Faith-themed movies receive Oscar nominations

One of the biggest faith-based movies of 2019, Breakthrough, has picked up an Oscar nomination. 

The family-friendly movie has been nominated for Best Original Song for I'm Standing With You, written by Diane Warren.  It was performed by actress Chrissy Metz, one of the lead stars in the film.

Breakthrough is based on the book of the same name by Joyce Smith, which tells the true-life story of her son coming back to life against all the odds after he fell through the ice on a Missouri lake. 

The movie was produced by megachurch pastor DeVon Franklin and grossed $50m worldwide.

Celebrating on Twitter, he said: "@breakthroughmovie got an Oscar nomination!!! For best song for 'I'm Standing With You!' Huge congrats to the one and only warren_diane"

Metz responded to the news on Instagram, saying: "Congratulations, @warren_diane on your 11th Oscar Nomination for Best Song!"

"Thank you, @devonfranklin for putting us together and making dreams come true! And a HUGE thank you to @theacademy for this incredible honor!" 

Tom Hanks dressed as Mr. Rogers on the set of "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." (Photo: TriStar Pictures)

Other movies with strong faith themes to have received Oscar nominations are Harriet, a biographical film about slave-turned-abolitionist and devout Christian Harriet Tubman, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, about the beloved TV show host and minister, Fred Rogers.

Harriet received two nominations, Best Original Song for Stand Up, co-written by Joshuah Brian Campbell and the movie's star Cynthia Erivo.  British rising star Erivo picked up the other nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Harriet.

Hollywood veteran Tom Hanks was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the late Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

News
Blue plaque unveiled at Agatha Christie's childhood church
Blue plaque unveiled at Agatha Christie's childhood church

As far as we know, the church is not famous for a disproportionate number of mystery murders taking place nearby.

Humanist weddings may outnumber Protestant ones in Northern Ireland
Humanist weddings may outnumber Protestant ones in Northern Ireland

Catholic and civil weddings remain the most popular but humanist ceremonies are becoming increasingly common.

Climate protests held at cathedrals across England
Climate protests held at cathedrals across England

A series of protests took place during the weekend at several Church of England cathedrals and abbeys, where members of the group, Christian Climate Action, called on the church to take a stronger stance on climate change.

The good news about repentance
The good news about repentance

It's such a loaded word but, when properly understood, it's the pathway to joy.