UK churches launch new initiative to welcome Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
Norwich, UK A new initiative aimed at breaking down centuries of prejudice and fully welcoming Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities into the life of the church has been launched in the UK. James Newsome, the Bishop of Carlisle, and Stephen Cotterell, Archbishop of York, launching the GRT Friendly Churches Initiative. PICTURE: Courtesy of the Archbishop of York […]
UK to hold first ‘Bell Sunday’ in recognition of the role of bells in church life
Norwich, UK A peal of bells calling people to church is one of the most iconic sounds found throughout the UK. This Sunday, 14th May, the first ever ‘Bell Sunday‘ will be held in recognition of the role played by bells and bell ringers in church life. A bell tower on a church in North Yorkshire. […]
The Explainer: ‘Ring for the King’ – the long history of England’s bellringing tradition
In an article first published on The Conversation, KATHERINE BUTLER, of Northumbria University, Newcastle, looks at the role church bell-ringing has played in coronations and other aspects of life in the UK…
StrangeSights: “Dress like a cabbage”; a swan rescue; and, outhouse racing
DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Project helps UK churches to live with bats in their belfries
Norwich, UK A pioneering survey on bats in British churches has highlighted a new approach to ways in which humans can successfully share space with wildlife. It has also revealed the importance of churches for bat survival following discovery of a rare species of bat. Britain’s churches are increasingly home to colonies of bats, roosting […]
Buying groceries or grabbing a coffee? UK churches adapt to community needs
Norwich, UK Picking up some groceries or stopping for a coffee and a chat in the café – for many villagers in the UK such activities are increasingly taking place in the walls of a church as faith communities across the country adapt to the needs of the communities that they serve. The community in […]
UK church holds ‘Wash Away Your Sin With Gin’ fundraiser
Norwich, UK Scenes of teddy bears parachuting down from church towers and experiments with paper planes to see how far they can fly when thrown from a high point are just some of the ways churches are enlivening local community life in the UK as they look to increasingly innovative ways of fundraising. St […]
“We aren’t freaks who don’t have fun”: UK churches navigate Britain’s drinking culture
CHARISSA CHEONG looks at how UK churches and Christian ministries are engaging with people who prefer the pub over the church as well as those who need support as they battle alcohol addiction…
Essay: Churches aren’t helping asylum seekers “game” the immigration system
In an article first published on The Conversation, LENA ROSE, a researcher at the University of Oxford, says UK churches have a “very limited role” in the asylum process…
Responding to changing times: From luxury stays to sanctuary ‘champing’, US and UK houses of worship adopt pandemic-era Airbnb models
KATHRYN POST, of Religion News Service, reports that instead of worshippers, some US and UK churches have been filled with local tourists, professional chefs or burnt-out frontline workers…