Church

Independent review finds Church of England safeguarding response re-traumatised abuse survivor

An independent review has concluded that the Church of England repeatedly failed a survivor of alleged sexual and spiritual abuse by clergy, finding that both its initial response to her disclosures in 2001 and a later national safeguarding investigation left her "further traumatised".

Historic churches at risk as report calls for overhaul of heritage funding and planning

Churches face “unsustainable” financial and practical pressures unless the government strengthens support for the UK’s historic places of worship, MPs have warned in a major report calling for a new approach to protecting the nation’s built heritage.

Church of England divided over official World Cup prayer

Critics called the prayer religiously illiterate and theologically thin.

Church of England Synod rejects motion affirming same-sex relationships

The motion was passed by clergy and laity but rejected by bishops.

Church of England passes motion on Palestinian Christians despite warnings from Chief Rabbi

Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, warned that the document "amounts to political activism dressed up as theology and risks undermining decades of Christian-Jewish relations".

Church of England adds annual commemoration for 21 Christian men martyred by Islamic State

It marks the first change to the Church of England's liturgical calendar in 16 years.

Church must resist 'us vs them' politics, warns Bishop of Leicester

The Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, told Synod that divisions are putting British democracy at risk as he urged the Church to play its part in reconciliation.

Church of England vicar dismissed after preaching on gender identity wins settlement

Victory at last for former school chaplain Bernard Randall who lost his job after preaching a sermon in which he told students they didn't have to accept LGBT ideology.

Gloucester Cathedral holds dedication service for new pipe organ

The unveiling coincides with an organ festival being hosted by the cathedral.

Archbishops allow ex-gay event to go ahead during Synod despite protests

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have given the green light for a fringe event featuring ex-gay Christians during the Church of England General Synod after coming under pressure from revisionists to cancel it.

Church saved from closure after gold found hidden under altar

The five members of a historic English church that was on the brink of closure because they could not afford to cover a £750,000 repair bill are now hopeful they can keep their doors open after discovering a trove of gold coins beneath the church’s altar.

Over 100 baptised in sea near Bournemouth beach