Christianity news

• Britain is now 'post-Christian', says ex-archbishop Rowan Williams

  27-04-2014 20:19
  
  Lord Williams enters debate provoked by PM, saying UK is not a nation of believers, but neither is it full of dedicated secularistsRowan Williams, the former archbishop of Canterbury, has declared that Britain is no longer a nation of believers and that it has entered a "post-Christian" era.Entering a debate triggered by David Cameron's declaration before Easter that Britain should be "more confident about our status as a Christian country" and "more evangelical" ab
  
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• The Anglican church’s long history of failing to act on abuse | Letters

  14-11-2024 19:02
  
  Pam Walker says the church hierarchy has a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of abuse, and Doug Clark compares Anglican and Catholic scandals. Plus a letter from John van RooyenAs a lay minister in Newcastle diocese, I strongly supported Helen-Ann Hartley’s call for the archbishop of Canterbury to resign (Bishop calls for Justin Welby to resign over failure to pursue serial abuser, 11 November), and I am relieved he has done so. For almost 40 years, since the abuse scandal surroun
  
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• Many NHS staff would use ‘conscience clause’ if assisted dying legalised, say doctors

  14-11-2024 13:06
  
  Christian and Muslim groups say medics who refuse to help patients to die are not protected enough in England and Wales billA significant proportion of NHS medical staff in England and Wales are likely to exercise a “conscience clause” if assisted dying is legalised by parliament.Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s private member’s bill stipulates that no doctor would be under any obligation to participate in assisted dying. Continue reading...
  
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• The fall of Justin Welby – podcast

  14-11-2024 04:00
  
  After the publication of a damning report into a decades-long child abuse scandal, Justin Welby has bowed to pressure to resign as archbishop of Canterbury. Harriet Sherwood reportsA former oil executive turned archbishop, it was hoped Justin Welby’s management experience would hold the Church of England together as it navigated the modern world. As the archbishop of Canterbury, he steered a careful path through divisions in the global Anglican church over ordaining women and same-sex marr
  
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• The Rev Donald Reeves obituary

  14-11-2024 00:01
  
  Progressive Anglican clergyman radicalised by an urban ministry social project in ChicagoAt various times in his career as one of the most radical clerics in the Church of England, Donald Reeves, who has died aged 90, was called a very dangerous man by Margaret Thatcher and a dishy vicar by Jilly Cooper. The Rector of St James’s Church, Piccadilly, in the heart of the West End of London for 18 years between 1980 and 1998, he was a leading member of a cohort of progressive and socially enga
  
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• Candidate for C of E panel to choose Welby successor knew about John Smyth’s abuse

  13-11-2024 20:24
  Report says General Synod member Rev Andrew Cornes was told of Smyth’s abuse in 1982 but failed to actA retired clergyman who could be part of the selection process for the next archbishop of Canterbury knew about the sadistic abuse of boys and young men in the early 1980s but failed to take action, according to the report that triggered Justin Welby’s resignation.One of John Smyth’s victims discussed his abuse with the Rev Andrew Cornes in September 1982, but “there is n
  
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• Abuse scandal report: six serving and former C of E bishops mentioned in review

  13-11-2024 17:55
  
  Review suggested a number of people who might have failed to act on concernsBishop says more senior clergy may need to resignThe review into abuse carried out by John Smyth suggested that a number of senior Church of England figures failed to act on concerns and disclosures about sadistic abuse. Since Justin Welby resigned as archbishop of Canterbury, a bishop, a member of the government and a number of survivors have said others should also consider their positions. This is what the report says
  
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• General in Nigeria Recounts Death Sentences of Sham Trial

  13-11-2024 17:00 via christiannews.net
  
  Maj.-Gen. Zamani Lekwot released book on 1992 religious violence. (Christian Daily International-Morning Star News) ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A former Army general in Nigeria said his death sentence following riots more than 30 years ago was the result of Muslim military leaders controlling a sham...
  
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• Why did Justin Welby fall so tragically short? Because he was preoccupied with efficiency, not listening | Catherine Pepinster

  13-11-2024 14:14
  
  The archbishop’s resignation for failing to respond to abuse complaints speaks of deeper issues in the Church of EnglandCatherine Pepinster is a writer on religion and a former editor of the Tablet, the Catholic weeklyWhen you look at a high-up cleric – someone like Justin Welby, say, dressed in all his finery, vestments trimmed with gold thread and a bejewelled clasp on his cope, as he was at the coronation of King Charles III – it’s hard to believe this has any connecti
  
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• Bishop says more C of E senior clergy may need to resign over abuse scandal

  13-11-2024 10:23
  
  Julie Conalty, bishop of Birkenhead, welcomes resignation of Justin Welby but says institutional changes neededA bishop and a cabinet minister have said more senior clergy in the Church of England may need to resign after a damning report into a sadistic abuser.Julie Conalty, the bishop of Birkenhead and deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, said Justin Welby had “done the right thing” on Tuesday by resigning as archbishop of Canterbury. Continue reading...
  
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• The C of E’s CEO: how will history judge Justin Welby’s tenure as archbishop of Canterbury?

  13-11-2024 08:50
  
  Welby worked hard to hold the Anglican church together, but in the end his own failings led to his downfallIn the almost 12 years that Justin Welby has been archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of England has both cemented its place at the heart of the establishment and become less and less relevant to the lives of most citizens.Welby has buried a queen, crowned a king and married a prince. He has offered spiritual counsel to six prime ministers and debated issues of national importance in the H
  
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• Mystery surrounds John Smyth after leaving UK and Zimbabwe for South Africa

  13-11-2024 08:12
  
  Smyth enjoyed ‘opulent lifestyle’ in Cape Town after he was barred from Zimbabwe, where he abused boys at summer campsThe evangelical Christian barrister John Smyth abused as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK, Zimbabwe and possibly other African countries but an independent review has said there remains little concrete information on his time in South Africa.The review into the Anglican church’s handling of Smyth’s abuses said he might have been brought to justice
  
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• ‘Highly likely’ John Smyth continued to abuse young men in South Africa

  13-11-2024 06:00
  
  Smyth moved to South Africa after he was barred from re-entering Zimbabwe, where he abused boys at summer campsThe evangelical Christian barrister John Smyth abused as many 130 boys and young men in the UK, Zimbabwe and possibly other African countries but an independent review has said there remains little concrete information on his time in South Africa.The review into the Anglican church’s handling of Smyth’s abuses said he might have been brought to justice had Justin Welby, who
  
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• Federal judge temporarily blocks Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms

  13-11-2024 05:38 via christiannews.net
  
  A Louisiana law requiring schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge, who ruled it coercive and unconstitutional. The law, set to take effect January 1, was challenged by nine families, who argue it violates the First Amendment by endorsing religion in public schools. The state’s Attorney General,...
  
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• ‘Church in crisis’: what the papers say about the archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation

  13-11-2024 04:16
  
  Justin Welby’s resignation dominates the headlines as calls grow for others to resign and the archbishop not to be a ‘sacrificial lamb’UK papers on Wednesday focused on the archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to resign amid mounting pressure from victims and members of the clergy over his handling of one of the church’s worst abuse scandals. The fallout continues as other church figures also face calls to step down.The Guardian leads with Justin Welby’s &ldquo
  
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• High court rules Catholic church not liable for child abuse by priest it didn’t directly employ

  13-11-2024 01:22
  
  Church wins case reversing 2023 decision of Victorian court that it was vicariously responsible for abuse suffered by five-year-old at hands of assistant priestFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Catholic church has won a landmark case limiting its liability for the abuse of children by priests not under its direct employment.Lawyers immediately warned the case could have “far-reaching” consequences for
  
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• Justin Welby: why archbishop chosen for his managerial skills had to go

  12-11-2024 20:19
  
  Failure to tackle Church of England’s safeguarding issues and own knowledge of abuse reflect religions’ denialIn earlier times it used to be more straightforward: archbishops of Canterbury such as Thomas Becket and William Laud used to get it in the neck from the king; or, in the case of Simon Sudbury, who was killed in the 14th-century Peasants’ Revolt, at the hands of the mob.Now, it is more likely to be a politician. Justin Welby has resigned after having lost the confidence
  
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• Justin Welby to quit as archbishop of Canterbury over handling of abuse scandal

  12-11-2024 19:49
  
  Leader of Church of England had faced pressure since damning report on cover-up of John Smyth’s abuseThe archbishop of Canterbury is to step down amid intense pressure over his handling of one of the church’s worst abuse scandals.Justin Welby’s decision, announced on Tuesday, comes after mounting demands from victims and members of the clergy for him to quit. Continue reading...
  
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• Who could succeed Justin Welby as archbishop of Canterbury?

  12-11-2024 18:59
  
  Some will think a woman should lead the C of E and age limitation will rule out a number of bishopsJustin Welby to step down as archbishop of CanterburyJustin Welby’s resignation will trigger a search for the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, a role that combines moral and spiritual leadership, ceremonial duties, a seat in the House of Lords, oversight of Anglican churches in more than 160 countries, and the day-to-day management of a large but declining English institution.Stephen Cottrell,
  
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• Judge blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to display Ten Commandments

  12-11-2024 18:37
  
  Judge called law ‘unconstitutional on its face’ but an appeal would be heard by perhaps most conservative court in USA new Louisiana law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom by the beginning of 2025 has been temporarily blocked after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction on Tuesday.The judge said the law was “unconstitutional on its face” – and plaintiffs were likely to win their case with claims that the law violat
  
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• Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns over child abuse report

  12-11-2024 18:23 via christian.org.uk
  
  Justin Welby has announced that he will resign as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
  
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• Assisted suicide Bill published: 'Rushed, arbitrary and set to expand' say experts

  12-11-2024 17:28 via christian.org.uk
  
  People deemed to have less than six months to live will be put at risk of feeling pressured to kill themselves, under proposals to be debated by the House of Commons later this month.
  
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• Betting companies ‘out of control’ as youth problem gambling doubles

  12-11-2024 17:27 via christian.org.uk
  
  Problem gambling has more than doubled among young people, a new report has revealed.
  
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• Campaigners in Italy urge pope to stop ‘sacrifice’ of 200-year-old tree for Xmas

  12-11-2024 17:16
  
  Twenty-nine-metre tall fir destined to be chopped down and transported to St Peter’s Square in the VaticanEnvironmental campaigners in Italy’s northern Trentino province have started a campaign to stop the felling of a 200-year-old fir tree intended to form the centrepiece of the Vatican’s Christmas decorations.The so-called “Green Giant” is 29 metres tall and is due to be chopped down next week in a forest in the Ledro valley before being transported to the Vatican
  
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• What happens now the archbishop of Canterbury has resigned?

  12-11-2024 15:19
  
  Justin Welby’s departure sets in train a process involving the monarch, the PM and a 16-strong voting panelJustin Welby to step down as archbishop of CanterburyThe archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced he will step down after facing pressure to quit over his handling of an abuse scandal.A damning report was published last week on the Church of England’s cover-up of John Smyth’s abuse in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and later in Zimbabwe and South Af
  
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• Starmer refuses to back Justin Welby after clamour for archbishop to resign

  12-11-2024 13:53
  
  Prime minister says victims of serial abuser John Smyth ‘failed very, very badly’Keir Starmer has refused to back the archbishop of Canterbury, who has faced growing demands to resign over his handling of an abuse scandal.Pressure on Justin Welby has been intensifying since the publication last week of a damning report on the church’s cover-up of John Smyth’s abuse in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and later in Zimbabwe and South Africa. About 130 boys are beli
  
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• Head of New Orleans’ embattled Catholic archdiocese offers to resign

  12-11-2024 13:00
  
  Gregory Aymond’s offer, required because he turns 75, says he wants to stay for resolution of institution’s bankruptcy but adds it is up to Pope FrancisNew Orleans’ Roman Catholic archbishop Gregory Aymond is submitting his resignation Tuesday, on his 75th birthday, fulfilling a church requirement – though it is unclear if Vatican officials would immediately accept it with his scandal-plagued organization’s expensive, highly contentious bankruptcy case still unresol
  
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• Justin Welby urged to resign in solidarity with C of E abuse victims

  12-11-2024 11:15
  
  Victim of serial abuser John Smyth joins calls for archbishop of Canterbury to quit as 10,000 people sign petitionThe archbishop of Canterbury has been urged to stand in solidarity with abuse victims by resigning after a report into a cover-up in the Church of England.A petition started by three members of the General Synod – the church’s parliament – calling for Justin Welby to quit has reached more than 10,000 signatures.In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800
  
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• Christian Slain after Helping to Lead 18 Muslims to Christ

  11-11-2024 19:56 via christiannews.net
  
  Children in fields in Kaliro District, Uganda. (Isac Fridlund, Creative Commons) NAIROBI, Kenya (Morning Star News) – A local group of Muslim extremists on Oct. 30 killed an evangelist in eastern Uganda after he and another Christian refused to convert to Islam, the other Christian said. After three days of a scheduled six-day evangelistic event at...
  
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• The Guardian view on abuse and the Church of England: a reckoning is due for a shameful failure | Editorial

  11-11-2024 19:42
  
  Justin Welby didn’t do enough when told about John Smyth’s sadistic offending – and he knows itFor nearly half a century, John Smyth, who was a senior barrister and prominent evangelical Christian, sadistically abused boys and young men with impunity. At Christian summer camps in Dorset in the 1970s and 1980s, and later in Zimbabwe and South Africa, he groomed and preyed on victims whom he would beat savagely and repeatedly, leaving some of them with wounds that took weeks to h
  
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