News

Church of England launches website to help nurture good schools

The Church of England has launched a new web resource identifying the values it believes make faith schools a success.

Taliban threatens Pope with 'severe reaction' ahead of Middle East visit

The Taliban has warned Pope Benedict XVI that he will feel “the consequences of a severe reaction” if Christianity is allowed to be preached in Afghanistan. The Pope is due to begin his tour of the Middle East today and will meet King Abdullah on his visit to Jordan, before heading to Israel.

MPs demand UN commission into Burma human rights violations

Over 60 British MPs are calling for a UN commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma, just two weeks before Nobel Laureate and democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is due for release from house arrest.

Girls to join Durham Cathedral choir for first time in 900 years

Durham Cathedral is to allow girls to sing in its choir for the first time in 900 years. Singing at the cathedral was originally done by monks, but later moved on to a choir of men and boys formed after the Reformation.

Miss California: The new family values spokeswoman?

As pageant officials review racy photos of Miss California Carrie Prejean and look into other possible violations of her contract, one Christian professor and specialist in sexuality issues is wondering why conservative and Christian groups are not proceeding with the same caution and instead giving her the platform.

Three Indian states report anti-Christian violence

Two incidents of assault and one incident of vandalism against Christians and their properties were reported by three Indian states this week.

Pope to be 'pilgrim of peace' in Middle East

The Pope says he is visiting the Middle East as a “pilgrim of peace” and that he wants the visit to “bear much fruit” not only for Christians in the area but Jews and Muslims as well.

Tommy Walker releases new version of 'He knows my name'

Tommy Walker reveals his heart for children in need with a new rendition of his classic worship song, 'He knows my name'.

Call for prayer ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary

Chinese Christian leaders have signed a statement calling for forgiveness, repentance and prayer ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre next month.

Aid charity branches out in Scotland

Aid to the Church in Need is to open a new branch in Scotland that will act as a Scottish base for its work with persecuted and oppressed Christians around the world.

Cardinal calls on Berlusconi to set a better example

The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has been criticised by a senior figure in the Vatican for setting a bad example. Berlusconi, 72, is currently embroiled in a public divorce with his wife who accuses him of being too friendly with young girls and women.

Songs of Praise features Scottish Bible Society in bicentenary year

The BBC has chosen to feature the work of the Scottish Bible Society is in a special edition of Songs of Praise to be broadcast this Sunday.

African Archbishop backs Pope's condom comments

The Roman Catholic Church’s most senior cleric in Nigeria has come out in support of the Pope following his recent comments against the use of contraception.

US Army destroys Afghan Bibles

The U. Army has reportedly destroyed Bibles in Afghan languages which were sent to a soldier in Afghanistan and then confiscated.

Recession leading more Irish to church

Catholic churches in Ireland are seeing attendance at Mass rise as much as 30 per cent all over the country in what some see as a response to the desperate times brought on by the economic crisis.

Court overturns first Greek gay 'weddings'

A court in Greece has overturned the country’s first “homosexual weddings”, which took place last year as a result of a legal loophole.