Church

Bishops add weight as more than 100 MPs back holiday hunger bill
Bishops add weight as more than 100 MPs back holiday hunger bill

Bishops are adding their weight to a bill that aims to tackle summer holiday hunger among children who would otherwise receive free school meals.

Sean Spicer gets to meet Pope Francis...finally
Sean Spicer gets to meet Pope Francis...finally

Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has finally met Pope Francis after he was left off the list of officials who met the pontiff with Donald Trump in May.

Parents\' dismay as Californian Catholic school removes religious statues on grounds they could \'alienate\' people
Parents' dismay as Californian Catholic school removes religious statues on grounds they could 'alienate' people

Parents of pupils at a Catholic school in California have expressed dismay after the institution removed several religious statues because of concerns that they would 'alienate' prospective students and their parents.

Two Jesuit schools in Australia cautiously back same-sex marriage, citing teachings of Pope Francis
Two Jesuit schools in Australia cautiously back same-sex marriage, citing teachings of Pope Francis

Two elite private Jesuit schools in Australia appear cautiously to have endorsed same-sex marriage, citing the teaching of Pope Francis, ahead of a referendum on the issue in that country.

New female Anglican Archbishop of Perth says she favours \'inclusive\' approach on same-sex marriage
New female Anglican Archbishop of Perth says she favours 'inclusive' approach on same-sex marriage

The Australian newly elected first female Anglican Archbishop, Kay Goldsworthy, has strongly hinted that she personally backs same-sex marriage, saying she has an 'inclusive' approach to the issue but respects the wider position of the church.

Pope Francis in Myanmar: He can expect rape, war crimes and ethnic purging
Pope Francis in Myanmar: He can expect rape, war crimes and ethnic purging

When Pope Francis visits Myanmar in late November and early December he will be going into a maelstrom of racial conflict, war crimes, gang rape and ethnic purging bordering on genocide.

Charity Commission finds public benefit in Plymouth Brethren Gospel Hall Trusts
Charity Commission finds public benefit in Plymouth Brethren Gospel Hall Trusts

The Charity Commission has today published findings from its review of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) Gospel Hall Trusts, concluding that there are 'no significant regulatory issues relating to the charities' compliance with their governing documents'.

Australian Anglican church elects Kay Goldsworthy as first female archbishop
Australian Anglican church elects Kay Goldsworthy as first female archbishop

Australia's first female Anglican archbishop has been elected to head the church in Western Australia. Kay Goldsworthy will replace Roger Herft, who stepped down a year ahead of schedule after admitting he had let down survivors at the royal commission into child sex abuse.

Conviction costs: Sinister Salome and the brutal beheading of St John the Baptist
Conviction costs: Sinister Salome and the brutal beheading of St John the Baptist

Today, across several church traditions, is the feast day of the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. John's bloody demise remains a timeless icon of martyrdom, capricious violence and twisted family drama.

\'Racism is America\'s original sin\': 3,000 pastors march in Washington to protest white supremacy
'Racism is America's original sin': 3,000 pastors march in Washington to protest white supremacy

Thousands of pastors and religious leaders marched in Washington, DC yesterday in politically charged protest against white supremacy.

Pagans demand return of \'their\' buildings they claim were \'stolen\' by the church
Pagans demand return of 'their' buildings they claim were 'stolen' by the church

A leader of some of Britain's pagans is demanding the 'return' of two church buildings as compensation for property they claim was stolen from them during the conversion of England 1,300 years ago.

If necessary use words...What did Francis of Assisi really say?
If necessary use words...What did Francis of Assisi really say?

The Christian gospel involves hearing as well as seeing; word as well as deed.

\'The flock have made up their mind\': Most Australian Christians back gay marriage ahead of national vote
'The flock have made up their mind': Most Australian Christians back gay marriage ahead of national vote

Most Australian Christians, including Catholics – alongside other religious groups – are expected to back gay marriage in the upcoming referendum, according to a new survey.

Bible belonging to WWII Scottish war-hero \'The Tartan Pimpernel\' makes historic homecoming
Bible belonging to WWII Scottish war-hero 'The Tartan Pimpernel' makes historic homecoming

A Bible belonging to a heroic Scottish Christian minister of the Second World War has been returned to his former church.

Vicar defiant after a lifetime campaigning for gay-rights
Vicar defiant after a lifetime campaigning for gay-rights

A retired vicar involved in a high-profile gay rights case has spoken with defiance about his lifelong campaign for same-sex marriage in the church.

Lying for Jesus: why it matters that our preaching illustrations are actually true
Lying for Jesus: why it matters that our preaching illustrations are actually true

The rewriting, mixing up and complete invention of stories to fit our purposes might feel like a necessary evil in the fight to inspire and encourage our listeners, but as communicators we have to call this what it really is: lying.