The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued a dramatic warning that the worldwide Anglican church is tottering on the brink of complete disintegration amid bitter disputes between liberals and traditionalists.
During the Bishop of Down and Dromore’s Bible Week the scripture passages will be read from Tom Wright’s 2011 translation, ‘The New Testament for Everyone’.
Redeemer God, you heard the cry of your people and sent Moses your servant to lead them out of slavery. Free us from the tyranny of sin and death and, by the leading of your Spirit, bring us to our promised land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Methodist Worship
New York Cardinal places U.S. nuns in Ireland; Summer epilogue service in Lisburn Cathedral; Taney’s New Intern Deacon; DUP now backs victims’ charter
New Lincoln training curacy combines cathedral and parish ministry; Mission to Seafarers: "New convention means protection, justice”; Rowan Williams to speak at Festival of Wellbeing
Celtic spirituality is a vital key - The book is written by a church leader for church leaders who want to find a new direction for their church community.
How different is Derry? Dan Keenan in the Irish Times and Steven McCaffery in the Detail are right to celebrate the huge success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann under the broad banner of UK City of Culture. McCaffery draws an appropriate conclusion from the inclusive flavour evident in the Fleadh and the whole year so far. What a turn round for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as well as community relations in our time - Brian Walker writes on the Slugger O’Toole blog
God who heals the broken hearted, binding up their wounds and raising up those who are bowed down, give us the strength and grace to care for widows, refugees and the destitute. Compassionate and gracious God, reconcile communities and put an end to hatred between political parties and hatred that leads to war and misfortune for suffering people. Amen.
Bishop of Meath and Kildare; Canon Dwyer collection on display at Clare Museum; Killiney Parish seeks a partner in Connor Diocese
Reach, the monthly email from the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland looks at the forthcoming Haass all party talks.
Almighty, life-giving and sustaining God,
thank you for accompanying us to this moment.
We praise you for your graceful strength, forgiving, reviving and encouraging us.
We bless you for your love,
so great that you can cope with our weakness, selfishness and wandering.
We place our hands and hearts in yours this day, praying that you will be glorified by us.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Parish supports Scout Group; Fourteen young women take on Guiding’s toughest challenge; Church conference to connect with young;’ Looking good' more important for Irish students than religion: survey
Rev Arthur Barrett, rector, writes in The News Letter - The historical roots of Rossorry Parish Church can be traced back over 900 years, as records suggest the church was originally founded in 1084, in honour of St Fanchea, and was served for some time by the Augustinian monks at Lisgoole Abbey.
Irish Times - Mervyn Kingston was a priest of the Church of Ireland who affirmed the Church as an integral part of the community life of South Armagh; and who affirmed the presence of gay Christians in the Church.
Recent violence on the streets of Belfast filled me with despair; we need to teach our children respect for each other’s identity and traditions to avoid passing on the failures of the past, writes Peter Osborne, chair of the Parades Commission, writing in The Journal.ie
Let our hearts adore you for ever, O Lord, that, waking or sleeping, we may never cease to worship you. May your angels keep watch over us day and night, and may the praise from our lips mingle with the songs of heaven. Amen.
Gregory of Nazianzus (329-389)
BBC News - The Church of Ireland primate has said he feels "acute sadness" at recent disturbances in Belfast - i player link included here
Kilbroney Adventure Camp hits the target; New Rector Appointed to Raheny and Coolock
Praise for Anglican work with the poorest in Mexico; Do more on marriage, chief rabbi tells UK government; Christian Aid funds emergency food distribution in flood-hit Pakistan; Cisco 400-101 dumps
Scots Catholic schools abuse helpline launched
The Dean of Derry, Rev Dr William Morton writes in the News Letter - I am sure we have all been in situations where somebody says something which, at first, seems so unusual that we are left completely gobsmacked.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of how to live our lives.
You included the vulnerable on the margins of society,
you had special words for the broken-hearted,
you comforted those searching for peace,
you gave hope to those in desperate situations.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to follow your example.
Help us, Lord, to include others,
to say the right words in difficult situations,
to give support and pastoral care to those in need,
to have loving hearts in all we do.
But we are not perfect and when we get it wrong,
give us the grace to say sorry.
Archbishop Clarke speaks on Religion and Society; History of the church on Derry’s walls; Recitals and Summer school; Love for Life: Dinner with Benefits; Cashel appointment
HIV patients 'told to rely on God’; Fracking protesters like MMR scaremongers, says Church of England; Abuse probe opens dead clergy files; War on Want boosts campaign against UK tax havens
Egypt’s bloodshed demands urgent impartial investigation; Anglican Communion Office Annual Review: "2012 a packed year for ACO staff"
Julie Carr writes in The Irish Times - The constitutional right of Protestant parents to educate their children in a school of their choice is being slowly suppressed.
Weave a silence, O Lord, on to our lips; weave a silence into our minds; weave a silence within our hearts. Close our ears to distractions; close our eyes to attractions; close our heart to temptations. Amen.
Traditional Celtic Prayer
Caring for Rural Communities in Times of Change; Commissioning of lay–readers for Connor; Bartsfest at St Bartholomew’s; Gathering to go - Countdown is on for Limerick diocese
Rowan Williams tells 'persecuted' western Christians to grow up; Church in Wales to vote on women bishops
Bible Society bookshops attacked in Egypt; NZ marks new cardboard cathedral; Challenge to the church from women religious in the USA; Archbishop of Uganda holds a GAFCON press conference
Reconciling God, we pray for those in rural communities who feel lonely. May those who work on the land and who live in remote villages feel your presence, your comfort and your strength. May justice and peace reach out and touch their lives. As we become more aware of country-dwellers' struggles with depression, isolation, confusion and uncertainty, may we all work together to build a sustainable future.Cisco 350-023 test
May those in town and country, cities and villages be reconciled to you. We pray in the name of the Good Shepherd. Amen.