News

Tim Farron sacks Bradford candidate David Ward over alleged antisemitism
Tim Farron has sacked Lib Dem candidate David Ward over alleged antisemitism after the party leader came under pressure at Prime Minister's Questions.

Presbytery of Scottish Free Church completes 'thorough investigation' into minister who committed suicide after alleged affairs
The presbytery of a Scottish Free Church minister who committed suicide after allegedly being accused of a string of extra-marital affairs, has said his actions were contrary to those expected of a Christian minister.
Egyptian church bombings targeted Christian-Muslim unity, says Coptic Patriarch ahead of Pope Francis visit
The two church bombings that killed dozens in Egypt on Palm Sunday were aimed at targeting unity among Muslims and Christians in the most populous Arab nation, the Coptic Patriarch, Tawadros II said yesterday.

The lamp on a stand: How Jesus' words in Luke 8 are a warning to the internet age
Some of the saying of Jesus are surprisingly dark, when we try to read them with fresh eyes.

China in grip of 'one of the world's great spiritual revivals'
China is in the grip of 'one of the world's great spiritual revivals', Pulitzer-prize winning author Ian Johnson is claiming.

World-changing faith: Seven leaders who won the prestigious Templeton Prize
Yesterday saw the announcement of the latest winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, a £1.1m award that celebrates what its founder called 'marvellous new things going on in religion'. Here are seven of the faith-icons who have received the honour since 1972.

Southern Baptist seminary faculty spark outrage with 'rap' photo
'Grown adult men gathering together to take a picture and holding a gun no less. Stereotyping and being racist. It's disgusting.'

Israel revives controversial plan for 10,000 new settlement homes in West Bank
Israel's Housing Ministry is reviving controversial plans for a new neighbourhood in Jerusalem that falls outside of the 1967 borders and inside the West Bank, according to the Israeli TV Channel 10.

Asperging the asparagus: Why the Church of England is being mercilessly mocked for its latest service of blessing
As part of the British Asparagus Festival Worcester Cathedral has held a service of blessing for asparagus. And it has been the butt of asparagus jokes ever since.
Two Aleppo Bishops abducted in 2013 'are still alive,' says Beirut Bishop
Two bishops of Aleppo abducted in 2013 in Syria are still alive, according to the Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Beirut, Daniel Kourie.

#PMQs with Christian Today: 'God's speed' in marathon finale before General Election
Never has the phrase "strong and stable" been repeated more times in nearly one hour of questions.

Massive investment will fund excavation of site where Peter baptised Cornelius
Ancient Caesarea is being excavated and made accessible to visitors in a major new project.

Shakespeare on religion: 8 quotes from the greatest English writer
His characters take God seriously, and talk the language of belief. Here are nine quotes from Shakespeare on faith.

Gay Church of England priest marries male model, 54 years younger than him
A ex-vicar married a Romanian male model 54 years younger than him on Tuesday in defiance of the Church of England's ban on same-sex marriage.

Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga wins £1.1m Templeton Prize: 7 quotes from an intellectual giant
A prominent American Christian philosopher scholar who made belief in God in a serious option within academic philosophy has been awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize.

Trump condemns Holocaust deniers in speech aimed at rebuilding ties with Jewish community
Donald Trump has spoken out against Holocaust deniers as he sought to rebuild relations with the Jewish community following a series of damaging gaffes from him and his administration.