Bishop Ken Good of Derry & Raphoe writes...
The service of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings is an essential part of Christmas for many people. Stephen Cleobury, the Choral Director of King's College, Cambridge, was interviewed about his responsibilities and the music he has commissioned over his tenure for this, the most popular of services.
It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas just as the early Christians baptized the Christmas tree
An Unexpected Christmas - Be prepared to be amazed by this production by St Paul's Church, Auckland, New Zealand - the young peoples' acting, the set and the professionalism of the video camera operators. Just the thing for children and grand-children... and those who are young at heart and who are prepared to share in the awe of Christmas...
Churches plan new peace initiative with EU help; RTE to broadcast Archbishops’ Christmas Message on Christmas Day; Archbishop Clarke - Irish Times interview; Bishop of Down & Dromore’s Christmas message; Chief Justice launches guide to rights for gay couples
Christmas message from Primus; Archbishop welcomes next Chief Rabbi; House of Bishops summary of decisions published; Women Bishops – Reform reaction; Bishop beds down in stable for charity; Media review
Come Down O Love Divine
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali tells Church not to compromise; Gay marriage consultation was run like an election in a tinpot state- Evangelical Alliance; Catholic Group in General Synod addresses new Bishops Working Group; Angel of the North inspires school crib; Archbishop of Canterbury's BBC Radio 2 'Pause for Thought' message; Media Review - Time to end the Church of "No"
A look at The Nativity Play in Ireland including comments from Canon Stephen Neill of Cloughjordan. After the Pope's recent book is the donkey an endangered species?
Statement by the Archbishop of Dublin on abortion; Death of Canon Brian Mayne; Joint Christmas Message from the Bishops of Cork; Weather no deterrent for Belfast’s Black Santa; Media review - more on abortion issue
Lord, watch over your people, who come to you in confidence
A hilarious account of the good tidings and laughs aplenty at a nativity play; the Wise Man’s pensionable worries
Christmas Message From the Archbishop of Dublin; Former Dublin Rabbi to be next UK chief rabbi; Pastor carries cross for peace in Belfast; Community Carol Service in Enniskillen; Contemporary Christianity book launch; Media Review - President Higgins’ message for Christmas and New Year; Dept of Education to issue guidelines on suicide prevention; Children among 15 arrested during protests across Northern Ireland; Equality Commission’s concerns over Newry playpark naming
The media and four Roman Catholic archbishops have their say - for now.
Walking to Bethlehem
Archbishop of Armagh’s Christmas message; Electoral College for Meath & Kildare; Irish women in ministry respond on leadership potential; Connor Seminar on innercity parishes; Hannukah in Cork; Nine Lessons and Carols at St Patrick’s Cathedral; Wicklow Parish Launches Church 21 Leaflet; Media review - seven reports including suicide prevention; post rape guidance; equality progress and challenge in NI; child care hits Irish women hardest
Cleric refuses to become bishop; £1 million funding for cathedrals; Christian Aid’s new youth network; Heavy metal carols in Minster
Conservative leadership faces rebellion in both houses in parliament, criticism from within and without the party; Europe and same sex issues sees UKIP support increase
The wisdom to plant the seed and let the tree bear its fruit
Alf McCreary to speak at healing service; Bishop calls diocese to a ministry of prayer for peace; Installation of diocesan canon at St Anne’s Cathedral; Action shot as new Primate begins duties; Media review - expert calls for Facebook memorials; Priest expresses concern regarding teen suicides
C of E clergy threaten to defy gay marriage ban; Archbishop of Canterbury urges commitment to free speech; NSPCC - abuse is not just in the past
Switzerland sends Salvation Army to Eurovision gig; Architect appointed to rebuild Haiti Anglican cathedral; World Council of Churches' delegation in Doha advocates for climate justice; Christian Aid welcomes UK climate finance support pledge; Protection of uprooted people is integral to religions, says WCC; Feeding South Sudan; Notre Dame Cathedral kicks off 850th birthday
Increase our longing for Christ our Saviour
Service of Enthronement of Archbishop of Armagh; Hundreds attend Belfast city peace vigil; Community Carols in Clogher Cathedral; Archbishop of Canterbury commissions Mothers’ Union’s new Worldwide President; Church Planting event in Dublin; Media review - five reports
The latest from the Episcopal bishops of Connecticut includes news of a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown who was killed in the shooting, and a prayer by the Bishop of Aberdeen in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
New home affairs adviser for Church of England; New Dean for the Diocese of Brechin; Interview with the Dean of Westminster on the work and witness of the Abbey; Christians challenged to read Bible in a year; plus three further reports
Church music course Open Day in Canterbury; From Generation to Generation - RSCM Summer choir school at York; God rest ye merry choristers (eventually)
Light a candle for peace
Patience is something that is chosen
In his address, The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke called on Christians to model ‘the courtesy of God’.