Furman, known as Ace on the Gladiators programme, has installed Hang Tough rings in Calvary Chapel, York so people can benefit “physically and spiritually”.

Speaking to the Mirror Furman said: “It makes sense for a church to teach how to look after the body.”

Congregations are invited after Sunday services to have a go on various inflatables.

Furman describes himself as a “Gladiator for the Gospel” and is encouraging the chapel’s “super fit” Pastor Dave Sylvester to start his sermons swinging from the ceilings, insisting it would grasp the attention of the congregation.

Furman hopes the idea will catch on in other churches too, saying: “The church has a great big space in the middle of a city,” he says. “What a place where people can come to a fun environment where they’re going to benefit physically and spiritually. It’s a no-brainer.”

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Belfast-born Lord Mawhinney, who served as Tory Party chairman from 1995 to 1997 under Sir John Major’s government, died on Saturday evening.

In a statement his family said: “His death brings an end to a life dedicated to public service and rooted in an unwavering Christian faith.”

“He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He will be much missed.”

He was elected MP for Peterborough in 1979 and later represented North West Cambridgeshire, retiring in 2005, and was a member of the Cabinet from 1994 until 1997.

During that time he served as minister of state for the Department of Health and secretary of state for Transport.

He was knighted in 1997 and created a life peer in 2005.

Lord Mawhinney also served as Football League chairman for seven years from 2003.

During his time at the helm of the sporting body, he introduced the fit and proper persons test for prospective club directors and the publication of club spending on agents’ fees.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said in a statement: “Everyone associated with the EFL is saddened to hear of the loss of Lord Mawhinney, a hugely respected and influential figure in our recent past, most notably for his work as chairman of the Football League but also for the significant impact he had on the wider game.

“Lord Mawhinney was awarded a Life…

Irish Anglicanism features 20 essays ranging across themes as broad as youth work, art and architecture, education, liturgy, the Irish language, and music. 

The project forms part of the Church’s D150 initiative, to mark the 150th anniversary of its disestablishment, which broke the link between Church and State.

Speaking at an event on 8^th November celebrating the launch of the book, Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland noted that the historical period since 1969 “is in fact one of considerable interest, sociologically, politically, and indeed ecclesiastically – so much has changed in that period.”

He added that “the strength of the essays has been very much their variety” whereas, in 1969, the Church would have been “much more cautious” and “much less self-critical.” 

Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

Archbishop Richard discussed developments in a range of issues covered by the essays and, in particular, welcomed the “evolution with dignity” in the development of the role of women in ministry during that time.

The book is co-edited by Dr Paul Harron and Dr Kenneth Milne.

Dr Harron said at the event: “Without exception, each author has approached…

The rate will increase by 30p-an-hour to £9.30, and by 20p in London to £10.75, with the number of employers signing up to pay the living wage increasing to almost 6,000.

The Living Wage Foundation, which sets the rates, said they were now £1.09-an-hour higher than the statutory minimum wage of £8.21 for adults, and £2.54 higher in London.

Workers will receive the news on Monday, although the new rates will be brought in over the next few months.

A record 1,500 employers have accredited with the foundation this year, including Crystal Palace Football Club, Welsh Water and Newcastle University as well as a number of local authorities.

More than a third of companies in the FTSE 100 pay the living wage.

Most Rev Justin Welby said: “Living Wage Week 2019 is a moment to celebrate what can be done when faith organisations, civil society and businesses pull together around values that unite us.

“With thousands of employers now accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, it’s no longer just a campaign, it’s a movement that is transforming lives.”

According to The Daily Mirror, he also lamented impact poverty has on hard-working people and said everyone deserves “to live with dignity, freedom and hope”.

“For people to be trapped in poverty, even as they work long hours to provide for themselves and their families, is a fundamental injustice,” Archbishop Justin…

Irish Anglicanism features 20 essays ranging across themes as broad as youth work, art and architecture, education, liturgy, the Irish language, and music. 

The project forms part of the Church’s D150 initiative, to mark the 150th anniversary of its disestablishment, which broke the link between Church and State.

Speaking at an event on 8^th November celebrating the launch of the book, Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland noted that the historical period since 1969 “is in fact one of considerable interest, sociologically, politically, and indeed ecclesiastically – so much has changed in that period.”

He added that “the strength of the essays has been very much their variety” whereas, in 1969, the Church would have been “much more cautious” and “much less self-critical.” 

Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

Archbishop Richard discussed developments in a range of issues covered by the essays and, in particular, welcomed the “evolution with dignity” in the development of the role of women in ministry during that time.

The book is co-edited by Dr Paul Harron and Dr Kenneth Milne.

Dr Harron said at the event: “Without exception, each author has approached…

There are 900 churches registered on Historic England’s “at risk” list.

Conservationists say they need support to prevent and repair damage caused by rain, wind, snow and ice, with heritage experts warning many are being ravaged especially severely because of climate change.

Mr Bryson, vice-president of the National Churches Trust (NCT) has told The Times newspaper it was England’s “national responsibility” to protect England’s historic places of worship.

The NCT received a record 593 applications from churches for maintenance and repair grants last year.

This year, the figure has leapt by another 37 per cent,  the paper said.

“Nothing embodies a quintessential Christmas like a historic church in the snow,” Bryson said.

“But winter is when these ancient and often fragile buildings are most at risk of serious damage from snow, ice, wind and rain.

“Historic churches are Britain’s wonders of the world, yet they are more at risk from winter weather than people realise.

“I urge the British public to help protect historic churches … The winter would be bleak indeed without them.”

Richard Carr-Archer, surveyor emeritus of York Minster and a trustee of the NCT, said: “The impact of climate change is seeing wetter and windier winter weather. Higher levels of rainfall, with more cycles of wetting and drying, cause damage to timber and stonework [and] stronger winds and more…

Churches have seen a 75 per cent increase in heritage crime attacks with theft and vandalism offences nearly doubling in the past year, according to figures from the Church Conservation Trust (CCT).

Data from the trust revealed last year saw the highest number of recorded incidents since records began in 1999.

CCT, who care for 350 historic churches across England, recorded 35 thefts of bespoke church window panels thought to be ‘stolen to order’ for underground traders in 2018.
 
In 2016 a panel of the prophet Ezekial from the 16th century Withcote Chapel in Leicestershire was stolen. It is suspected to be in response to an order from antiques dealers.

Stained glass windows are also vulnerable to smashing by thieves wishing to gain access to church buildings.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph CCT detailed one “particularly devastating attack” at St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury, which saw vandals smash a panel of its world famous medieval glass to steal money from inside the church.

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The body of Annie Hall, chair of Derby Cathedral Council, was found in the River Derwent on Friday morning two miles after she was engulfed by rising water in Darley Dale, near Matlock.

Widespread flooding hit towns across the Midlands and northern England on Thursday and Friday and several areas were deluged with one month’s worth of rain in a day.

According to Derbyshire police, the River Derwent burst its banks and caused huge problems along the length of the county.

Rt Rev Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, commended Hall for her service to the community and offered her condolences to her family, saying: “I am shocked and saddened by this tragic news.

“The pain and grief of Annie’s death is felt by the whole community at Derby Cathedral and throughout the Diocese of Derby.

“My prayers are with her family at this very sad time.

“Annie’s faithful professionalism, supportive nature and wonderful sense of humour meant she was much appreciated as chair of Derby Cathedral Council.

“Throughout Derbyshire, Annie was known for her personable and caring character, and for bringing laughter wherever she went. She will be much missed.

“Derby Cathedral, and the Diocese of Derby, will continue to pray for Annie’s family, and for all those affected by the flooding, offering support and help where we can.”

Rev Canon Dr Elizabeth Thomson, Acting Dean of Derby, said: “This is very sad and shocking news. Annie was a great friend to…