Lead thieves target Sentamu's home

The Archbishop of York's home has become the latest target in a wave of lead thefts to hit church buildings and property across the UK.

Police chased and arrested a suspected lead thief near the residence of Dr Sentamu, Bishopthorpe Palace, after two men were seen removing lead from the roof, reports the BBC. Police are continuing their search for the second suspect.

"Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and gave chase as the suspects fled," a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said.

"One of the suspects, a 26-year-old local man, was arrested."

The second suspect has been described by police as white, aged 30 to 40, with dark hair and wearing a dark-coloured jacket.

Police had received reports of previous lead theft activity at the Archbishop's 13th century residence two or three days prior to Wednesday's arrest, reports the BBC.

Police appealed for witnesses or members of the public with information to come forward.
News
EU mission to review Pakistan’s human rights record
EU mission to review Pakistan’s human rights record

Rights activists urged the European Union to investigate widespread human rights violations in Pakistan, including persecution of religious minorities, ahead of a review starting Monday by a key EU mission monitoring the country’s eligibility for preferential trade terms.

Government urged to support nation's historic churches
Government urged to support nation's historic churches

The Church of England is urging the government to step up financial support for historic churches and cathedrals after a new poll by Savanta found that many people use and appreciate them. 

The decades long exodus of Anglican clergy into Catholicism
The decades long exodus of Anglican clergy into Catholicism

Women priests and a papal visit in 2010 all helped ease the path to Rome.

VAT may crush struggling churches
VAT may crush struggling churches

Having already managed to close down at least 50 private schools via VAT, concerns are mounting that a similar financial assault will take its toll on the nation’s churches.