News

Lutherans close Assembly with mixed feelings over gay vote

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America wrapped up its 2009 Churchwide Assembly on Sunday with calls for caution as well as unity.

US church drops ‘Lutheran’ from title after controversial gay vote

A Lutheran church in Charleston, West Virginia, has covered up the word “Lutheran” on its signboard in protest against last week's pro-gay vote by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Protestant church in Londonderry faces uncertain future

One of the last remaining protestant churches in Londonderry’s Cityside may close due to dwindling numbers.

Care for the Family to merge with Positive Parenting

Care for the Family has announced plans to merge with fellow family charity Positive Parenting in January 2010.

Student numbers grow for sixth year running in Religious Studies A-Level

Last week's publication of A-level results marks the sixth year in a row that the number of students taking Religious Studies A-level has risen, with an increase of 4.7 per cent over 2008.

Cuban church leaders charged with criminal activity

A church leader from a fast growing independent Church movement in Cuba is being accused of criminal activity by the Government just one month after a pastor from the same group was sentenced to six years in prison.

Angola women still face war of a different kind

The armed conflict in Angola ended seven years ago, but the consequences of four decades of war are felt still today. And women seem to be bearing most of the brunt.

Aid agencies appeal for access to vulnerable communities

Governments must honour their commitments to allow aid agencies access to vulnerable communities, insists a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service groups.

'Deep concern' at prospect of one-party race in Somaliland

The UK-based team coordinating election observers for the forthcoming presidential elections in Somaliland has expressed its “deep concern” at political developments in the run-up to the vote on September 27.

Britt Nicole's 'The Lost Get Found' debuts at no1

Sparrow recording artist Britt Nicole debuts at No 1 this week on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart with her highly anticipated sophomore effort, The Lost Get Found.

US Evangelical Lutherans open ordination to noncelibate homosexuals

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Friday approved a resolution to allow gays and lesbians in same-sex relationships to be ordained.

Orissa: Thousands still homeless one year on

A year after the worst anti-Christian violence in India’s democratic history, more than 4,000 Christians are reportedly still stuck in squalid refugee camps, too scared to return to their villages.

Fiji also bans Methodist choir contests

After cancelling Methodist Church’s annual conference and national choir competitions, the interim government has also banned the regional choir contests much to the dismay of the Church's leaders.

Iraqi church leaders appeal for peace after deadly bomb blasts

Church leaders in Iraq have appealed for peace and reconciliation after massive truck bombings struck Baghdad on Wednesday.

Rebecca St James headlines heads to Europe

Rebecca St James crossed the Atlantic this week for a lightning round tour of major concert stagings in Europe.

Nazir-Ali calls for release of Iranian converts

The Bishop of Rochester Dr Michael Nazir-Ali is calling upon the President of Iran to have mercy on two female converts who have been imprisoned for leaving Islam and embracing Christianity.