Don't be a scrooge, Christians tell Chancellor

Anti-poverty campaigners will be delivering a copy of the Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to George Osborne.

Alan Pinch, a Quaker, Stephen Pennells, a Roman Catholic, and Graham Martin, an Anglican, are all supporters of Church Action on Poverty.

They are taking part in the stunt to raise concerns about the impact of welfare cuts on the the poor.

They fear that Britain may be returning to the levels of poverty and contempt for the poor described by Dickens in A Christmas Carol.

The trio will be cycling to the Chancellor's constituency office in Knutsford where they will drop off the festive classic on 14 December.

The 20-mile journey starts at Manchester's Albert Square Christmas Market and stops will be made along the way so that members of the public can sign a statement to the Chancellor.

Pinch said: "It's a bit of festive fun with a very serious message at a time when many families are being forced to choose between heating and eating.

"Chancellor Osborne is at severe risk of turning into a modern day Scrooge, and we want to add our voices to the many calls for him to change track."

News
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.

800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world

4 October is St Francis’s Day, when Christians around the world remember the life and witness of Francis of Assisi. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. This is the story …

Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds
Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds

A new poll has found majority support for retaining Ireland’s mandatory three-day waiting period before an abortion, as lawmakers continue to consider legislation that would remove the requirement.