Church

Pope expresses fears of church closures in Europe due to declining number of priests

Pope Francis has warned that some seminaries, churches and monasteries in Europe could be shut down in the future due to the shortage of priests and nuns.

Former gays and lesbians blast California law banning conversion therapy

Eight California residents who were formerly gay and lesbian have appeared in a recent video denouncing pending legislation that would ban any therapy that attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation.

A legacy of souls: Why we should be grateful, not sad as Soul Survivor closes

It's the news that no one in UK youth ministry ever wanted to hear, and the announcement we all knew one day would come.

End of the line for Soul Survivor summer festivals

The British Christian youth organisation Soul Survivor has announced that it is closing its long-running summer festivals next year.

Authentic community: Reflecting on the European Mennonite Regional Conference

I cannot remember attending a theological conference that was pervaded by such a deep and meaningful sense of community.

Prosperity preacher Jesse Duplantis asks for donations to purchase $54 million Falcon 7X jet

Televangelist Jesse Duplantis has asked his followers for money to purchase a brand new Falcon 7X jet so that he can "go anywhere in the world in one stop."

Pope warns bishops against letting gay people train for priesthood

Pope Francis has warned Italian bishops to be wary of priesthood applicants suspected of having homosexual tendencies, according to a new report.

White evangelicals are the most likely to say US shouldn't welcome refugees

Of all social demographics in the US, white evangelical Protestants are the most likely to say that the US does not have an obligation to welcome refugees.

Only a quarter of Brits think the church is good for community

Only a quarter of Brits think the church is 'good for the community', major new research on public attitudes towards the church has revealed.

'I was born in the fire': the fervent faith of dancing preacher Billy Bray

Today marks the death of a 19th-century Cornish preacher with fire in his belly and a liking for indecorous dance: a man known as Billy Bray.

Church of England's synod will not debate sexuality, prompting fury from campaigners

The Church of England's ruling synod will not debate the possibility of formal services to bless same-sex couples at its next meeting this July, prompting fury from campaigners.

The sad story of Methodist founder John Wesley's marriage

May 24th marks the day an Anglican priest named John Wesley had a spiritual experience that changed his life, and arguably transformed the church. But many don't know a more sombre side to Wesley's life: his tense, and even violent relationship with his wife.