GB and World news

Pope on homosexuality: 'Who am I to judge?’; UK Refugee charities call on Government to help resettle Syrian refugees; Faith leaders promote protection of displaced people; Israeli citizens wary of peace talks; New employment laws 'great day for Britain's worst bosses', says TUC

Opinion – Flying the flag of peace

Several months ago, I was driving in the car with my eight-year-old grandson through Belfast, when he pointed: “There’s a tricolour!”, The Reverend Jim Rea writes in the News Letter.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, intercede for us with your heavenly Father, -- despite our offenses, abide with us. Lord Jesus, conqueror of death, strengthen our faith in your resurrection, -- in the stillness of night, abide with us. Lord Jesus, image of the unseen God, help us to know the Father, -- in our works, abide with us. Lord Jesus, light of the world, bring us hope that never fails, -- by your Spirit, abide with us.

Irish news

Bishop denies rejecting Orange invite; Protests are 'damaging' Ardoyne talks - claim; New Bishop's House proposed for Adare; Former Irish President was ‘close to a breakdown’; Two people seriously injured during Croagh Patrick pilgrimage; Cork rural dean

GB and World News

C of E should sell Google shares; ‘Disappointing’ Church did not take lead on marriage; Tutu says he would not worship a 'homophobic' God

Opinion – Welby, Wonga and the moral dilemma of financial investments

The archbishop had to admit that the Church of England's investment policy inevitably runs up against sinful actions, writes Andrew Brown in The Guardian

Prayer for Today

Christ, our Guide, grant that today we may follow what you command, -- we humbly ask you. Christ, our Guide, grant that today your life may grow within us, -- we humbly ask you. Christ, our Guide, grant that today we may live in peace, -- we humbly ask you. Christ, our Guide, grant that today we may not fall into sin, -- we humbly ask you.

Irish news

International Liturgical Consultation in Dublin; Individuals sought to train as ‘Diocesan Evangelists’ ; Harry was bright-eyed and outgoing, mourners hear; ICTU: Bethany compensation 'unjust’; Crosslinks Conference 2014; Events this week

Opinion – Reconciliation in Ireland – a hope and a necessity

Earlier this year the Bishop of Limeick, Rt Rev Trevor Williams, a former leader of the Corrymeela Community, gave a lecture at Stormont commemorating the life and witness of David Stevens,  a later leader of the Community.

Prayer for Today

Lord, remember your church throughout the world,
-- that your people may dwell in peace.
Lord, remember those we have met and will meet today,
-- that they may receive your gifts.
Lord, remember all families,
-- that they may live in harmony.
Lord, remember the sick and the dying,

-- that they may have your joy.

Irish news

Religion and criminal law; Heritage Week; CAP Money Course teaches vital budgeting skills

GB news – genesis of the Wonga episode in C of E

Sense of community can reverse Church decline

Opinion – Voices from Keswick; McGrath and Lennox

Alister McGrath: There is a limit to reason; John Lennox: The battle is not between God and science

Prayer for Today

God of all kindness, bless your church, -- make your people faithful to you. Eternal Shepherd, look kindly on all bishops, -- grant them wisdom and courage. Ruler of Nations, look kindly on those who govern; -- guide them in the ways of peace. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to our deceased brothers and sisters; -- receive them into eternal joy.

Irish news

Bishop’s Bible Week; Tributes to farm tragedy boy, six; Tallaght Flower FestivalReligious orders chased for payout costs;
St George's celebrating 200 years

GB news

New Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, New C of E Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and Theology, Membership of Steering Committee to prepare women bishops’ legislation, National launch for pioneering Worship4Today course

Opinion – Northern Ireland and the dangers of the ‘mission accomplished’ narrative

Riots in Belfast during the 12th July overshadowed glimmers of hope shown in places like Derry. Either way, Northern Ireland will ultimately sink or swim based on the actions chosen in the months and years ahead, writes David McCann in The Journal.ie

Prayer for Today

Blessed are you, Lord Jesus, Saviour of the world, for giving your life to save us, --by your precious blood we are saved. You promised living waters to those who seek the truth, --give us that water to quench our thirst. You sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people, --sustain those who proclaim your word. To those who carry your cross today in anguish, --grant patience and courage.

Irish news

Premier Christian Radio launches on DAB digital; Down & Dromore Ordinations; Eclectic mix of events for Boyle Arts Festival;  Long backlog for godless wedding services in Ireland

GB news

Oxfam income falls in 'tough' year; Archbishop Announces Independent Inquiry into the Church’s handling of reports of alleged sexual abuse


Opinion – The Church of England’s search for salvation

The Church of England is in crisis states an article in The Guardian. Its position on women bishops and gay marriage has alienated much of society, writes Robert McCrum who visits its parishes and asks if the future lies with those it has spurned.

Prayer for Today

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and give more than either we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask save through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Irish news

Royal congratulations; Bethany Home survivors call for cross-border investigation into neglect; This week in the C of I; Parishioners Walk to Church to Mark Clonakilty 400; Man and woman may hold vital clues to church paintings theft

GB news

Welby warns of bankers 'lynch mob’; Church of Scotland attacks fracking tax breaks; Rowan Williams praises 'generosity of the vulnerable’; Cameron unveils online porn curbs; Young British Catholics in Rio to see Pope Francis

Opinion – Archbishop of York : the scandal of the millions not paid enough to live on

Politicians of all persuasions now back the idea of a living wage, says the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, writing in The Guardian on Saturday,  but when will it materialise?

Prayer for Today

strong>Holy God,
 you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, 
and to care for those who are our companions,
 not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love.
 Seeking to be true friends of all,
 we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.