptations, so that our hearts may not be overcharged with the cares of this life, but at all times in watchfulness and prayer we may await the return of thy Son and joyfully cherish the expectation of our eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

2nd Sunday of Advent. pic.twitter.com/2eBhxqcaV5

— Hilde 🇳🇴 (@HilTurn) December 7, 2020

‘But I trust in thee, O Lord,
I say, “Thou art my God.”
My times are in thy hand’

–Psalm 31:14-15a

⁦@Eweather13⁩ ⁦@RachelFrank_CT⁩
Another colorful sunrise! pic.twitter.com/H5V3npTGj5

— Chris (@Clane78) December 10, 2020