News

Churchâs women bishops proposals draw mixed response

The Church of Englandâs proposals for complementary bishops have stirred up concerns among supporters as well as opponents of women bishops.

Cuban church leader on trial over 'offensive behaviour'

A prominent church leader will be put on trial on Monday in what members of his organisation say is a government campaign to silence and discredit him.

Church proposes alternative care for opponents of women bishops

The Church of England today published draft legislation detailing alternative arrangements for those unable to accept the ministry of women bishops.

Methodists call on international community to help end Gaza conflict

As Israelâs defence minister declared âwar to the bitter endâ against Hamas on Monday, the Methodist Church urged the international community to put pressure on Israel and Gaza to bring an end to the violence.

Spain: Thousands turn out for pro-life Mass

A pro-life Mass drew thousands of people to central Madrid on Sunday to hear the case for the traditional family in a country drifting from its Roman Catholic roots.

First native Bible translation for three million Tanzanians

Three million people in the highlands of the east African country of Tanzania will receive Scriptures in their own language for the first time by autumn next year, a Bible translation ministry recently announced.

Painting inspires Epiphany lantern parade

A painting of Jesus holding a lantern in the darkness provides the inspiration for a collaborative Epiphany service in Manchester.

Bishops hit out at âimmoralâ Government

Five bishops from the Church of England have slammed the Labour Governmentâs 11 years in office.

Iranian president's alternative Christmas message draws fire

The holiday message delivered by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for Channel 4 drew a wide range of critics last week.

Bishop urges support for children

The Bishop of Hereford appealed to hundreds of people this week to support children during 2009, the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Year of the Child.

China cracks down on Christians during Christmas week

The officially atheist Chinese Government harassed Christians in different regions of the country in the days leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve, says one group that supports the persecuted church there.

Sombre Christmas for India's Christians

It was an unusually sombre-looking Christmas in India this year. The Yuletide cheer was unanimously toned down in the wake of violence on Christians especially in Orissa, Karnataka, Mumbai terrorist attacks and the global economic crisis affecting the nation.