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 30 April 2012 - web link
Winning essayist calls for reaffirmed faith in the Anglican Communion
Faith in the Anglican Communion needs to be reaffirmed according to the winner of a ﾣ1,000 prize essay competition to explain "Why I am an Anglican and believe I shall remain so". ACNS. 30 April 2012.
 30 April 2012 - web link
At last! A judge who fights for marriage: Senior family court judge campaigns to break Britain's 'divorce addiction'
Britons have an addiction to divorce fuelled by a 'Hello! magazine' attitude to marriage, a top judge has warned. Sir Paul Coleridge said family breakdown was 'one James Chapman. Daily Mail. 29 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
Anglican Communion life impeded by insufficient communicators, says Working Group
The Anglican Communion faces a shortage of qualified communicators, according to an international Working Group on communications. The groupconsisting of communications professionals from five continentsconcluded that the Communion life was at risk of being detrimentally affected by some Provinces inability to source and share their news and stories widely. ACNS. 30 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
Police to be given specialist training to help child victims of 'witchcraft' beliefs
Officers are currently ill-equipped to deal with increase in religiously motivated violence Jerome Taylor. Independent. 27 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
A N Wilson: Church bells ring the soundtrack of Britain
The Somerset couple who complained about the quarter-hour chimes are in the wrong place. Ringing goes straight to the heart Independent 29 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
Digital revolution creating new evangelism opportunities
A month of digital outreach has culminated on Internet Evangelism Day today. Christian Today. 29 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
Gunmen kill 16 at Nigerian church services
Attackers drove worshippers out of theatre with explosives packed in drink cans, a method associated with Boko Haram Associated Press in Kano reported in Guardian Sunday 29 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
Co-op boycotts exports from Israel's West Bank settlements
The Co-operative Group has become the first major European supermarket group to end trade with companies that export produce from illegal Israeli settlements. Tracy McVeigh and Harriet Sherwood The Observer, Sunday 29 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
Bishop joins row over right to wear the cross
One of the most prominent figures in the Church of England has joined a landmark court case over the right of Christians to wear the cross. David Barrett. Daily Telegraph. 28 April 2012
 30 April 2012 - web link
The council that kept its prayers- by dropping God
A council has dropped references to God from the prayer with which it opens meetings, under pressure from secularist campaigners. Jasper Copping. Daily Telegraph. 29 April 2012.
 27 April 2012 - web link
Viewpoint: Why did Claire Squires' marathon death strike such a chord?
The death of Claire Squires less than a mile from the finish of the London Marathon has prompted people to donate ﾣ1m to charity. Why are people so moved, asks Brian Draper of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. BBC website 27 April 2011.
 27 April 2012 - web link
Now everyone is connected, is this the death of conversation?
I first noticed it in a restaurant. The place was strangely quiet, and at one table a group seemed deep in prayer. Their heads were bowed, their eyes hooded and their hands in their laps. I then realised that every one, young and old, was gazing at a handheld phone. Simon Jenkins. Guardian. Comment is Free. 26 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop's book review in Prospect magazine
In an article for Prospect magazine, Archbishop Williams reviews two recent and thought-provoking books that engage with the continuing debate on ethics, economic life and the shape of society. Archbishop of Canterbury's website. 26 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Oppose 'alterations' levy, Baldry urges
OUTCRY over the Government's proposal to charge VAT on alterations to the nation's historic churches is having an impact, but the public must continue to campaign for a complete exemption from the levy, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Tony Baldry MP, has said. Madeleine Davies. Church Times 27 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Extremists to blame for violence in Nigeria, says Archbishop
THE recent violence against Christians in Nigeria was carried out by a Muslim extremist minority, the Archﾭbishop of Nigeria, the Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, said this week. Ed Thornton. Church Times. 27 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Deng calls for peace in Sudan
THE Archbishop of Sudan, Dr Daniel Deng, has added to appeals for peace between Sudan and newly indepenﾭdent South Sudan, as the two nations this week moved closer to war. Church Times 27 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Cry from Aleppo
Text of sermon preached by Syrian Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo following a bombing in the Christian quarter of the city in March. Jerusalem and Middle East Church Association website. 27 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Mixed messages: ethics and the media
Call it coincidence, but when I agreed months ago to do a St Wilfrid Lecture at Ripon Cathedral I didnt think it would take place in the week the Murdochs returned to the Leveson Inquiry. Having agreed to speak about ethics and the media, I decided it was too big a theme and narrowed it down a little& recognising the context of the Leveson interrogation. Text of Lecture by the Bishop of Bradford. April 26, 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Ecumenical bodies protest actions against Christians in Sudan
In a joint statement, the World Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches have expressed "grave concern over the increasing incidents of attacks on Christians and destruction of church property in Sudan". The councils report the public burning of Bibles and occupation by government forces of buildings housing the Sudan Council of Churches and Sudan Aid in Dafur province. WCC Website. 24 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel
The Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites member churches, faith-based communities, and civil society organizations to join together in 2012 for a week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. Congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness. WCC website. 26 April 2012
 27 April 2012 - web link
Chair of Nominations Committee for next Archbishop of Canterbury appointed
The Prime Minister has appointed the Rt Hon the Lord Luce KG, GCVO to be Chairman of the Crown Nominations Commission for its selection of the next Archbishop of Canterbury to succeed the Most Reverend and Rt Hon Rowan Williams. Dr Williams has announced that he will stand down on 31 December 2012. Downing Street website. 26 April 2012
 26 April 2012 - web link
The Archbishop's message for World Malaria Day 2012
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, urges governments to continue to invest in malaria programmes in his message for World Malaria Day 2012: "We have already come so far, let's not lose momentum now." Archbishop of Canterbury's website. 25 April 2012
 26 April 2012 - web link
VAT lobby on alterations
Vital alterations to churches should be not be compared to installing luxury swimming pools, says Dean of Wakefield's wife and Second Church Estates Commissioner. CHurch of England website 24 April 2012
 26 April 2012 - web link
Coventry Cathedral scraps plans for solar panels
Coventry Cathedral has abandoned plans to become the UKs first cathedral to install solar panels on the roof as new research shows Government cuts have caused the solar industry in Britain to decline by a quarter. Daily Telegraph 25 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Boris Johnson faces legal action over banned anti-gay bus adverts
Evangelical Christian groups who funded ads say they may seek judicial review, claiming their human rights have been breached Robert Booth. Guardian 24 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Why the women bishops legislation shouldn't be changed
In the next few weeks, the House of Bishops will be meeting to discuss whether to try to 'tweak' the delicately balanced compromise legislation to allow women to be bishops. Why don't I think this would be a good idea? Miranda Threlfall-Holmes blog 25 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of Sudan appeals for peace as tensions rise between neighbouring countries
The Anglican archbishop who was instrumental in delivering peace to Sudan has raised the spectre of full-blown war and appealed for restraint from the presidents of Sudan and South Sudan. ACNS. 24 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop celebrates St George's Day
He may hail from Uganda but the Archbishop of York is one of England's most passionate spokespeople for St George's Day. Christian Today 23 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Mindfulness: the altered state of America
Mindfulness meditation was once a tool of the counter-culture. But now it's transforming the minds of conservative America Ed Halliwell. Guardian 25 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Governments failing to avert catastrophic climate change, IEA urges
Governments are falling badly behind on low-carbon energy, putting carbon reduction targets out of reach and pushing the world to the brink of catastrophic climate change, the world's leading independent energy authority will warn on Wednesday. Fiona Harvey and Damian Carrington Guardian 25 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
Canon Dick France - obituary
Canon Dick France, who has died aged 73, was among the foremost New Testament scholars of his day and Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, from 1989 until 1995. Daily Telegraph Obituary 17 April 2012
 25 April 2012 - web link
George Osborne preparing u-turn on church tax
George Osborne is preparing to climb down on plans to impose VAT on improvements to churches and cathedrals, it emerged last night. John Bingham Daily Telegraph. 24 April 2012
 24 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of Canterbury to lose worldwide Anglican role under traditionalist plans
THE Archbishop of Canterbury could be stripped of his role as figurehead of the worldwide Anglican Church, leaders representing 40 million churchgoers have signalled as they launched a scathing attack on a liberal drift within the Church. John Bingham. Daily Telegraph. 24 April 2012
 24 April 2012 - web link
Pittsburgh diocese elects Dorsey W. M. McConnell as 8th bishop
The Rev. Dorsey W. M. McConnell was elected April 21 as eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Episcopal News Service. 21 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
Statement on report from Joint Committee on the Government's Draft House of Lords Reform Bill
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James comments on today's publication of the report by the Joint Committee on the Government's Draft House of Lords Reform Bill in a Church of England statement. Church of England website. 23 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
The fight to become the new archbishop of Canterbury is getting dirty
John Sentamu will likely be Rowan Williams's successor  but the campaign to get him there has employed unpleasant tactics Andrew Brown. Comment is Free. 23 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
Can liberal Christians please stop banging on about gayness?
Clergy should seek to change church policy. But they must not allow this cause to determine the identity of liberal Anglicanism Theo Hobson. Guardian Comment is Free. 23 April 2012.
 23 April 2012 - web link
Top of the shops  why no one can resist Ikea and Billy the bookcase
Ten per cent of Europeans are conceived in one of its beds. Two billion of its meatballs are consumed annually. And last year more copies of its catalogue were printed than the Bible. Becky Pugh. Daily Telegraph. 19 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
The Saturday interview: Professor Mary Beard
With her new TV series about the lives of ordinary Romans, Professor Mary Beard wants to tackle history differently. The nation's new favourite classicist talks to Stuart Jeffries Stuart Jeffries. Guardian 21 April 2012.
 23 April 2012 - web link
Christians called to tackle social exclusion
Christians must actively tackle the barriers to human flourishing that exist in society, says the Archbishop of York. Christian Today 21 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of York to be considered for Canterbury
The Archbishop of York has signalled that he wishes to be considered to succeed Dr Rowan Williams as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. By Jonathan Wynne-Jones and John Bingham Daily Telegraph. 22 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
Toxic whispers in the Church
The Church of England must ensure that the process to replace Dr Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury is free of the taint of racism. Daily Telegraph Comment. 22 April 2012
 23 April 2012 - web link
The Independent on Sunday Happy List
This Sunday, The Independent on Sunday publishes its fifth annual Happy List, naming 100 outstanding people whose volunteering, caring, fund-raising, mentoring, charity founding, or selflessness makes Britain a more contented, better-adjusted, supportive, and happier place. David Randall , Ruth Halkon. Independent on Sunday 22 April 2012
 22 April 2012 - web link
Fabrice Muamba: I asked God to protect me
FABRICE Muamba told last night how he came back from the dead and said: 'I asked God to protect me - and he didn't let me down.' Nick Parker and Sharon Hendry. The Sun 22 April 2012
 22 April 2012 - web link
Army major's despair at our 'pointless war': Senior officer's damning emails reveal plummeting morale at heart of Afghan campaign that has cost 409 British lives
Emails sent to a former military chaplain paint a damning picture of sinking morale among Servicemen who feel the human cost of the conflict can no longer be justified. Glen Owen. Mail on Sunday 22 April 2012
 22 April 2012 - web link
Evangelical Leader Chuck Colson Dead at 80
Charles Colson, respected evangelical leader and former President Nixon adviser, died Saturday afternoon at age 80 from complications resulting from a brain hemorrhage. Sarah Pulliam Bailey. Christianity Today 22 April 2012
 21 April 2012 - web link
Renovation tax will harm our churches, warns Hurd
A Conservative grandee and former foreign secretary has launched a scathing assault on one of the Coalitions tax changes. Edward Malnick and Robert Watts. Daily Telegraph 21 April 2012
 21 April 2012 - web link
Church opposition to gay marriage a 'disaster', says senior bishop
A senior bishop has accused the Church of England of making a disastrous error in its opposition to same-sex marriage. Edward Malnick. Daily Telegraph. 21 April 2012
 21 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of York victim of 'naked racism',claims ally
The early favourite to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury is the victim of 'naked racism' by critics who are trying to besmirch his name, one of his closest supporters has claimed. By Richard Eden and Edward Malnick Daily Telegraph. 21 April 2012
 21 April 2012 - web link
Why religion is good for you
Recent studies suggest that religious people tend to be happier and more fulfilled in their lives than non-believers. Here, Mark Vernon,a writer on religion and ethics assesses the evidence and identifies an essential component often missed The Tablet. 21 April 2012
 20 April 2012 - web link
The Church of England faithful left to fend for themselves
St Michaels and All Angels is one of many Anglican churches decimated by a large-scale conversion to Catholicism. How is it coping? Sarah Rainey. Daily Telegraph. 20 April 2012
 20 April 2012 - web link
Was Jesus gay? Probably
I preached on Good Friday that Jesus's intimacy with John suggested he was gay as I felt deeply it had to be addressed Paul Oestreicher. Guardian. Comment is Free. 20 April 2012.
 20 April 2012 - web link
VAT change throws spanner into works at listed churches
OPPOSITION to the 'Heritage Tax' imposed by the Government in the Budget is rallying as dioceses around the country provide examples of renovation projects 'paralysed' by the policy. Madeleine Davies. 20 April 2012
 20 April 2012 - web link
One-size tax-relief cap won't fit all, warns C of E adviser
THE Government's proposed cap on tax relief on charitable giving is 'the fiscal equivalent of carpet bombing' and will 'hit the innocent',the chief financial officer of the Church of England has said. Madeleine Davies. Church Times 20 April 2012
 20 April 2012 - web link
Egyptian elections in turmoil after candidates vetoed
THE chaos of political life in post-revolutionary Egypt has infected the race for the presidency. Gerald Butt. ChurchTimes 20 April 2012
 19 April 2012 - web link
Are evangelical Christians on another planet?
Are evangelicals on another planet? It is a question that most of us who have had contact with charismatic evangelicals have had cause to ask. Andrew Brown. Guardian. C-i-F. 19 April 2012
 19 April 2012 - web link
More than a million poor children miss out on free school meals
More than half of all school children living in poverty - 1.2 million - are missing out on free school meals, reveals shocking new research by The Childrens Society. Children's Society website. 19 April 2012
 19 April 2012 - web link
Tomb with a view: neighbours fight Islamic mausoleum
A rich businessman's plans to build a 50ft-high Islamic tomb on his green belt land has enraged neighbours who say the domed mausoleum will be a blot on the landscape in their affluent village. Daily Telegraph 19 April 2012
 19 April 2012 - web link
Executive pay must be reined in, say Church charity groups
The Church of England is leading a campaign to stop companies rewarding their executives with 'excessive' pay. Tim Ross. Daily Telegraph. 19 April 2012
 19 April 2012 - web link
Tax-free charity giving threshold set to be lifted to appease furious philanthropists
The cap on tax-free charity giving is set to be lifted to appease philanthropists who are threatening to cut off funding to good causes, The Daily Telegraph can disclose. Christopher Hope. Daily Telegraph. 18 April 2012
 19 April 2012 - web link
Spectacular ecclesiastical treasures discovered in ruins of a medieval abbey in Cumbria
The most spectacular ecclesiastical treasures to be discovered in Britain for almost half a century have been unearthed in the ruins of a medieval abbey in Cumbria. David Keys. Independent. 19 April 2012
 18 April 2012 - web link
Call for control on food promotion
The head of the Christian Medical Fellowship has called for controls on the promotion of foods that offer high energy but little nutritional value. Christian Today. 17 April 2012.
 17 April 2012 - web link
Sentamu's bulldog to become top church spin-doctor
The Reverend Arun Arora has been appointed head of communications at Church House. By Nelson Jones, New Statesman, 17 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
It's a myth that the rich profit from donating to charity
It pains some people to think of the pleasure it gives the rich when they tithe their income. By Dominic Lawson, Independent, 17 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
When spirituality and religion collide
All institutions are being torn apart by tension between two groups: those who want to reassert familiar and tested leadership patterns  including top-down control, uniformity and bureaucracy; and those who want to welcome untested but promising patterns of the emerging era  grassroots empowerment, diversity and relational networks. By Elizabeth Butler Bass, USA Today, 16 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
VAT on listed buildings could spell 'disaster' for churches
The Bishop of Hereford has warned that the Government's plan to introduce VAT payments on alterations to listed buildings could be the "straw that breaks the camel's back" for many churches. Christian Today. 16 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
Israeli soldier clubs Danish protester with rifle
Denmark demands explanation as video shows apparently unprovoked attack by IDF soldier on activist Harriet Sherwood. Guardian 16 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
Cardboard cathedral planned for quake-hit Christchurch
Temporary structure to be built in New Zealand city to replace the church damaged by the 2011 earthquake Toby Manhire. Guardian 16 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
Charity tax plans to be reviewed
Downing Street announces full consultation on implementation of tax relief caps, including those for charitable donations Patrick Wintour. Guardian. 17 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
Gove urges church to extend role in education
The Church of England has been urged to establish a new generation of academies after Michael Gove said he wanted to 'extend' its role in educating children. Robert Winnett. Daily Telegraph. 16 April 2012
 17 April 2012 - web link
British Library acquires St Cuthbert Gospel
The oldest intact European book - the St Cuthbert gospel - is to remain in the UK after the British Library raised ﾣ9m to buy it. BBC website. 17 April 2012
 16 April 2012 - web link
The ﾣ450m toll of Osborne's Heritage Tax: How it hits churches, other listed buildings and even thatched roofs
The Church estimates the move will cost congregations ﾣ20million a year Treasury says it will stop millionaires making improvements to their properties without paying VAT because they live in a listed building. By Jason Groves, Mail, 16 April 2012
 16 April 2012 - web link
Secular world has a Christian foundation
The contemporary atheist movement has a scorched earth strategy - chop down Christianity, root and branch. I don't believe in God either, but this strategy is entirely counterproductive. By Chris Berg, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 April 2012
 16 April 2012 - web link
Cardboard cathedral to be built in quake hit New Zealand city
New Zealand's Anglican church will build a temporary cathedral made of cardboard in earthquake-devastated Christchurch as it works towards a permanent replacement for its 131-year old landmark destroyed last year. Reuters, 16 April 2012
 16 April 2012 - web link
Stop Church of England leaks before choosing archbishop, says gay cleric
Jeffrey John wants culprit found, saying leaks from Crown Nominations Commission cost him job as bishop of Southwark. By Matthew Taylor, Guardian, 15 April 2012
 15 April 2012 - web link
Lord Carey is a bigger problem for British Christians than any secularist
Out of touch with his flock, apparently ignorant of basic theological concepts, and dragging the image of Christianity through the mud; leaders like George Carey pose a far greater threat to the future of Christianity in Britain than any secularist. Guardian Comment, 14 April 2012
 15 April 2012 - web link
Zurbaran paintings to be focus of Bishop Auckland revamp
A collection of 17th Century religious paintings are at the heart of plans to redevelop a County Durham market town. BBC, 14 April 2012
 15 April 2012 - web link
Traditionalist Anglican leaders to meet over homosexual bishops 'crisis
high-powered group of traditionalist Anglican church leaders are to gather in London to address a growing crisis over openly homosexual bishops. Sunday Telegraph, 15 April 2012
 14 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of Canterbury rebukes claims of 'persecuted' Christians in UK
The Archbishop of Canterbury has rebuked clergy who claim Christians are being persecuted in Britain, pointing out that churchgoers suffer far worse treatment abroad. By Martin Beckford, Telegraph, 13 April 2012
 14 April 2012 - web link
To accept that gays could be 'cured', but don't need to be, would be true equality.
Anglican Mainstream, the conservative religious group behind the bus-side ads which would have suggested that homosexuality is 'curable', had London Mayor Boris Johnson not remembered just in time that his party supports 'gay marriage', is a wholly misrepresentative organisation. By George Pitcher, Mail, 13 April 2012
 14 April 2012 - web link
Tories face the wrath of God after slapping VAT on church alterations
Senior bishops rounded on the Chancellor after he slapped VAT on alterations to churches and other listed buildings. Mirror, 14 April 2012
 14 April 2012 - web link
Church training continues in Syria despite turmoil
Friday marks the start of Easter for Christians across the Middle East, but with the Syrian opposition calling for protest, this years celebrations are tinged with uncertainty. Christian Today 13 April 2012.
 14 April 2012 - web link
George Osborne's charity tax plan is unfair, says Church of England
George Osborne's cap on tax relief for charity donations is 'the fiscal equivalent of carpet bombing' and will 'hit the innocent',the Church of England's financial director has said. James Kirkup, and Tim Ross. Daily Telegraph. 14 April 2012
 14 April 2012 - web link
Britain's Christians are being vilified, warns Lord Carey
Christians are being 'persecuted' by courts and 'driven underground' in the same way that homosexuals once were, a former Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. John Bingham.. Daily Telegraph 13 April 2012.
 14 April 2012 - web link
'Gay cure' Christian charity funded 20 MPs' interns
Christian Action Research and Education has supplied staff to Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats Robert Booth and James Ball Guardian 14 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
Christian group to sue Boris Johnson over 'gay cure' bus advertisements
The Christian group behind the recent attempt to place gay cure adverts on London buses have instructed lawyers to sue both the Mayor of London and the company that initially agreed to host the adverts after they were banned at the last minute, the Independent can reveal. Jermone Taylor, Independent, 13 April 2012
 13 April 2012 - web link
Why Jews pray for the Queen
Following the teachings of Jeremiah, it is a matter of acknowledging 'the city in which you live' JOnathan Romain. Guardian 12 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
Anti-gay adverts pulled from bus campaign by Boris Johnson
London mayor steps in to stop buses carrying Christian group's ads that claim therapy can stop people being gay Robert Booth, H￩l￨ne Mulholland and Patrick Strudwick Guardian 13 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
Christians in north of Mali flee Tuareg rebels' control
REBELS in the north of Mali have seized an area the size of France, prompting 200,000 civilians to flee, and leaving the region 'on the brink of major humanitarian disaster',aid agencies have warned. Madeleine Davies. Church Times. 13 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
Gay-therapy view defended
CHURCH House, Westminster, has issued a defence this week of Proﾭfessor Glynn Harrison, a lay member of the Crown Nominations Commisﾭsion (CNC), after it was alleged that he believed that sexual orientation could be changed. Ed Thornton. Church Times. 13 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
Syrians face a grim Easter
THE Orthodox community in Syria will mark Easter this weekend rather than celebrate it, in the grim knowﾭledge that the latest international initiative to end violence in the country has failed. Gerald Butt. Church Times. 13 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
Attendance rises by a third at cathedrals
ATTENDANCE at cathedrals has increased by 30 per cent since 2001, figures released by Church House last week suggest. Ed Thornton. ChurchTimes. 13 April 2012.
 13 April 2012 - web link
TfL bans Christian groups' 'gay cure' advert from London buses
An attempt by evangelical Christians to promote "gay cure" therapies on the sides of London buses was banned last night, sparking an angry row over free speech. JeromeTaylor. Independent. 13 April 2012.
 08 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu leads Easter show of faith
The Archbishop of York has marked the Easter celebrations with a public baptism in a pool on the steps of York Minster. Telegraph, 8 April 2012
 08 April 2012 - web link
Machine gun guards, the Archbishop of York's millionaire brother and a very troubling allegation
With John Sentamu front-runner to lead the Church of England, the Mail travels to Uganda to trace the rise of this brilliant charismatic man - and stumbles on a troubling family scandal. By David Jones, Mail. 7 April 2012
 08 April 2012 - web link
Dr John Sentamu: Next stop Canterbury?
This Easter, all Anglican eyes will be on the outspoken Archbishop of York in a year when he could reach the pinnacle of his denomination. By Paul Vallely, Independent 7 April 2012
 08 April 2012 - web link
Rowan Williams to warn of downgrading of religious education
Rowan Williams will warn against "downgrading" religious education in secondary schools in his last Easter sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury. Younger people take religion seriously "when they have the chance to learn about it," he is expected to say. BBC News, 8 April 2012
 07 April 2012 - web link
Honoring Oliver ODonovan
Listener to the Word: Symposium Introduction By Mark L. MacDonald, convener. The following symposium celebrates the life and work of the Rev. Canon Professor Oliver ODonovan on the formal conclusion of his extraordinarily fruitful teaching ministry of 40 years. Living Church, 5 April 2012
 07 April 2012 - web link
The Church of England needs its own rebirth
As parishes prepare for Easter, what can the organisation do to restore faith in a church losing touch with its people? By Andrew Brown, Guardian, 7 April 2012
 05 April 2012 - web link
Chessun hears Evangelical protest over preferment
ABOUT 100 Evangelical clergy and laity from Southwark diocese met the Bishop, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, on Monday, to protest about the lack of Evangelicals in senior clergy posts. By Ed Thornton, Church Times, 6 April 2012
 05 April 2012 - web link
Fresh appeals to help Christians in plight in Mid-East
CALLS for the Christian community worldwide to put more effort into addressing the challenges faced by the inhabitants of the Middle East, and by Christians there in particular, were made at two church gatherings last week  in the United States, and in Cyprus. By Gerald Butt, Church Times, 5 April 2012
 04 April 2012 - web link
Cameron tells Christians he doesn't want a fight over gay marriage
David Cameron has told Christians he does not want to fall out with them over his plan to legalise gay marriage but is prepared for the religious backlash. Telegraph, 3 April 2012
 04 April 2012 - web link
Vicar jailed over sham marriages
A Church of England vicar was jailed for four-and-a-half years today for presiding over nearly 250 sham marriages in a "massive and systematic" immigration fraud. Independent, 4 April 2012
 04 April 2012 - web link
Surge in cathedral congregations shows enduring appeal of religion says Church
The lure of traditional worship and the promise of anonymity has fuelled a surge in attendance at services in cathedrals at a time when local churches have seen congregations dwindle, official figures show. By John Bingham, Telegraph, 4 April 2012
 04 April 2012 - web link
Archbishop of York's Easter video messages
Something to share
 03 April 2012 - web link
Paul S. Boyer, 76, Dies; Historian Studied A-Bomb and Witches
Paul S. Boyer wrote groundbreaking studies of the Salem witch trials, the history of apocalyptic movements and the response of the American public to the nuclear annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. NY Times, 2 April 2012
 03 April 2012 - web link
Evangelical Evolutionists Meet in New York
N. T. Wright, Tim Keller, Alister McGrath, John Ortberg among Biologos conference attendees. By Tim Stafford, Christianity Today, 30 March 2012
 03 April 2012 - web link
Cautious optimism after Aung San Suu Kyi's landslide victory in Burma
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which works with persecuted ethnic minority and Christian communities in Burma, gave a cautious welcome to the by-election. Christian Today, 2 April 2012
 01 April 2012 - web link
Islamist Group Breaks Pledge to Stay Out of Race in Egypt
The Muslim Brotherhood nominated its chief strategist and financier Khairat el-Shater on Saturday as its candidate to become Egypts first president since Hosni Mubarak, breaking a pledge not to seek the top office and a monopoly on power. NY Times, 31 March 2012
 01 April 2012 - web link
Jensen begs off as deputy consecrates woman bishop
CONSECRATION of the [NSW} state's first woman Anglican bishop will proceed at St Saviour's Cathedral, Goulburn, today with the good wishes but pointed non-attendance of the Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen, who once lectured to her in doctrine at Moore College. By Malcolm Brown, Sydney Morning Herald, 31 March 2012
 01 April 2012 - web link
300 people in 'sham weddings scandal but just two deported
Only two phoney brides and grooms who wedded in up to 150 sham marriages overseen by a Church of England vicar have been deported, it can disclosed. Telegraph, 1 April 2012
 01 April 2012 - web link
Wanted: Archbishop of Canterbury. Must be man of faith and diplomacy
Church of England takes uprecedented step of advertising for position following Dr Rowan Williams' decision to step down. By Damien Pearse, Guardian 31 March 2012

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20 May 2013

Why the Church of England is in decline

The church has failed to capitalise on its tally of advantages, and people are now cynical about the organisation. By Andrew Brown, Guardian Online. 19 May 2013
20 May 2013

Church of England issues briefing on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill Commons Report and Third Reading Briefing. CofE Website, 19 May 2013
19 May 2013

 

FULCRUM
FORUM

A very brief note about "decline" in a living society posted by Bowman

In the newsfeed, a column by Andrew Brown idly speculates about the reasons for the "decline of" the Church of England. If this sort of argument is not merely hateful it is naive. There is "decline in" every great and enduring institution in a living society. People die, needs...

The Atonement: East and/or West? posted by Bowman

...Faith... unites the soul with Christ as a bride is united with her bridegroom. By this mystery, as the Apostle teaches, Christ and the soul become one flesh [Ephesians 5:31-32]. And if they are one flesh and there is between them a true marriage... it follows that everything they have they hol...

Contemplation: a Journey of Discovery? posted by Roger Hurding

The journey of contemplation needs, I suspect, to keep its feet on the ground.  All temptation to assail holy ground over piously and unreflectingly should be resisted.  The Book of Ecclesiastes (Koheleth) cuts us down to size. In Chapter 3:20-2 we read, 'All go to one place; al...

 

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