Warning on cults
AN American priest who is a world expert on cults and sects is in Britain to discuss the lessons to be drawn from the US Church's experience. Fr James LeBar, consultant on cults for the Archdiocese of New York, will tell an audience tonight at St James', Spanish Place, in central London, that adherence to extreme sects in the UK is on the rise.
Video legacies
THE overseas aid agency CAFOD is to benefit from a novel campaign to persuade the public of the wisdom of making wills. Throughout November, solicitors taking part in "WillAid" will be offering their services free of charge in return for a donation. One firm is even offering to make a video in which will-makers can clarify and explain their last wishes from the hereafter.
Sporting chance
YOUNG Yorkshire athletes are aiming to raise £10,000 for the House of Light Trust, a Leeds Catholic charity which runs homes for handicapped people. More than 60 long-distance runners from Catholic schools in Leeds, Harrogate and Bradford will be racing between the county's top sporting venues racecourses, football stadia and rugby clubs in a week-long sponsored road relay.
Bishops' caution
CHURCH of England bishops have urged great caution before any attempt is made to change public policy on euthanasia. A policy statement issued this week by the House of Bishops restated the Church's view that "the deliberate taking of human life is prohibited except in selfdefence or the legitimate defence of others".
Gielgud appeal
THE Catholic elder statesman of the stage, Sir John Gielgud, has joined the clamour against the expected cuts in British aid to developing countries. Sir John, who is a vice-president of the Catholic Stage Guild, will make a rare radio broadcast this week on behalf of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in which he stresses the need for a stand against "the injustices of a world the young will inherit".
Mission position
AN Irish Catholic priest and former missionary has been appointed to an advisory group of the Church of England. Fr Brian Hearne is one of several non-Anglicans to be appointed to the Anglican Mission Theological Advisory Group.