New nuncio ‘unusual choice’

An Irish-American priest who has worked closely with the present Pope is to be the new papal nuncio to Ireland.

Belfast lecture on the Unsettled Financial World

The Annual Catherwood Lecture organised by  Contemporary Christianity will be on Thursday 1 December, 8pm. Bob Goudzwaard will speak on issues relating to the “Global, Local and Personal Aspects of the Unsettled Financial World” at the Belfast Bible College.

The Salvation Army is a Church with a social mission

The Salvation Army’s Londonderry, correspondent Leslie Smyth says he is often astounded by some people’s perception of the ‘Army’ as a social outfit as opposed to its primary role as a Church so he arranged an interview with Lieutenant Dominic Eaton - who with his wife Debbie - are the local ministers.

NT Wright’s Belfast sermon on ‘Hope’ is now on download

NT Wright's sermon to the Irish churches on the subject of 'Hope' is available to download as an MP3 audio file and as a PDF file.

Ian Paisley to write ‘caustic criticism’

Ian Paisley will continue to preach "for a long time," despite his imminent retirement from his Free Presbyterian ministry, he has revealed.

Shoe box gifts to India

Gifts packaged with care by parishioners of Magheragall, Diocese of Connor, are now winging their way to India in time for Christmas.

Cameron’s Big Society needs Christian values behind it, says Blond

David Cameron’s “Big Society” dream will fail unless the country rediscovers traditionally Christian values, according to the academic credited with helping develop the concept.

Tens of thousands respond to invitations to Back to Church Sunday

Congregations increased by nearly a quarter at more than 4,200 churches on Back to Church Sunday on 25th September 2011 – an average of 19 extra people per church. 91 C of I parishes took part.

New hope for traditionalists

A move by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to soften the women-bishops legislation, rejected by the C of E General Synod in July last year, might return to the Synod next February.

BBC show “Rev” a hit

Vicar Adam Smallbone, the lead character in the BBC2 show "Rev", is described as quite normal, and even a bit cool: something that real clergy strive for… And he was out for drinks with the ABC prior to the second series.

CNI SUMMARY – Friday 25th November

Your rapid overview of today’s news and issues.

A sporting life – C of I laywoman’s contribution

Here is an account of a remarkable C of I woman who was educated in sport at Derry High School, Lifford school, and the University of Ulster. She has been a popular figure in the lives of many hundreds of Athlone girls throughout three decades.

Presence and Presents – Christmas booklet by C of I rector

Canon Paul Willoughby, Rector of Kilmocomogue Union of Parishes, covering  Bantry, Durrus and Castletownbere, has recently produced a booklet called 'Presence and Presents. The real meaning of Christmas'.

Church Army looks forward to new future as a mission community

Church Army is preparing to open its doors to new members after it voted to become a mission community in the Anglican Church in the UK and Ireland.

Age NI launches ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign

Winter is a difficult season for older people, who often struggle to keep warm and experience isolation and loneliness at this time of year.

Bishop steps down

Roman Catholic bishop steps down just six days before child sex abuse audits into two dioceses where he served are due to be published.

1,000 churches help people beat debt

Christians Against Poverty have reached a new milestone with the 1,000th church set to take part in their debt-busting money course.

Cumbria becomes first ecumenical county in England

On Sunday 27th November 2011 at 3pm Church leaders from the Methodist, United Reformed and Anglican Churches in Cumbria will sign an historic ecumenical Declaration of Intent.

Archbishop to launch independence celebrations in Jamaica

The Archbishop of York is heading to Jamaica in January to kick off a year of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from Britain.

C of E’s safety concerns over Queen’s Diamond Jubilee beacon plan

The Church of England has poured cold water on a plan to light up church towers across the country with beacons to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year.

CNI summary – Thursday 24th November

Your rapid overview of today’s news and issues.

Church Resources 2012 in Belfast

The popular Church Resources 2012 event will be held at the Ramada Hotel, Shaw's Bridge, Belfast on 16th & 17th February.

Love and Joy and Peace – Lisburn rector’s devotional book

The Rev Jim Carson, rector of St Paul’s, Lisburn, (Connor) launched his book Love and Joy and Peace in the Good Book Shop, Belfast, on Tuesday last .

Irish human rights monitor on West Bank

Last week Jenny Derbyshire from Enniskerry travelled to Palestine to work as a human rights monitor for three months.

Northern Ireland soccer kitman honoured

Derek McKinley, a member of the C of I, was honoured with a testimonial dinner in Belfast as former and present players and managers paid tribute to his remarkable 30 years of service to the international squad.

Christian Aid’s online Advent resources

Global development agency Christian Aid is offering people a "thought provoking, chocolate-free countdown to the Christmas celebrations."

RC priests’ organization slams Irish media bias

The Association of Catholic Priests has accused Irish state broadcaster RTE and sections of the media of a bias against the Church and the clergy.

New book celebrates 1,000 years of St Paul’s Cathedral

A new book uncovering the historical and religious significance of St Paul's Cathedral has been published today in celebration of the current building's 300th anniversary.

Text the Gospel this Christmas

A new initiative is encouraging Christians to tell the story of the birth of Jesus through social media this Christmas.

Vicar sues diocese over parish campaign of hate

A vicar who moved to an “idyllic” rural parish claims that locals subjected him and his family to a four-year-reign of intimidation and terror.