New Bishop of Oxford Inaugurated

The new Bishop of Oxford was inaugurated Friday at a service at the city's Christ Church Cathedral.

The Right Reverend John Pritchard said prior to the service: "I know some people today will think the ceremony is a little bit Gilbert and Sullivan, but most people are proud of the way England and the Church maintain these traditions."

About 800 people gathered at the service, with highlights later placed on the diocesan website.

Rt Rev Pritchard, former Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow and former Archdeacon of Canterbury, will replace Richard Harries to lead Anglicans in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The event involved a procession through the streets of Oxford before the Rt Rev Pritchard was formally admitted to the cathedral to become the 42nd bishop.

The service of inauguration will be followed by a number of other 'services of welcome' across the diocese during the next few weeks.
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.