News

Bishop speaks out against contraception in schools

The Catholic Bishop of Birmingham, William Kenney, has criticised a scheme at six Oxfordshire schools, including one Catholic school, where students will be given access to contraception including the emergency pill and advice on how to use it.

Ministry leader emphasises youth outreach on Columbine anniversary

People across the nation observed a moment of silence Monday at the exact time that gunshots broke out on the campus of Columbine High School in Colorado ten years earlier.

Pope wishes Orthodox Christians happy Easter

Pope Benedict XVI has wished Orthodox Christians a happy Easter.

Churches seek to counter far-right politics

The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church are urging their member churches to take action against far-right and racist politics ahead of the European elections on June 4.

Humanist joins BBC committee on religious broadcasting

A new independent body set up to liaise with the BBC on its religious broadcasting is to include a humanist.

Matthew West scores second No 1 for 'The Motions'

The song that spurred a recent movement led by popular Christian artist Matthew West is the No 1 single of this week, according to the Radio & Records Christian AC Monitored chart.

Two Egyptian Christians killed

Two Christians have been shot dead by Muslim villagers in southern Egypt in what is believed to be a revenge killing.

Mission groups fear spread of Taliban in Pakistan

The Taliban takeover of the Swat valley in Pakistan is likely to expand to cover all of the country if it continues unchecked and will mean worsening conditions for Christians in the country, say mission groups.

Orthodox celebrate 'holy fire' Easter ritual

Thousands of Orthodox Christians took part in the holy fire ritual of Easter Week on Saturday. Believers gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried, each carrying torches and candles symbolising the 33 years of Jesus’ life.

Pope to pray at Italian earthquake zone

Pope Benedict XVI is to visit the town of L’Aquila, which was hit by a devastating earthquake on March 6.

Kirk magazine criticises traditionalists on homosexuality

The official magazine of the Church of Scotland has criticised traditionalists who use the Bible to justify a position against homosexual practice.

US journalist convicted of spying in Iran

An American journalist detained in Iran has been convicted of spying and sentenced to eight years in prison, her lawyer reported Saturday.

Concern for Cuban pastor facing prison

A persecution watchdog has called into question charges of “illicit economic activity and falsification of documents” brought against a Cuban pastor.

Oil paintings to inspire deeper walk with Christ

A contemporary artist is hoping a new resource based on her paintings of Christ will help people new and old to the faith to deepen their understanding of God.

India's Christians cast their votes amid tight security

Over 3,000 Christians in Kandhamal relief camps were able to cast their votes peacefully in the first phase of polling for the parliamentary and assembly seats in Orissa which got underway last Thursday.

World Vision gives voice to Lebanon’s children

World Vision has helped children in Lebanon share their hopes and dreams with the wider world through the publication of new book ‘From a Child’s Point of View’.