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31 August 2012 - web link: Strasbourg to hear religious-discrimination cases
THE European Court of Human Rights, in Strasbourg, will next week hear the cases of four British people who claim that they lost their jobs as a result of discrimination against their Christian beliefs. Church Times 31 August 2012
31 August 2012 - web link: Pakistan blasphemy case: 'Muslims could take law into their own hands'
Lawyer for man who accused Christian girl of burning Qur'an raises spectre of vigilante act if Rimsha Masih is not convicted Saeed Shah. Guardian. 30 August 2012
31 August 2012 - web link: Child sex abuse inquiry damns Chichester church's local safeguarding
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said the report confirmed 'many and longstanding failures' in diocese David Batty. Guardian. 31 August 2012
30 August 2012 - web link: Response to Interim Report of the Archbishop's Chichester Visitation
The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, today responded as Chair of the Joint Safeguarding Liaison Group to the Interim Report of the Archbishop's Chichester Visitation. Church of England website 30 August 2012
30 August 2012 - web link: Archbishop's Chichester Visitation - interim report published
The interim report for the enquiry into the operation of the diocesan child protection policies in the Diocese of Chichester has today been published. The report was written by Bishop John Gladwin and Chancellor Rupert Bursell QC who were appointed as the Archbishops commissaries to carry out the enquiry. Archbishop of Canterbury's website. 30 August 2012
30 August 2012 - web link: Archbishop of Canterbury condemns child abuse failings
A "profoundly negative culture" within the Diocese of Chichester led to two decades of child protection failures, a report has concluded. BBC 30 August 2012
30 August 2012 - web link: Kenyan faith leaders urge calm after Mombasa riots
Kenyan Christian and Muslim leaders are calling for calm in the coastal city of Mombasa after two days of violence over the killing of a militant Muslim cleric. By Fredrick Nzwili, ENS, 29 August 2012
30 August 2012 - web link: Christmas comes early as Asda opens Santa's grottos in August
Supermarket chain says it is trying to encourage people to start saving for the festive season Julia Kollewe. Guardian 29 August 2012
30 August 2012 - web link: Syria: the point of no return
The battle between President Assad's regime and the Free Syrian Army is a life-or-death struggle. But whatever its outcome, this is a civil war being fought on a faultline that threatens the entire Middle East Martin Chulov. Guardian 29 August 2012
29 August 2012 - web link: Desmond Tutu quits summit with Tony Blair over invasion of Iraq
Nobel peace winner says he won't share platform with 'morally indefensible' former PM Independent. 29 August 2012
29 August 2012 - web link: New Bishop of Beverley
The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Canon Glyn Hamilton Webster, SRN, to the Suffragan See of Beverley, in the Diocese of York Diocese of York website 29 August 2012
29 August 2012 - web link: Thousands Attend Christian Festival in Weymouth
Two thousand people attended an outdoor service on Sunday 26 August during the 'Refresh2012' Beach Festival in Weymouth. The service was a highlight of Bank Holiday events organised by local churches from Weymouth and Portland. Salisbury Diocesan website. 29 August 2012
28 August 2012 - web link: Made in Britain: How the Paralympic ideal was born
At an NHS hospital 64 years ago, a doctor had a revolutionary idea. Peter Popham tells a story that began at Stoke Mandeville Independent. Tuesday 28 August 2012
28 August 2012 - web link: 'Vicar of Baghdad' cuts back activities
Ill-health causes Canon Andrew White to reduce activities. The Tablet 28 August 2012.
28 August 2012 - web link: Pakistani girl accused of Qur'an burning is a minor, say medics
Girl, who is said to be 14 but may have a younger mental age, will be tried in a juvenile court for blasphemy charge. Associated Press in Islamabad, Guardian, 28 August 2012
28 August 2012 - web link: CofE publishes prayer for the Paralympic Games
A new prayer, composed by the Liturgical Commission, has been added to a website section designed to resource churches as they engage with the 2012 Paralympic Games. Church of England website. 24 August 2012
27 August 2012 - web link: Are Infants Sinful? How Not to Talk about Original Sin
There are better ways to explain human fallenness than pointing to needy babies and clumsy toddlers. By Amy Julia Becker, Her-meneutics, 21 August 2012
27 August 2012 - web link: Uganda: Strong Opposition Good for Governments - Ssentamu
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Ssentamu is in Uganda on a visit that has seen him join Muhabura diocese centenary celebrations, visit friends and family and also inspect some of the projects that he is a patron of. Stephen Ssenkaaba and Goodluck Musinguzi caught up with him. All Africa, 20 August 2012
27 August 2012 - web link: St. Mary's Church - Where stones tell a tale
This is the rather quaint entrance to what is claimed to be the oldest Anglican church East of the Suez and the oldest British building in India. The Hindu, 22 August 2012
26 August 2012 - web link: Patrick Cockburn: As the violence intensifies in Syria, there can be only one winner - the Kurds
World View: Ankara is watching events unfold with growing anxiety as Assad withdraws his forces from the Turkish border area Independent on Sunday. 26 August 2012
26 August 2012 - web link: Andrew Martin: I have a confession to make - I go to church
Our writer applauds a new report that says religion makes people happier, denies that religion is irrational, and wonders why his friends are so resistant to it Independent on Sunday. 26 August 2012
26 August 2012 - web link: To love and to submit: a marriage made in 2012
BRIDES will be promising to submit to their husbands under a new marriage vow the Anglican diocese of Sydney is expected to approve at its synod in October. By Kelly Burke, Sydney Morning Herald, 25 August 2012 Kelly Burke
24 August 2012 - web link: Ruth Etchells, RIP
Ruth Etchells, who died on 8 August 2012, was both a Durham institution and a Durham treasure. By Michael Sadgrove, 12 August 2012
24 August 2012 - web link: Women bishops: a lot of ground for the Synod to make up
CONSULTATIONS over women bishops have been progressing slowly, it emerged this week. By Madeleine Davies, Church Times, 24 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: A Sunday trading trade-off too far?
Some say the longer hours allowed for the Olympics should stay. Others are strongly against. The trouble is, no one has the figures to back up their case Andy McSmith. Independent 22 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: Not In My Name: Islam, Pakistan and the Blasphemy Laws
You could not make it up. An 11-year old Christian girl in Pakistan with Down's Syndrome is in police custody, and could face the death penalty, for allegedly burning pages from the Quran. Mehdi Hasan. Huffington Post 21 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: Blessing for a milk parlour
A request from a dairy farmer for a blessing at the farm's new milking parlour has resulted in the publication - via the CofE's national rural office - of an informal service which celebrates the importance of the dairy herd to the rural economy. Church of England website 19 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: Street pastors take their watch to the beaches to help young people
Whitstable is the latest recipient of church volunteers on patrol to safeguard young people in the seaside town Mary O'Hara. Guardian 21 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: Breadline Britain: councils fund food banks to plug holes in welfare state
Local authorities asking 'big society' to deliver crisis aid to vulnerable people after social fund budget is cut next April Patrick Butler. Guardian. 21 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: UK Christians to protest arrest of Pakistani girl
Christians from the UK will be meeting outside the Pakistani High Commission in London on Wednesday to protest the arrest of an 11-year-old girl for blasphemy. Christian Today 21 August 2012
22 August 2012 - web link: Biblelands becomes Embrace the Middle East
Biblelands is saying goodbye to its name of 158 years to become Embrace the Middle East. Christian Today 20 August 2012
21 August 2012 - web link: A very controversial cardinal
Keith O'Brien thinks gay marriage is like slavery, and has compared abortion to the Dunblane massacre. But could Scotland's top Catholic really have his eye on a move to the Vatican? Peter Popham. Independent 21 August 2012
20 August 2012 - web link: Richard Dawkins: received in the Holy Land, reviled in the Highlands
Hardline Presbyterians furious at celebrity atheist's invitation to Hebridean book festival Hamish MacDonnell. Independent 20 August 2012
19 August 2012 - web link: Poll shows Africa is most devout region of the world
Africa has topped the list of most devout regions of the world, with 89 percent calling themselves religious, according to a worldwide poll called "The Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism." By Munyaradzi Makoni, ENI, 14 August 2012
19 August 2012 - web link: Kenya: Muge Family Still Hopes to Know Who Killed Him
The family of former Anglican Bishop the late Alexander Muge who died in a mysterious road accident 22 years ago says they are still waiting to know the truth about his death. By Mathews Ndanyi, All Africa, 15 August 2012
19 August 2012 - web link: Debunking the 'Homewrecker' Myth after Kristen Stewart's Affair
There's no such thing as 'the other woman' who acts completely alone. By Halee Gray Scott, Her.meneutics, Christianity Today, 15 August 2012
18 August 2012 - web link: Study shows marriage stops men drinking - as their wives hit the bottle instead
Far from encouraging men to patronise a local pub to escape from domestic duties, marriage actively reduces their alcohol intake, according to research being presented at the American Sociological Association today. John BIngham Daily Telegraph 18 August 2012
18 August 2012 - web link: Gay marriage costs Tories support in the pews, poll shows
David Camerons plans to introduce same-sex marriage could have cost the Tories the support of millions of churchgoers, polling suggests. JOhn Bingham. Daily Telegraph 18 August 2012
18 August 2012 - web link: York Mystery Plays 2012, York Museum Gardens, review
The York Mystery Plays 2012 is brave with its staging and scenes at the York Museum Gardens, writes Laura Thompson. Daily Telegraph 14 August 2012
18 August 2012 - web link: Assisted dying: the harm in helping
Making assisted dying legal would alter the way society weighs the value of human life forever Sarah Wollaston Guardian. C-i-F 17 August 2012
18 August 2012 - web link: Israel kicks out migrants by changing their nationality and sending them to another country
"It is a bad situation in South Sudan. If I go there I am sure something bad will happen to me" Maeve McClenaghan Independent 18 August 2012
18 August 2012 - web link: Damascus: A deserted city, a deserting UN, and a storm about to break
Last week a UN security guard was kidnapped, tortured and murdered near his home Robert Fisk. Independent 18 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: London protest over death sentence on Iranian Pastor
An Iranian member of a Christian fellowship group in London decided to go on hunger strike (sealing his lips) to protest about the plight of newly converted Christians with Muslim backgrounds Maghreb Christians website 15 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: Please don't judge parents of dying children praying for a miracle
Devout parents of terminally ill children hoping for a miraculous cure are putting their faith in modern medicine, not God Andrew Brown. Guardian Comment is Free. 15 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: Government 'to reflect' on Sunday shop hours
THE Labour Party has asked the Prime Minister for "clarification" of whether the temporary restriction on Sunday-trading hours ( News, 3 August) will be made permanent. Ed Thornton. Church Times. 17 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: Paralympians to celebrate Games in St Paul's
ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL will echo with an unaccustomed sound on the Sunday after next: a three-a-side wheelchair-basketball game is to be played beneath the dome during a service to mark the opening of the Paralympic Games the following Wednesday. Madeleine Davies. Church Times. 17 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: Kindness alleviates worst effects of credit crisis
THE five years since the start of the credit crunch have seen an "outpouring of kindness" for those in need of help, says Christians Against Poverty (CAP), the debt counselling charity. It reports that its church-based centres have almost quadrupled in number since 2007, from 56 to 205. By Madeleine Davies, Church Times, 17 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: Response To A Recovering Evangelical
Response to Tom Hale's article by Malcolm Brown, Church of England Director for Mission and Public Affairs. Christian Socialist Movement website. 3 August 2012
17 August 2012 - web link: Confessions Of A Recovering Evangelical
The vast majority of opposition to the idea of equal marriage comes from the Church and the followers of the other non-Christian religions. Tom Hale. Christian Socialist Movement website. 1 August 2012
15 August 2012 - web link: Atheism Rises, Religiosity Declines In America
Religiosity is on the decline in the U.S. and atheism is on the rise, according to a new worldwide poll. By Kimberly Winston, Huffington Post, 14 August 2012
15 August 2012 - web link: Witchcraft child abuse: social services and police 'cowed by political correctness' claims minister
'Political correctness' is preventing police from stopping child abuse by parents and church leaders who believe in witchcraft, a minister warns. John Bingham. Daily Telegraph 14 August 2012
14 August 2012 - web link: Anglican stance on same-sex marriage 'morally contemptible', says gay cleric
Jeffrey John, the dean of St Albans, accuses Rowan Williams of hardening the Church of England's attitude to gay marriage Lizzy Davies. Guardian 14 August 2012
14 August 2012 - web link: Under Rowan Williams, the church has failed gay people
The Anglican church is on a path to acceptance of gay marriage. What a shame such disunity has to be caused along the way Jeffrey John.Guardian. 14 August 2012
14 August 2012 - web link: Bishop Benn 'delayed passing on priest crime check'
A bishop attempted to prevent a priest's Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check - which detailed allegations of child sex abuse - being dealt with properly, it has been alleged. By Colin Campbell BBC South East Home Affairs Correspondent, 14 August 2012
13 August 2012 - web link: Billy Graham responding well to treatment
Evangelist Billy Graham is being treated in hospital for bronchitis. Christian Today 13 August 2012
13 August 2012 - web link: Churches see 'incredible results' in outreach
Jon Burns, UK director of More than Gold, tells 2K Plus how other nations have picked up real gems from their London experience Christian Today. 13 August 2012
13 August 2012 - web link: Games Pastors make most of London 2012
A team of more than 300 Christians demonstrated their faith by helping thousands of visitors travelling throughout London during the Olympics. Christian Today. 13 August 2012
13 August 2012 - web link: Olympics 2012: from tiptop venues to friendly volunteers - where did it all go right?
Fears of a mudsoaked, gridlocked city in security meltdown seem like a distant nightmare as Britain basks in a two-week success story Owen Gibson. Guardian 12 August 2012
12 August 2012 - web link: Archbishop's review of 'When I Was a Child I Read Books'
In an article published in the Church Times, Archbishop Rowan Williams reviews Marilynne Robinson's 'When I Was a Child I Read Books' Archbishop of Canterbury's website. 10 August 2012
12 August 2012 - web link: Olympics bring legacy of good will, says Bishop of Chelmsford
The Bishop of Chelmsford the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell has praised the vital legacy of the London Games saying in his own diocese - home to the Olympic Park and Village - and beyond, the Games are having an important impact on community life. Church of England website. 12 August 2012
12 August 2012 - web link: Christian athletes honoured with Eric Liddell awards
As the London 2012 Olympic Games drew to a close, More Than Gold, a Christian outreach organisation that seeks to enable local churches to engage with big sporting events in host cities around the world hosted the inaugural Legacy Award breakfast in honour of Eric Liddell. Christian Today. 12 August 2012
10 August 2012 - web link: Under siege
The ancient Christian community of Syria is caught in the crossfire of a civil war, causing many to flee to neighbouring countries. They leave behind them a nation whose strife will have a profound impact on the complexities of the entire Middle East Trevor Mostyn. The Tablet. 10 August 2012
10 August 2012 - web link: London Olympics: How volunteers made the Games
As two weeks of helping to make the Games and herding the crowds come to a close, how has life been for Olympics volunteers? Claire Heald. BBC 10 August 2012
10 August 2012 - web link: Olympics spur many messengers
Take any of the exits from Stratford station at the moment, and you run the gauntlet of missionaries. There are young Muslim men eager to explain why the Qur'an was right about the earth's being shaped like an ostrich egg; Christians handing out Games-inspired tracts.... By Madeleine Davies, Church Times, 10 August 2012
10 August 2012 - web link: Copts fear future under Islamist rule
THE formation of the first Egyptian government under a freely elected President has failed to ease the fears of the country's Christians that their future in the country might not be assured under Islamist rule. By Gerald Butt, Church Times, 10 August 2012
09 August 2012 - web link: Awareness of Anglican Communion radically changed in a decade
The worlds 80 million Anglicans are much more aware today than they were 10 years ago that they belong to a global communion, a realization that has led to a flourishing of international relationships between the Episcopal Church and other provinces, dioceses and individuals. Episcopal News Service. 9 August 2012
09 August 2012 - web link: Applications invited for Representative to Holy See, Director of Anglican Centre in Rome
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome wish to appoint a new Representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Holy See and Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome to succeed the Very Revd Canon David Richardson who is retiring after Easter 2013 after five years in the post. ACNS 9 August 2012
09 August 2012 - web link: Archbishop of York on Zimbabwe: "Don't Give Up Now"
The Archbishop of York today writes in The Times about the situation in Zimbabwe, and the British Government's decision to relax sanctions against the Mugabe regime. His article follows.... ACNS 9 August 2012
09 August 2012 - web link: New attacks in central Nigeria worry church leaders
Tensions have heightened in central Nigeria following the killing on 8 August of four people near a mosque, a day after 20 worshippers in a church in the Okene area of Kogi state, were shot dead.ACNS 9 August 2012
09 August 2012 - web link: Harriet Lamb: Fairtrade moves to next level
"Everyone laughed at us when we started: they thought Fairtrade was for a few yoghurt-eating vicars," says Harriet Lamb, with the biggest of smiles. Independent-reading, yoghurt-eating vicars, I suggest. "Yes, yes, exactly," she says, roaring with laughter. "No one thought for a moment the public would be willing to pay extra, or that companies would pay more so that the world's poorest farmers get a decent price for their products. But they do and they have." Margaret Pagnano. Independent. 9 August 2012
07 August 2012 - web link: Church of England disinvests from News Corporation
The Church Commissioners and the Church of England Pensions Board have today announced the sale of their shares in News Corporation on the advice of the Church's Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG). Church of England wesbite. 7 August 2012.
07 August 2012 - web link: Statement from the Bishop of Leicester on the House of Lords Reform Bill
From the Church of England website. 6 August 2012
07 August 2012 - web link: Olympic success: How much does a gold medal cost?
How much does an Olympic gold medal cost? With a minimum six grams of gold and a large chunk of silver, the pithy answer is about ﾣ450. Richard Anderson. BBC. 7 August. 2012
06 August 2012 - web link: Gaza Christians upset over 'forced conversions'
The small Christian community of Gaza is in a state of uproar and has held an uncommon public protest against the Islamic Hamas government over what they say are forced conversions of two Christians in recent weeks. Episcopal News Service. 6 August 2012
06 August 2012 - web link: The Anglican Communion meets in London for the Olympics
Anglicans from around the world have been attending a series of events across churches in London's district of Stratford (also the location for the Olympic Park) since 27th July to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games.Tarsila Burity. ACNS 6 august. 2012
04 August 2012 - web link: Sudan and South Sudan settle oil dispute
Sudan and South Sudan have struck a deal on an oil payments dispute that brought the two countries to the brink of war earlier this year. BBC 4 August 2012
03 August 2012 - web link: Continuing Indaba team welcomes "biggest change to mission policy in 50 years"
The Church of England's recent decision to move its model of mission from one of dependency to mutuality has been warmly welcomed by the Anglican Communions Continuing Indaba team. ACNS 3 August 2012
03 August 2012 - web link: The Pensions Board defends trading in ethical hedge funds
THE Church of England Pensions Board has invested ﾣ60 million in hedge funds, despite concerns expressed by the Church Commissioners about excessive executive pay, and broader concerns about the sector's contributing to market volatility and profiting from misfortune. Madeleine Dvies. Church Times 3 August 2012
03 August 2012 - web link: Campaigners confident that Sundays safe after Olympics
CAMPAIGNERS have said that they are confident that the suspension of Sunday-trading laws for the Olympics will "lapse" once the Games have ended.Ed Thornton. Church Times. 3 August 2012
03 August 2012 - web link: Dual threat to Christians from sectarian conflict in Syria
THE growing intensity of the conflict in Syria, and the increasing signs of the rebels' success, are leaving the country's Christian minority in a doubly dangerous position. Like all civilians, they are caught in the crossfire; and they are also at risk from the way in which the rebels are being boosted by Islamic extremist fighters. Gerald Butt. Church Times. 3 August 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: A Better Conversation about Homosexuality
Three recent books expose the cultural captivity of the church to Western ideas about sexuality. By Christopher Benson, Christianity Today, 30 July, 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: Sectarian violence in Nigeria "goes beyond just religious tensions"
A report has revealed that the violence in Nigeria, responsible for hundreds of deaths since January, is due to more than religious tensions alone. ACNS 1 August 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: Broadband for all, urges Bishop of Norwich
A scheme in Norwich Diocese which gives broadband access to remote rural communities has been highlighted as an example of best practice in a report released today from the Lords Communcations Committee, which says the Government's broadband strategy must not leave communities behind. ACNS 31 July 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: Anglicans in Zimbabwe threatened with arrest, barred from shrine once again
Anglicans in Zimbabwe's Diocese of Masvingo may once again face arrest for trying to commemorate the life and ministry of Arthur Shearly Cripps1 and for carrying out their ministry. ACNS 30 July 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: Iraqi Christian children survive double bomb blasts
Canon Andrew White, the vicar of the only Anglican church in Baghdad, said it was "a major miracle" that a bus load of children returning from their First Communion were not killed in a double bomb attack. ACNS 31 July 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: Church celebrates Lizzie Armitstead's Olympic win
A church in Otley, Yorkshire, is celebrating the Olympic silver medal win by Lizzie Armitstead. Christian Today 31 July 2012
01 August 2012 - web link: Thousands of families could be caught by church repair bills as archaic rights revived
Thousands of families are set to receive warnings that they could face large bills to repair their local church, even if they have never attended it, after parishes were ordered to enforce a 500-year-old land law. John Bingham. Daily Telegraph. 31 July 2012

2005 January-February

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LATEST
NEWS

Three thousand attend enthronement of Tanzanias new Primate

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby honoured at his fellow Primates installation. ACNS, 20 May 2013

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

The Church of England the Funeral of Baroness Thatcher posted by John Watson

Dear Friends We have pleasure in publishing an artlcle asking us to take a fresh look at the legacy of Margaret Thatcher The Iron Lady and the Dissident by Michael Bourdeaux. Please continue this thread in discussing this article. Best wishes John Watson

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...

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