News
Joel Osteen opens Houston megachurch as shelter for Hurricane Harvey victims following online outrage
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the ongoing flooding in Houston, Texas, Joel Osteen has officially opened his megachurch as a refuge for the thousands who are now homeless. It comes after the pastor faced a barrage of criticism online when it was implied that the prosperous Osteen was withholding shelter from the needy in a time of crisis.
After 95 days of fighting with Christians caught in the crossfire, Philippines troops retake Cathedral in Marawi
Government forces in the Philippines have finally cleared and retaken a Catholic church in the centre of the predominantly Muslim city of Marawi after 95 days of fighting there, according to The Philippine Star.
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
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.
Chinese Catholics succeed in prayerful protest against demolition of their church - for now
Dozens of Chinese Catholics yesterday tried to stop the demolition of their church in Wangcun, near Changzhi, in the south-eastern Shanxi province of the country, according to Asia News.
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 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
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.
Islam and the West: 'Worrying' report reveals Britons' attitudes to Muslims
More than half of Britons say Islam poses a threat to the West, a new study is claiming, as the UK becomes more polarised.
'This is not a court of religion': Judge orders Muslim man to stand in court
A Muslim man accused of preaching sharia law on the streets of London was ordered to stand in court after the defendant initially refused to stand for the court's judge.
Christian girl placed with Muslim foster carer is returned to grandmother after court ruling
The Christian girl reportedly forced to live with a Muslim foster carer was last night returned to her grandmother's home following a hearing at a family court and a national outcry.
Christian MPs join more than a hundred backing holiday hunger bill
More than 100 MPs have backed a bill to tackle hunger and malnutrition during the school holidays when free school meals are not available.
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.
Awaiting the footsteps of the Messiah: How Jews follow the 'twists and turns' of Jerusalem with love
The Isaiah passage we read last Shabbat are verses 51:12-52:12. To many people this passage is famous for the soprano aria from Handel's Messiah, 'How beautiful are the feet...' But Jews tend to translate differently as the 'footsteps' of the herald coming nearer and nearer with the announcement that the Messiah, long-awaited by the Jews, is finally arriving.
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'.
Why the Church needs to reclaim Halloween
'As someone who grew up in a Christian home where we weren't allowed to engage in Halloween, my firstborn sharing his special day with one associated with ghosts, ghouls and all sorts of unsavoury characters is not a prospect I'm relishing'.