The great tradition of the biblical oratorio lives on, says Andrea Stephens. Retired URC minsiter Derek Wensley has his full-length work Re:Creation performed at St John's Smith Square in April 2009.

In a move which could signal a longer-term shift in its ministry, the role of deacons as missionaries to their local communities should be taken more seriously, argues a report from the Church of England’s Faith and Order Advisory Group published last week.