Christianity should be respected for its history and its contribution to mankind, Melvyn Bragg has argued, as he issued a scathing condemnation of atheists who “attack” the religion.
Mighty God,
in whom we know the power of redemption,
you stand among us in the shadows of our time.
As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,
uphold us with knowledge of the final morning
when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,
we will share in his resurrection,
redeemed and restored to the fullness of life
and forever freed to be your people. Amen.
Irish who died in past wars remembered; Irish leader Enda Kenny showing a steely leadership despite crisis atmosphere ... US view
Archdeacon in praise of interdenominational ‘togetherness’
Church proud of links with Sweden and Zambia
All Saints’ Parish centre designed by MAC architects Hackett and Hall
The Rt Rev Colin Bennetts, who has died aged 72, was Bishop of Coventry from 1998 to 2008 ; although not often in the national news, he was one of the most notable bishops of his time, combining a passion for mission with deep pastoral sensitivity and an engaging personality. He belonged firmly to the Church of England’s evangelical tradition, but not in any of its narrower manifestations.
Charles Moore writes in The Telegraph - “Forty years ago, Justin Welby was an unhappy pupil at Eton. Now, a relaxed Archbishop of Canterbury, he relives his unsettling moment of conversion and his wounded past.”
Lord God, whose Son, Jesus Christ,
understood people's fear and pain
before they spoke of them,
we pray for those in hospital;
surround the frightened with your tenderness;
give strength to those in pain;
hold the weak in your arms of love,
and give hope and patience
to those who are recovering;
we ask this through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Reconciliation: To Dream the Impossible Dream?; Past Choristers Christ Church call up; Summer Baroque Festival this weekend; Music events
Prayer for good government
Heavenly Father
source of all truth and wisdom, who knows and loves the whole creation,
watch over our nation:
that truth may prevail over distortion,
wisdom triumph over recklessness
and the concerns of every person be heard.
Bonfire statue handed in to church; Thousands prepare for Orange parades;
Immoral Parades Commission ruling a reward for violence; St Gall’s develops young choral talent; Ireland interfaith gathering denied permission for shared Communion service
Ireland backs 'life-saving' abortion; ‘A historic moment in Ireland, but not one to be celebrated’; Catch-up: The things you should know about final Dáil abortion vote; Ireland and abortion: this inadequate, fraudulent bill reflects the decline of ...
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for 'footwashing' church; New report calls for a CofE social action unit; General Synod brings out the worst in the Church of England – and in me
Archbishop Welby: ‘Prayers, action needed for Syria’; Archbishops pledge solidarity with Christians in Egypt; Egypt needs peaceful and inclusive transformation, WCC leader; Anglican Alliance seeks new ‘dynamic, effective’ executive director; UN rights body questions Vatican over child abuse
A prayer for peace in our world -
Make your ways known upon earth, Lord God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of all nations,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace
and let your glory be over all the earth. Amen
Orange leader ‘praying for peace’ following Ardoyne parade ban; Final Dáil abortion debate adjourned; St Patrick’s Cathedral Lady Chapel Opened; Tongues of Fire: How Pentecostals are Changing the Church; Ordinand to run 52 marathons
Most babies outside marriage by 2016; New report calls for a CofE social action unit; Anglicans and Methodists: 10 years of journeying together
A prayer for peace in our communities -
Gracious God,
We pray for peace in our communities this day.
We commit to you all who work for peace and an end to tensions,
And those who work to uphold law and justice.
We pray for an end to fear,
For comfort and support to those who suffer.
For calm in our streets and cities,
That people may go about their lives in safety and peace.
In your mercy, hear our prayers,
now and always. Amen
Archbishop Eamon Martin in last minute abortion bill plea; Norris tells Vatican: Stay out of Irish affairs; Fine Gael TD 'recognised' anti-abortion protestors from local church; India media - Let women decide
It's time we started taking this problem much more seriously - Maureen O’Sullivan writes... There is no doubt we have a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Is this another result of both the Celtic Tiger and its demise?
Methodist Church appoints working group on marriage; Archbishop appoints new adviser for evangelism and witness; UK Coptic leader calls for reconciliation in Egypt
A prayer for the people of Syria -
Merciful Father, the strength of all who suffer, defender of all who trust in you, whose compassion never fails; look with mercy upon the stricken people of Syria, touch the hearts of all who oppress, that they may be open to the ways of justice and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord who suffered and died for all and who lives with you and the Holy Spirit now and forever.
Amen
Derry youth scheme outstanding success; Foster: I share no blame over PMS; Senior Vatican prelate tells Cork Mass of 'culture of death'
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave his first presidential address at General Synod in York
General Synod voted to acknowledge and apologise for past safeguarding wrongs. It also voted to endorse work on legislative and non-legislative changes to tighten procedures which have been identified following the Chichester Commissaries interim and final safeguarding reports.
The General Synod has reaffirmed its commitment to women bishops and called, less than a year after the previous proposals were rejected, for new draft legislation to be introduced.
Open our hearts to your power
Presbyterian MS loans ‘on back of an envelope’; Charity launches 'pants' campaign; Catholic Congress 'brought €33m to economy'; Obama's school views inaccurate says Church of Ireland spokeman
You know each of us by name, O God...