Houston McKelvey writes in today’s Belfast News Letter. -
This week the 31st Annual Northern Ireland Milk Cup football tournament attracted teams from Britain and Ireland, and from the USA, Mexico, Chile, Japan and New Zealand.
We pray for those stranded on one side of the chasm,
unable to move forward
because of doubt, lack of trust or unbelief.
Grant us the patience and empathy
to stay with them until they feel able to cross.
And as we wait, help us not to judge them
but to examine honestly the things that also hold us back.
Lord Jesus, as you reach out to us, grant us
the belief and confidence to make the leap of faith
towards the life to which you call us. Amen.
Tributes Paid to Former Dean of Christ Church Cathedral; Donald Davison tribute; More couples in Ulster tie the knot - and get divorced; Tickets for Carol Concert
Retired UK vicar risks jail over welfare reform campaign; Praying for the peace of Jerusalem as fresh talks start; US Pew Research Center relaunches religion and public; Two ecumenical bodies established for Sudan and South Sudan
The legalisation of gay marriage in Britain is the "inevitable outcome" of a process of changing attitudes towards marriage, sex and the family that started with the sexual revolutions of the 1960s. The Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, Philip Egan, said in a message to the diocese that sexual intercourse had been increasingly separated from married family life and procreation, and increasingly coupled to "pleasure without responsibility".
Jesus, our Saviour, from your pierced heart the church was born,
-- by your holy Cross give us new life.
Jesus, our Saviour, the centurion proclaimed you were God's Son,
-- by your holy Cross increase our faith.
Jesus, our Savioru, you called the good thief into paradise,
-- by your holy Cross, call us.
Jesus, our Saviour, you cured the sick and raised the dead,
-- by your holy Cross, save us.
Rathfarnham Parish Team Gets to Work in Swaziland; RCB Library Archive of the Month – The Gazette 1913 Online; Living Art at Belfast Cathedral; World Police & Fire Games Memorial Service; New Chaplain Arrives at The Mageough; The hell of Bethany House: One man's story
A Church of Ireland rector whose father and uncle were murdered by the IRA has spoke out strongly against a peace centre being built at the former Maze prison site. Arrangements are being made for the Presbyterian Moderator and the Presbyterian Church and Society Committee to visit the site.
Lads' mags. Arguments can be made, and in recent days have been made, both for them and against them. It seems to me, however, that the underlying issue is impossible to deny: children these days are exposed to too much sex, writes Jake Wallis Simons in The Daily Telegraph.
Blessed are you, Creator of heaven and earth,
-- you made the world and offer it life.
Remember us as we begin our work,
-- that we work in harmony with others.
May we do what is useful for our brothers and sisters,
-- and together build a world that is pleasing to you.
To us and all whom we meet today,
-- give your joy and peace.
Irish abortion bill becomes law; Clergy bikers; Bandon C of I to re-develop former school as a community facility; Non-Brethren discriminated against; Cork LGBT festival
UK 'losing fight' against internet crime, warn MPs;Nearly 100 war crimes suspects' in UK last year; Anglican youth join the Pope on Copacabana for two inspirational nights; Muslims and Christians together for Egypt
John Kyle is a GP practicing in East Belfast. He is Deputy Leader of the Progressive Unionist Party and a member of Christian Fellowship Church
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.
Bishop John Jebb and the nineteenth–century Anglican renaissance; Connor clergy moves; Reappearance of Clogher rector’s wife; Community talks over sectarian attacks; Bethany Home survivors vow to take case to UN
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
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.
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.
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
C of E should sell Google shares; ‘Disappointing’ Church did not take lead on marriage; Tutu says he would not worship a 'homophobic' God
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Religion and criminal law; Heritage Week; CAP Money Course teaches vital budgeting skills
Sense of community can reverse Church decline
Alister McGrath: There is a limit to reason; John Lennox: The battle is not between God and science
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.
Bishop’s Bible Week; Tributes to farm tragedy boy, six; Tallaght Flower Festival; Religious orders chased for payout costs;
St George's celebrating 200 years