Anne Thomas

Westminster Dean encourages Christian nurses to share faith

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev John Hall, says Christians have increasingly been forced to keep their faith to themselves rather than use it as a force for good in public life.

Bishop consecrates unmarked children's graves

The Bishop of Down and Connor has consecrated land where the bodies of babies and young children are believed to have been buried.

Archbishops’ Zimbabwe appeal nears £300,000

Public donations to an appeal for Zimbabwe launched earlier in the year by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have reached £292,330.

India: Church set on fire in Andhra Pradesh

A church in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, was set on fire last Tuesday by an anti-Christian group in the area.

Pope encourages Christians in Holy Land to be faithful

Pope Benedict XVI gave encouragement to Christians living in the Holy Land at an open-air Mass on Sunday attended by some 50,000 people.

Archbishop tells York to back its football team

The Archbishop of York has called on the people of York to get behind the city’s football club in its bid for the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Taliban power growing in Pakistan

With the increasing strength of Taliban forces in the country, Pakistan is becoming a more dangerous place for Christians and other religious minorities to live.

Queen's medal pulled for being too Christian

A medal established by Queen Elizabeth II has been replaced by a new award after having all references to Christianity removed from it, on the grounds that it is not fitting for Hindus and Muslims.

Taliban threatens Pope with 'severe reaction' ahead of Middle East visit

The Taliban has warned Pope Benedict XVI that he will feel “the consequences of a severe reaction” if Christianity is allowed to be preached in Afghanistan. The Pope is due to begin his tour of the Middle East today and will meet King Abdullah on his visit to Jordan, before heading to Israel.

Pope to be 'pilgrim of peace' in Middle East

The Pope says he is visiting the Middle East as a “pilgrim of peace” and that he wants the visit to “bear much fruit” not only for Christians in the area but Jews and Muslims as well.

Cardinal calls on Berlusconi to set a better example

The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has been criticised by a senior figure in the Vatican for setting a bad example. Berlusconi, 72, is currently embroiled in a public divorce with his wife who accuses him of being too friendly with young girls and women.

African Archbishop backs Pope's condom comments

The Roman Catholic Church’s most senior cleric in Nigeria has come out in support of the Pope following his recent comments against the use of contraception.

Court overturns first Greek gay 'weddings'

A court in Greece has overturned the country’s first “homosexual weddings”, which took place last year as a result of a legal loophole.

Methodist charity to help people make their mark

The Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) is to host a series of conferences this summer aimed at helping people do their part to change the world.

Men want more anthems and less hugging in church

A new survey has suggested that men who go to church would like less hugging and holding hands and more singing of anthems and “proclamational” songs.

Israel expecting tourism boost from Pope's visit

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land next week is expected to boost the number of Catholics visiting Israel this year, says the Israeli Tourism Miniser Stas Meseznikov.