Archbishop of Canterbury writes on economics in Financial Times

November 2, 2011

In an article in the Financial Times, Dr Rowan Williams said the Occupy London demonstration was an "expression of a widespread and deep exasperation with the financial establishment… There is still a powerful sense around - fair or not - of a whole society paying for the errors and irresponsibility of bankers, of messages not getting through, of impatience with a return to 'business as usual' represented by still soaring bonuses and little visible change in banking practices." Text of article released by Lambeth Palace follows:

GB – Gay couples to be allowed civil ceremonies in church

November 2, 2011

Homosexual couples will be able to take part in civil partnerships in church and other places of worship from next month, it will be announced today.

St Paul’s and Corporation of London halt legal action against Occupy camp

November 2, 2011

Cathedral announces U-turn and initiative to 'reconnect financial with the ethical' – but corporation qualifies its move as a 'pause'

St Paul’s and the protesters: more background comment

November 2, 2011

There has been a rich range of comment, some of it from varying Christian perspectives. Links are here to a number of them, including an article by Ken Costa, formerly Chair of UBS Europe and Chairman of Lazard International, who has been invited by the Bishop of London  to spearhead an initiative reconnecting the financial with the ethical.

UK churches seek action on tax avoidance

November 2, 2011

Representatives from the United Kingdom's main Christian denominations and charities submitted a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (treasury secretary) on 31 October, urging the government to tackle tax avoidance in order to "Close The Gap" between rich and poor.

Rupert Murdoch becomes largest publisher of Bibles

November 2, 2011

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation has bought the Nashville-based Thomas Nelson, Inc., Christian publishers, reports the Wall Street Journal, thus becoming the largest publisher of bibles in the world.

St Paul’s must change direction

November 1, 2011

After the resignation of its dean, St Paul's must negotiate a peaceful settlement with the protesters, as quickly as possible, Andrew brown writes in his blog at The Guardian today.

Irish public ‘overestimates’ priest abuse

November 1, 2011

Almost half of Irish people believe that a fifth of priests are guilty of child abuse, a survey has revealed. The Iona Institute, which commissioned the research, said almost a third of those surveyed were closer to the figure of 4% of clerics reported in a study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the US.

John Stott UK memorial service

November 1, 2011

The UK Memorial Service will be held at St Paul's Cathedral on 13th January 2012 at 11:30 am with Bishop Michael Baughen presiding and Bishop Tim Dudley-Smith preaching. Web contact follows with addresses given at Toronto memorial service.

Church finance resource launched

November 1, 2011

CREED Ireland has produced ‘Pro–vision’ a new and easy–to–use resource for the local church.

Past Moderator tells GAA to help de-politicise Irish language

November 1, 2011

A former Presbyterian moderator has challenged the GAA to take a lead in attempting to de-politicise the Irish language.

St Paul’s – Dean’s resignation ‘very sad news’, says Abp of Canterbury

October 31, 2011

Rowan Williams says issues raised by Occupy protesters are 'very much on the table' as he pays tribute to dean of St Paul's

St Paul’s – Dean resigns over Occupy London protest row

October 31, 2011

Graeme Knowles, the dean of St Paul's, stands down with immediate effect, saying his position has become 'untenable'

St Paul’s – Bishop defends ‘prudent’ legal steps for possible eviction of camp

October 31, 2011

Violent clashes with police are not inevitable, Richard Chartres says after addressing protesters at cathedral. Press summary included here.

C of I briefs

October 31, 2011

From Limerick, Down & Dromore, and Connor

C of E ready to sell internet holdings unless companies curb online pornography

October 31, 2011

The Church of England may withdraw the millions it has invested in internet companies unless they take action to curb internet pornography.

C of E confronts News Corp

October 31, 2011

The Church of England has made a series of demands of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, after a face-to-face meeting with directors in which it raised “serious ethical concerns” about the company, after the phone-hacking scandal.

Abp of Armagh congratulates Michael D. Higgins on election as President

October 31, 2011

A statement issued by The Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland conveys prayerful good wishes -

Archbishop’s hope for new President of Ireland

October 29, 2011

The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough, Primate of Ireland and Metropolitan has welcomed the election of Michael D. Higgins as President of Ireland.

Today’s Blog

October 29, 2011

The Pope and the protestors. See Blog at masthead

Dean’s ‘national cathedral’ idea gets angry response from two

October 29, 2011

The Irish Times reported yesterday that there has  been angry reaction - based on two letters -  to an initiative by the Dean of Dublin’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, Robert MacCarthy, to establish it as “a national cathedral not merely for the Church of Ireland but for all Irish Christians”. He did so in a letter to all seven candidates for the presidency during the recent election campaign, seeking their support for his proposal.

C of I news

October 29, 2011

A resume of current events and efforts

NI MP’s Challenge to PM on ‘aid bias against Christians’

October 29, 2011

An Ulster MP has challenged the prime minister in person on why Britain is cutting aid to countries which persecute gay people — but giving away millions to countries which are killing Christians.

St Paul’s – Protesters Facing Legal Action

October 29, 2011

Legal action is being taken to evict hundreds of anti-capitalist protesters who have been camped outside St Paul's Cathedral in London for almost two weeks.

St Paul’s – Chaplain resigns as cathedral is blasted for stance on protesters

October 29, 2011

A C of E bishop yesterday likened the clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral to “self-important public school boys” as a second member of staff resigned over its decision to evict the protesters on its doorstep and a third was considering his position.

St Paul’s – The protesters and the clergy have both got it wrong

October 29, 2011

Our sympathy should be saved for the City workers who pick their way around the tents , says Charles Moore, former Editor of The Daily Telegraph writes.

English RC Church inquiry after official convicted of paedophilia

October 29, 2011

The Roman Catholic Church is to launch a review of child protection across the South West of England after a religious official investigating child sex abuse allegations was convicted of paedophilia.

St Paul’s Cathedral protest damaging Christianity – George Carey

October 28, 2011

Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has warned that the reputation of Christianity is being damaged by the ongoing fall-out over the protest at St Paul’s Cathedral. Link to this article is included here.

St Paul’s dilemma – Wealth and safety

October 28, 2011

The Church Times leading article today states: To give them their due, the Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s knew the reaction they would get when they cited health and safety as the reason for the closure of the cathedral.

British Christian groups back ‘Occupy London’ movement

October 28, 2011

Eight national Christian organisations have signed a statement declaring their support for the 'Occupy London' protests. They include the Student Christian Movement, the thinktank Ekklesia and the magazine Third Way. Other groups and churches are expected to add their backing shortly.