News

Kindness and quiet time this Lent

This Lent, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York are encouraging families to share in simple acts of kindness together, while Methodists and celebrity chef Delia Smith are opting for stillness and quiet time.

God of this city - Bluetree on songs that inspire solutions

Bluetree aren't much into writing worship songs that give a quick buzz. They want to write songs that inspire Christians to be part of the solution to the world's problems.

Pope speaks out against 'new eugenics'

The Pope has spoken against the rise of what he calls a “new eugenics”, which judges individual worth on their genetic make-up expressed in things such as health, beauty and physical appearance.

Indian missionaries released on bail after being beaten

Eleven Gospel for Asia missionaries in India have been released from prison on bail after being beaten by a mob of Hindu extremists. The missionaries were arrested on the second day of a three-day believers convention in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh.

Tearfund challenges people to a Carbon Fast

Energy and Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband will join senior Church of England bishops in calling on people to cut down on their carbon emissions instead of chocolate this Lent, which begins today.

New trust celebrates 400 years of King James Bible

A new trust under the patronage of Prince Charles is to be formed to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible.

Christian Unions ‘excited’ about launch of secularist societies

Christian Unions say they are ready for the latest mission of high profile atheist Richard Dawkins to see secularist societies set up on every university and college campus in the UK within the next 12 months.

Archbishops launch Lent appeal for Zimbabwe

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have launched a Lent appeal for Zimbabwe on Ash Wednesday as Anglicans worldwide join in a day of prayer and fasting for the troubled country.

Archaeologists discover artefacts from time of Hezekiah

Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a large building dating back to the time of the First and Second Temples and the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah.

Welcoming marriage

Grooms are more conscious of the serious commitment of marriage than you might think, while their fiancées are focused on making the wedding day itself a special occasion, claims a new book by Church House.

Rebecca St James nears end of filming for first movie

The full-length movie starring Christian songstress Rebecca St James in her first leading role is near the end of the filming process and needs only to shoot the remaining late winter scenes to wrap the project up.

Orissa Christians are 'heroes', say bishops

A conference of Indian Catholic bishops has described Christians persecuted for their faith in the country as "heroes of faith and patriotism".

Poll shows most people want religion in public life

A poll by the BBC has found that 62 per cent of people want religion and religious values to play an important role in public life in the UK.

Church gives out ‘tweets’ for Lent

‘What are you doing?’ asks the Church of England this Lent as it connects with people through the social networking site Twitter and a new Facebook application designed to get people to share their top tips for helping each other.

Italian nuns released by Somali Islamists

Two Italian nuns have been released after being kidnapped and held by Islamist militants from Somalia.

World Council of Churches 'on course' to select new head

The World Council of Churches is “on course” to select its next general secretary, according to the search committee’s moderator.