Ed Sheeran plans to build private chapel on country estate

Ed Sheeran is planning to built a chapel in the grounds of his Suffolk country estate.

Already fitted with a pub, treehouse, swimming pool and pond, he hopes to add a private chapel to his 16-acre farmhouse property, according to the Press Association. The building would be 'strictly non-denominational and for spiritual regeneration', according to the planning application.

The documents argue the need for the church because 'it is every person's right to be able to have a place of retreat for contemplation and prayer, for religious observance, celebration of key life and family milestones, marriages, christenings and so forth'.

The proposed chapel would be of made of flint and hold a congregation of around 24 with some overspill in the gallery, documents show.

Sheeran is thought to have been asked to play at Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in May.

He proposed to his own girlfriend, childhood sweetheart Cherry Seaborn, in December. However it is unlikely the pair would be allowed to marry in the private chapel because it would probably not be given a licence and it would not be open to the public.

Nicknamed Sheeranville by locals, the singer bought the property in 2012 for £895,000 and planning documents submitted to Suffolk coastal district council reveal his hopes for a Anglo-Saxon style church.

News
Immigration fears shape views of Britishness and Christianity, report finds
Immigration fears shape views of Britishness and Christianity, report finds

Concerns about immigration and cultural change extend beyond those most attached to Britain’s Christian identity, a new report by Theos has found.

Christian teacher challenges dismissal after sharing pro-life views in class
Christian teacher challenges dismissal after sharing pro-life views in class

A Christian teacher is bringing a discrimination claim against a secondary school in Sunderland, alleging that she was dismissed after answering pupils’ questions about her pro-life beliefs and other personal views in class.

Who was the Ethiopian eunuch and what can we learn from him?
Who was the Ethiopian eunuch and what can we learn from him?

When we think about the history of Christianity in Africa, we may immediately think of European missionaries who travelled to the continent to spread the gospel. Yet Africa’s connection to Christianity stretches much further back, to the earliest days of the Church itself.

Christian campaign asks shoppers to reduce reliance on retail giant Amazon
Christian campaign asks shoppers to reduce reliance on retail giant Amazon

The Challenge Amazon campaign is encouraging Christians to support local businesses instead.