A GROUP of 22 Russians visited the north east of England last week, taking in Durham cathedral, Holy Island and a number of schools including St Benet Biscop's Catholic High. The delegation, made up mainly of teachers, was in Britain on the return leg of an exchange arranged by Northumberland Education Authority. In June 20 teachers from the county went to Leningrad.
THE family of a 21 year old Catholic, shot dead in north Belfast last week, has appealed that there be no acts of retaliation for his murder. 21 year old Gary Campbell was shot in his front room.
THE Anglican Bishop of Southwark, Dr Ronald Bowlby, told his diocesan synod at the weekend that he could see a strong case for allowing stateaided Moslem schools in some areas. Bishop Bowlby was addressing the synod at St Bede's Joint Catholic Anglican school in Redhill, Surrey.
MGR Patrick O'Donoghue has been appointed administrator of Westminster cathedral. He replaces Canon Oliver Kelly who has held the post for 13 years. Westminster diocese has also appointed Fr Barry Carpenter to a special ministry with homelss people based in Soho Square, central London.
CARDINAL Basil Hume is to become an honorary doctor. of law at Keele University.
CATHOLIC Tom Farmer, chair and chief executive of Kwik-Fit. received his CBE from the Queen last week.
SOME 150 Christians gathered this week in Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick to discuss housing and homelessness. The event was organised by the National Churches Housing Consultation group.
ST Margaret's Convent at Rock Ferry on the Wirral in Merseyside celebrates its centenary next week. The Sisters of Charity at the convent take part in parish and community work as well as caring for 30 elderly women. To celebrate the anniversary Bishop Joseph Grey of Shrewsbury will say a mass of thanksgiving at St Margaret's.
THE National Council Annual Meeting of the Catholic Women's League in Blackpool last week was addressed by Fr Barrie Cummins about his experience as a prison chaplain at Wakefield Prison.