1. Death of Rev John Roberts
It is with sadness that I report the death of Rev John Roberts on 9 July 2016 at a nursing home near Preston. His wife, Rev Daphne Roberts, and family members were with him. His funeral will take place at 3.00pm on Tuesday 19 July at Charnock Richard Crematorium, Preston Road, Chorley, PR5 5JP. All are welcome afterwards to a buffet at the Dog and Partridge, 30 Chorley Lane, Charnock Richard, Chorley, PR7 5ES. Donations in John's memory can be made to Parkinson's UK.
Family members will be speaking briefly at the service. If anyone has a short memory or reflection about John's life that they would like to share, some time has been set aside during the buffet. Rev Bob Janis-Dillon will be conducting the service and he would appreciate reading or hearing any thoughts about John, if you knew him, as he prepares for the service. If you are willing to share anything please do email Rev Bob Janis-Dillon or ring on 07986 826601.
Derek McAuley
Chief Officer
2. Unitarian Day of Prayer for Peace – Reminder
Unitarians and Free Christians will have another opportunity to observe the special Unitarian Day of Prayer for Peace on Sunday 16 October 2016 perhaps by hosting an ‘Interfaith Service, Vigil or Gathering for World Peace’. There is a Day of Prayer for Peace worship pack available on the General Assembly website with resources and prayers you might find useful.
Derek McAuley
Chief Officer
3. Inter Faith Week and Scottish Interfaith Week
Inter Faith Week 2016 in England, Northern and Ireland and Wales, now in its eighth year, will run from Sunday 13 to Sunday 20 November. Why an ‘8 day Week’? This year, the Week begins on Remembrance Sunday and many people of different faiths and beliefs will be marking that in some way. The additional Sunday will provide additional opportunity for weekend events to take place. For further information, visit the Inter Faith Week website.
Scottish Interfaith Week has announced that from 2016 its dates will be the same as for the Week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Events for Scottish Inter Faith Week will be listed on the interactive map at the Inter Faith Week website. The theme for the Week in Scotland will be ‘Religion and the media’. For further information, visit the Scottish Inter Faith Week page.
Inter Faith Network
4. Media Coverage
Ipswich “Suffolk LGBT holding service in memory of Orlando Shooting” (Ipswich Star, 16 June 2016).
Rev Shammy Webster spoke at a vigil of solidarity held in Hebden Bridge for victims of Orlando massacre (Halifax Courier, 14 June 2016)
Portsmouth Unitarians “Service marks 250th Anniversary since birth of Portsmouth cobbler John Pounds” ( The News, 20 June 2016)
Ullet Road Unitarian Church, Liverpool “Last supper @unitarian church” (The Skinny, 7 June 2016)
A letter from Rev Peter Godfrey following the murder of Jo Cox MP and the connection with Joseph Priestley appeared in The Guardian (23 June 2016)
Rev Jo James was interviewed on Yorkshire Common Life (25 June 2016)
Octagon Chapel in Norwich wins Lottery funding to repair roof (Norwich Evening News, 30 June 2016)
Bridport “Bridport cooks set sail for Calais refugee camp” (Bridport News, 8 July 2016)
Derek McAuley
Chief Officer