Mark Woods

• Consecration of gay bishop did violate Church law, says United Methodist court

  The consecration of a gay bishop violated church law, according to a decision by the top court of The United Methodist Church.

• Pastor arrested over 'extremist' Josh McDowell book 'More Than A Carpenter'

  A pastor in Tajikistan has been arrested on charges of 'extremism' for having a book by a well-known US Christian author.

• Russian who caught Pokemon in church faces long jail term

  A Russian state prosecutor asked a court to jail a blogger who played Pokemon Go inside a church for three-and-a-half years on Friday, saying he was guilty of inciting religious hatred.

• What did Jesus mean when he said 'I am the vine'?

  In John's account of his long address to his disciples before his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus describes himself as the 'true vine'.

• Baptist leader Paige Patterson apologises for 'racist' rap photo

  The president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has issued a lengthy apology after a photograph of senior staff dubbed 'racist' by critics was posted online.

• Can this gathering of Christian and Muslim leaders find a way to peace?

  A major gathering of Christians and Muslims at Cairo's prestigious Al-Azhar University has heard passionate appeals for understanding and unity from delegates.

• The lamp on a stand: How Jesus' words in Luke 8 are a warning to the internet age

  Some of the saying of Jesus are surprisingly dark, when we try to read them with fresh eyes.

• Southern Baptist seminary faculty spark outrage with 'rap' photo

  'Grown adult men gathering together to take a picture and holding a gun no less. Stereotyping and being racist. It's disgusting.'

• Massive investment will fund excavation of site where Peter baptised Cornelius

  Ancient Caesarea is being excavated and made accessible to visitors in a major new project.

• Why does Jesus refuse to help the Syro-Phoenician woman in Matthew 15?

  Jesus refuses to help a desperate woman because she's a Gentile, and describes her as a 'dog'.

• Can John Wesley teach us how to campaign in a general election?

  One of the most depressing things about the current general election campaign is the amplification on social media of our worst instincts.

• Why do people stop going to church – and what can we do about it?

  Evangelical Christians love to talk about conversion – it's what we do – but the flip side of that is virtually taboo. Because just as people find faith, sometimes they lose it.