Staff writer

Priest wants 'decency tax' on brides who wear low-cut dresses
What, nowadays, is appropriate bridal wear for weddings? One Italian priest has been scandalised by what he thinks is a trend towards plunging necklines.

South Sudan church mourns murdered youth coordinator
The Episcopal Church of South Sudan's national youth cooordinator has been killed by gunmen who targeted his vehicle.
Bob Woodward book depicts White House 'nervous breakdown' under Trump
Excerpts from the book, Fear: Trump in the White House, written by famed Watergate reporter Bob Woodward, were published by the Washington Post on Tuesday.
Britain's changed its mind on Brexit, new poll shows
British voters would vote 59-41 to stay in the European Union if given the option after a six-point swing away from Brexit.

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for tax rises: 'I do not believe we can continue with an economy that works so badly for so many'
The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for a reshaping of Britain's tax system to raise more money for public services and reduce 'damaging wealth inequality'.

California shelves plans for ban on gay conversion therapy after dialogue with faith leaders
A California lawmaker has dropped a controversial bill that would have effectively banned gay conversion therapy and the sale of books related to the practice.

Trump 'very disappointed' with Turkish president over refusal to free Andrew Brunson
Donald Trump says he is 'very disappointed' with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over his refusal to free US pastor Andrew Brunson.

As children return to school, Christians are being urged to pray
Millions of children across the UK are heading back to school this week and although the start of the new academic year is an exciting time for many, there are also many challenges.

Aretha Franklin's family slams eulogy as 'offensive and distasteful'
More controversy broke over the funeral of singer Aretha Franklin after a family spokesman hit out at the 'negative agenda' of the minister who delivered the eulogy.

Bishop of Reading announces retirement
The Bishop of Reading, Rt Revd Andrew Proud, has announced he will retire next year. His last official engagement takes place on Easter Sunday.

Government unveils £1.8m scheme to preserve listed places of worship for future generations
The Government has launched a new pilot programme to repair and maintain historic places of worship across England.

How mental health awareness can facilitate spiritual growth
(Partner Post) It is crucial for people who are looking to grow spiritually to keep their mental health at an optimal level.

CARE launches new campaign encouraging people to consider organ donation
Christian advocacy group CARE is asking people to think about whether organ donation could be something they would be prepared to do.

Pastor accused of groping Ariana Grande at Aretha Franklin funeral apologizes
The bishop who officiated Aretha Franklin's funeral last Friday has apologized after being accused of groping singer Ariana Grande.

Washington 'no longer impartial' between Israelis and Palestinians after slashing aid
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) provides services to about 5 million Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank and Gaza.
Chilean prosecutors say Church abuse investigations have tripled
The number of cases of abuse in Chile's Roman Catholic Church under investigation by prosecutors has more than tripled to 119 in the past month, the national prosecuting authority said on Friday.