Papua New Guinea approves Covenant and says it is “proud to belong to the Anglican Communion”

The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea has announced that its Provincial Council last week approved and accepted the Anglican Covenant.

New Zealand’s Christchurch Cathedral waiting to be reborn

On a recent trip to New Zealand, I was saddened to learn that I wouldn’t be able to see Christchurch Cathedral, the symbolic heart of the City of Christchurch and the home parish for hundreds of Anglicans,  writes Lori Erickson .

Christians among the fatalities in Syria unrest

Around 50 Christians have been killed in the violent uprising in Syria so far, says Barnabas Fund.

Quarter of UK women had underage sex, report finds

About 27% of women between 16 and 24 had intercourse before they reached age of consent, according annual health survey

Bigger doses of penicillin needed for today’s bigger children: doctors

Penicillin doses for children need to be reviewed to take account of the fact youngsters are getting heavier meaning they may not be getting an adequate dose, experts have said.

MU All Ireland Council date change

The date of All Ireland Council has been changed from 10th March 2012, to 24 March.

Christian Voices Together in Mullingar

This Sunday Christian Voices Together  are hosting a Carol Singing Service in Market Square , Mullingar at 3pm All are welcome to attend.

Music, both familiar and new, sets tone for Advent and Christmas

An article of immense insight from the Episcopal Church

Can I convince my son that I didn’t miss his nativity play?

It's one thing to love your children - but you do have to prove it.

Mary’s pregnancy billboard ‘serves purpose’

An Auckland, New Zealand, Anglican congregation that's become known for provocative billboards is at it again.

African churches challenged to take up disability rights issues

With disabled, sound- and sight-impaired people among Africa's clergy, the continent's churches are being challenged to lead the struggle to increase rights for disabled people.

India – Christians in Kashmir increasingly fearful

A fact-finding mission to India’s Kashmir Valley found that Muslim leaders’ increasingly shrill opposition to conversions has instilled fear among the Christian minority, which has been threatened as Christmas nears.

Charity says troubled families need more than ‘crisis interventions’

The Government must commit more resources if it is to see a substantial change in the lives of Britain’s struggling families, says Family Action.

MU Teddy Bears have skinhead in tears

Paul Gask, the city co-ordinator in Leicester for CVM - Christian Vision for Men tells of an experience he had.

IAO Organ Congress 2012

Booking is now open for for the 2012 Congress based in Cheltenham, 29th July - 3rd August

Bach Cantata Consort

Led by Andrea Rea will be performing in St Thomas’ Parish Church, Lisburn Rd Belfast on Sundays: Dec 18 & Jan 15 at 19:00

Retrospect – A Meath churchman, soldier-aviator, businessman and farmer

In 1960 the Drogheda Independent carried this tribute to Lieut.Colonel Tom Algar Elliot Cairnes. D.S.O. a member of the Church of Ireland who had served in the infancy of the Royal Flying Corps, later to become the RAF.

NZ: Christchurch Cathedral dean quits post for city council seat

After nine years, the Rev. Peter Beck, dean of the Anglican Christchurch Cathedral, is quitting “the best job the church” to run for a seat on the Christchurch City Council - following clash with bishop?

Pope to visit Cuba in first papal visit in more than a decade

Vatican officials confirmed this week that Pope Benedict XVI would visit Cuba and Mexico some time before Easter next year, in a landmark trip that would mark the first papal visit to Cuba since Pope John Paul II visited the communist but predominantly Catholic island state in 1998.

Japanese pastor sues over dismissal following communion dispute

A Japanese pastor has sued the country's largest Protestant denomination, the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ), over his dismissal for giving communion to congregants who were not baptized.

Cappella Caeciliana in BBC Ulster’s Christmas Concert

Cappella Caeciliana is one of Northern Ireland's leading choirs who regularly sing in both the liturgical and concert settings in the Belfast area and further afield. It has strong links with The Priests.

Christmas with Saint George’s Singers

Saint George's Singers and Sinfonia conducted by Marion Doherty Hayden will present their annual Christmas concert on Wednesday 21st December 2011

Grosvenor’s – Nine Lessons with Carols

Grosvenor presents its Annual Festival of Nine Lessons with Carols, held for the second year in St. Peter’s Church, Antrim Road, Belfast, tomorrow, Friday, 16th December 2011, at 8:00 p.m.

Climate deal ‘profoundly distressing’, says Christian Aid

A deal brokered in the final hours of UN climate talks at the weekend is a “betrayal of people across the world”, Christian Aid has said.

Russian Orthodox voices join cries of election fraud

After a week of mounting protest over alleged fraud in Russia's 4 December parliamentary election, the Russian Orthodox Church has called for stricter control over the election process -- evidence of the extent to which anger has spread in Russian society.

An invitation to build an Anglican Space in the City of God

Anglicans and Episcopalians everywhere are being invited to join Priest Missioner Nicholas Wheeler and members of the Parish of Christ the King in creating an Anglican Space in Brazil’s notorious City of God.

Jesus, the Wise Men and the Olympics

A Church of England primary school has used the journey of the Olympic torch for a modern retelling of the nativity... it was the Christmas a newborn Jesus was offered gifts by Three Wise Men - of gold, silver and bronze.

Commissioning of All Ireland Chaplain of Mothers’ Union

Dean Raymond Ferguson was commissioned as All Ireland Chaplain of the Mothers’ Union in St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore on Sunday 11th December 2011 by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd. Alan Harper.

Lords vote to slash benefits for disabled children

An amendment to protect the benefits of disabled children once Universal Credit is introduced has been defeated in the House of Lords.

Renowned organist to perform in Castlebar

World-renowned organist Mark Duly will give a recital in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Friday, December 16, at 8pm, alongside The Mayo Male Voice Choir and St Joseph’s Secondary School Senior Choir.