NEWS IN BRIEF

THE CAMPAIGN to Free the Siberian Seven. organised by Buzz Nlagazine, is to celebrate the birthday today of Peter Vashchenko. who is one of the seven trapped in the basement of the American Embassy in I‘loscow. by handing out pieces of cake to politicians, journalists and supporters. A piece will also be offered to the Russian ambassador to London, Professor Popov.
THE METHODIST Conference, the governing body of Britain's largest free church, is to he asked to restore the National Anthem which it excluded from the proposed contents of its next hymn book. The two verses were dropped from the first hymn book draft in July this year. Since then, dozens of protests have been received.
Bishop Thomas McMahon. of Brentwood, preached last Sunday at Essex l'niversity. when he was formerly the university chalplain. Town and gown filled the main lecture theatre block For the service, which was attended by the vicechancellor, Dr Albert Sloman, and the mayor of Colchester.
MRS ELSIE GABRIOLEK is U) be awarded the Bene Merenti Medal in recognition of her long and distinguished service to the Challoner club. The medal will be presented hy the Duke of Norfolk on Wednesday. November 4.
A FINN is to be the next leader of the Salvation Army. Jarly Vv'ahlstronn. aged 63, will take over as the army's twelfth general when General Arnold Brown leaves in December. Genera' Wahlstrom was elected on the third ballot by the 44 members of the High Council.
X 'MAGAZINE in Peking has strongly attacked religious activity in China. While the article said that people shouldn't he actively discouraged from religion, it added: "We should not take a permissive attitude and open the door wide to superstitious practices." Religious freedom is, however, protected in the Constitution.