News

The little-known history of the Nativity play

In the run-up to Christmas, primary schools and Sunday schools often put on Nativity plays. This custom, however, is a surprisingly modern tradition. Here is its story.
Missing Christian pilgrim found safe in Syria

Described as a "Christmas miracle" by his family, American citizen Travis Timmerman has been found in Syria after being unexpectedly detained for seven months while making a pilgrimage in an effort to deepen his Christian faith.
Evangelical Alliance fears assisted dying will come to Ireland after UK Parliament vote

A bill to introduce assisted dying in Ireland lapsed in the previous DÃ¡il on Nov. 8, just before the general election took place.
Sorry, bishop, the TV challenge is bigger than that ...

One of the Church of England's most senior bishops has lamented that families will not be watching TV together this Christmas.
Appointment of new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief welcomed

The appointment of David Smith MP as the new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) has been welcomed by Christian charities.
Vatican removes Palestinian keffiyeh Nativity scene amid backlash

After the display raised a few eyebrows, the Vatican appears to have removed a Nativity scene that showed baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the traditional scarf used as a national symbol by Palestinians that anti-Israel activists have donned at their protests.
God's peace and the world's peace are not the same thing

The peace of God is the opposite of all that the world has to offer.
Bishop tells Islamic rebels Christians must not be 'second-class citizens' in Syria

Leaders of churches and ecclesial communities in Syria met with representatives of the armed Islamic-led rebel groups that seized control of the country amid fears that Christians could face persecution or strict regulations that could disrupt their faith life.
Oldest Christian artefact north of the Alps unearthed in Germany

Archaeologists in Germany have confirmed the discovery of a 1,750-year-old amulet containing a silver scroll, now recognised as the oldest physical evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
What next for Syria â and the wider Middle East region?

Will this really be a new era of peace and freedom for Syria after years of oppression and conflict?
Gifts that aren't things: presents for your loved ones that won't end up at the back of a cupboard

It might be a heartwarming sight to see a pile of colourfully wrapped presents sitting snug under a twinkling Christmas tree. But post-celebrations, the resulting pile of goods can also sometimes leave us a little bit guilty.
Abbey apologises after review into shocking abuse

Caldey Abbey in Wales has apologised for historical child sex abuse perpetrated by a monk between the 1960s and 1990s.