Faith in Focus – Serbian Orthodox Christmas in Birmingham – in pictures

January 11, 2012

Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate the Nativity of Christ liturgy at Lazarica church in Bournville, Birmingham. The church, built in 14th-century Byzantine style using Serbian materials, was the first Serbian Orthodox church constructed in England after the second world war.

Marriage is part of the solution to our elderly care crisis

January 11, 2012

Norman Tebbitt writes in The Daily Telegraph

Michael Nazir-Ali: Let us care for the ill and vulnerable – not help them to die

January 11, 2012

“Behind the arguments, there is a false view of autonomy. Individuals are regarded as isolated units who can do as they please with their own lives.”

Study to seek the meaning of Iona's stones

January 10, 2012

They were created to mark the dawn of Christianity in Scotland and have stood in silent witness to the religion's growth for almost 1500 years.

USA – National Cathedral appoints interim dean

January 10, 2012
The Rev. Dr. Francis H. Wade will serve as interim dean of Washington National Cathedral, Episcopal News Service reports.

Vatican uses Wikipedia to compile cardinals’ biographies

January 10, 2012
Spokesman says website's use was temporary measure driven by haste, and that official biographies being compiled

Archbishop Orombi of Uganda announces he will retire in 2012

January 10, 2012
Archbishop Henry Orombi has called for the election of a successor as primate of the Church of the Province of Uganda.

Cross-comunity shared teacher for NI schools

January 10, 2012
Children who attend two small mid-Ulster primary schools of separate religious traditions have become classmates through the first shared teacher to be appointed in Northern Ireland.

Disabled people say that UK government welfare reforms are a ‘sham’

January 10, 2012
A leading disability campaigner, author of a hard-hitting new report on Disability Living Allowance reform, says government consultation on 'disastrous' welfare changes has now been shown to be 'a sham'.

People should have at least two days a week completely clear of alcohol, MPs say

January 10, 2012
James Gallagher of BBC  reports: It is one of the recommendations in a report by the Science and Technology Committee, which is calling for review of all government guidelines on alcohol in the UK.

3,000 teachers in NI could face axe in budget cuts

January 10, 2012
Hundreds of teachers could be made redundant this year when cuts to school budgets are implemented, it has been warned.

Wuthering Heights: Bronte church with Ulster links at risk

January 9, 2012
The resting place of an Ulster father and his world famous literary daughters is under threat unless it can raise much needed funds.

Faith in focus – Photos of Epiphany and Orthodox Christmas

January 9, 2012
Epiphany and Orthodox Christmas around the world - The Daily Telegraph photos are superb.

The Anglican rift – First civil union takes place in Delaware in Episcopal Church

January 9, 2012
More than 400 people, including a U.S. senator, witnessed the first same-sex civil union in Delaware on New Year's Day.

Holy Land pilgrimage can lead to inter-religious understanding

January 9, 2012

Pilgrims to the Holy Land who are searching for the roots of Christianity can also gain a surprisingly rich understanding of other religions, according to a prominent Franciscan clergyman.

Dissident’s book reveals “secret history” of Christianity in China

January 9, 2012
Though Western companies, from American automakers to European luxury firms, have recently gained a foothold in China, Western religion has played a role there for much longer than General Motors or Hermes.

Raising Children of Faith through Adaptive Worship

January 9, 2012
"All God's Children: Raising Children of Faith Through Adaptive Worship" is the title of an approach to  a nondenominational Christian service for families with children of any age, and is especially appropriate for children with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders [PDD-NOS], attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD, ADD], Down Syndrome or any other developmental or physical challenge, according to the Rev. Andrew Butler.

Boris Johnson attacks UK government on Disability Living Allowance

January 9, 2012
London Mayor Boris Johnson has attacked the UK government over its reforms to Disability Living Allowance, which campaigners say are disastrous.

Nathan Jess’ debut

January 9, 2012
Queen’s Belfast graduate Nathan Jess is a new name to some, but his debut single - I Am Redeemed - is full of ancient, eternal truth.

Interview: Alfie Boe, opera singer

January 9, 2012
His opinions have earned him a sniffy reaction from the opera establishment, but Alfie Boe is happy to please fans ... and himself.

What goes round?

January 7, 2012
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer.  

NZ – Bishop’s home falls victim to quakes

January 7, 2012
Bishop Victoria Matthews' Christchurch home has been demolished after this month's earthquakes left it in a precarious state.

Abp of Capetown on climate change summit: “Leaders must hear those who are suffering”

January 7, 2012
The Archbishop of Capetown and Primate of Southern Africa, Dr Thabo Makoba, has said that he had hoped “much greater progress would have been made at COP 17 - the recent UN climate change conference in Durban.

USA : New features on transformed Episcopal Church website

January 7, 2012
The Episcopal Church website has undergone a complete transformation and redesign into a welcoming, eye-appealing, easy-to-navigate, experiential site.

Living Worship 2012: Commences with The Very Revd Tom Gordon

January 7, 2012
Living Worship looks at aspects of church music in a wider context than simply playing the organ or singing in a choir. 

CD Review – Charles Callahan organist

January 7, 2012
All Glory Be to God on High  - Triune Music

Kari Jobe’s next album: Where I Find You

January 7, 2012
Kari Jobe has become a worship favourite since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2009.

Germany’s ecumenical Kirchentag celebration strives to be “green”

January 6, 2012
The Kirchentag, Germany's bi-annual ecumenical celebration, is making greater efforts to be environmentally friendly, according to organizers.

Muslim Brotherhood promises to protect Copts on their Christmas

January 6, 2012
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood organisation has said it will protect Christian believers as the Coptic Christmas holiday rolls around.

TCD Chapel Choir to sing in Galway

January 6, 2012
The Trinity College Dublin Chapel Choir is heading West for its first trip of 2012.