The Explainer: The ‘Curse of Ham’ – how people of faith used a story in Genesis to justify slavery
PAUL HAM, a lecturer in narrative history, looks at how “a grotesque misuse of the very words of the Bible” has been used to support the idea of slavery…
Church of England agonises over asylum seekers’ bogus conversions row
London, UK Reuters The Church of England will not adopt a set of cast-iron criteria when deciding whether to baptise asylum seekers as it was impossible to see into someone’s heart, a bishop said on Tuesday amid a row over fake conversions to Christianity. The centuries-old church launched a review into its advice to clergy […]
The Church of England aims to raise more than £1 billion to address its past links to slavery
London, UK AP The Church of England should create a fund of £1 billion to address its historic links to slavery, an advisory panel said Monday. That’s 10 times the amount the church previously set aside. An independent oversight group established by the church said a £100 million fund announced last year was insufficient compared to […]
Church of England mulls asylum seeker change amid conversion row
London, UK Reuters The Church of England is considering updating its guidance to clergy on supporting and ministering to asylum seekers, amid concerns that religious conversions are being exploited by people seeking to stay in Britain. The church’s role in the asylum system has been in the spotlight since media reports that faith leaders had […]
Conversations: Rachel Mann, author of ‘A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 40 Days With Jane Austen’
KATHRYN POST speaks with Rachel Mann, whose latest book, ‘A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 40 Days With Jane Austen’, pairs excerpts from Austen’s novels with reflections on virtues and vices…
Pancake-flipping choristers and clergy race at UK cathedrals for Shrove Tuesday honours
Norwich, UK Choristers and clergy at Church of England cathedrals across England joined in flipping pancakes as they raced each other this week in an annual tradition that’s gained in popularity in recent years. The races – which mark Shrove Tuesday, traditionally the day when eggs and fat were used up by making food such as […]
Church of England: “Profound disagreement” remains on homosexuality
London, UK Reuters The Church of England’s governing body will debate adopting fresh commitments on homosexuality and same-sex couples when it meets later this month, it said on Friday, acknowledging that there remained “profound disagreement” on the matter. A general view of Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, on 6th October, 2020. PICTURE: Reuters/Hannah McKay/File photo […]
Church of England: Same-sex blessing to be introduced as church faces ‘disestablishment’ bill in Parliament
CATHERINE PEPINSTER, of Religion News Service, reports…
Postcards: Church of England project aims to revitalise Isle of Wight churches
ANGELA YOUNGMAN reports on a new outreach effort to reach those living on England’s largest island…
Church of England synod moves forward with a test of prayers for same-sex couples
London, UKRNS The Church of England will test-run stand-alone services for blessing same-sex couples after its ruling body, the General Synod, voted to move ahead with implementing special prayers of thanks and dedication for gay couples. The vote to go ahead with the pilot program followed hours of emotionally charged debate about the church’s pastoral […]