Christian Today staff writer

• John Chau's father blames 'extreme Christianity' for his North Sentinel Island death

  The father of John Chau has hit out at the 'extreme Christianity' he blames for his son's death.

• 50 million Chinese Christians persecuted, says Open Doors

  The charity for persecuted Christians ranks China at 27 out of the top 50 countries where it is hardest to be a Christian, a jump of 16 places.

• RE lessons should be compulsory, says head teachers' union

  Parents should not be allowed to withdraw their children from religious education lessons, according to a senior policy adviser for school leaders' union NAHT.

• Anglicans churchgoers have 'total lack of confidence' in speaking about faith

  'Small behavioural changes' from the 1 million Anglican churchgoers could make a huge difference.

• CofE urged to make land available to travellers

  'There is much anecdotal evidence of people being refused Baptism, Weddings and Funerals.'

• Peer withdraws attempt to smooth CofE path to same-sex marriage

  The amendment to the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Bill sought to end the exemption that means the Church of England and Church in Wales cannot opt in without a change in the law.

• 100-day campaign launches to save iconic Scottish Baptist church building

  The former Coats Memorial Baptist Church in Paisley closed as a church last October following years of declining attendance and rising costs.

• Assisted dying poll sparks row in Royal College of Physicians

  The college plans to poll its members over whether they support helping patients end their lives.

• Bishop calls for fines on social media platforms that harm young people

  A Church of England bishop has called for social media companies to be regulated to protect children from online abuse and bullying.

• Evangelism tops agenda for CofE synod meetings

  According to the Church, papers published today set out how 'small behavioural changes' by the around one million people who regularly attend Church of England churches could make a 'huge difference'.

• Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of meddling in Orthodox faith, warns Russia will 'protect freedom of religion'

  Putin said that Russia reserved the right to defend people's rights to worship.

• #SheToo: How should we understand violence against women in the Bible ?

  A new podcast series is set to explore some of the Bible's 'texts of terror' – the stories that portray extreme violence against women, often avoided by preachers.