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| The Church of England has marked the 5th anniversary of its online Sunday services, which began during Covid. In our briefing, the panel considered how churches are adapting to a new hybrid reality with in-person congregations and online communities side by side. The discussion was around how the groups relate to each other, how the online communities work and how they can engage as volunteers, contribute to the whole church, receive pastoral help and belong. Links to the recording on YouTube, podcast and article by Catherine Pepinster are on our website here >> Ramadan 2025 ends with Eid this weekend, on Sunday or Monday. Maira Butt reports on how Ramadan in Britain emphasised community engagement and obligations to steward the Earth’s resources. Her report is here. The government’s Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition Working Group has published names of the group and terms of reference, saying the definition must be compatible with freedom of speech. Chancellor’s Spring statement slammed by Christian poverty groups as ‘lacking compassion and care’, creating more poverty and debt, while other faith leaders warn of increased child poverty >> The Isle of Man passed the assisted dying bill becoming the first place in the UK to allow this. The Assisted Dying Bill going through the Commons for England and Wales ended its committee stage with an amendment delaying the target date of enactment to 2029. A Catholic bishop urged continuing the campaign against the bill >> Greenland is witnessing renewed interest in Inuit religious traditions, such as divination by shamans, ancient wisdom and respect for nature, where every living thing and part of the earth has a spirit. The interest is boosted by the independence movement and Trump’s threat to take over the country. Story here. George Foreman, heavyweight champion and Christian pastor, has died aged 76. He won the world heavyweight title twice, but is well known also for his conversion and for the church he founded in Texas. His family say he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose >> |
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| King’s visit to meet the Pope is postponed >> Pope Francis, aged 88, left hospital after making first public greeting and giving a blessing from the balcony. He has been ordered to rest for two months >> Most non-religious people in Britain were brought up as Christians >> Lord Khan says Interfaith relations ‘must include women and young people’ >> BBC’s religious programming in a season of festivals >> Chinese Bible donated to a charity shop has sold at auction for £56,280 >> Primary school scraps Easter service to “respect diverse religious beliefs” >> Work has begun on a new temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) in Sutton Coldfield >> Two bishops appointed advocates for racial justice in the Church of England >> Bishop of Norwich urges renewed action on climate change >> Rev Tim Hewes cleared of charges over M25 oil protest >> Bishop says trust in the Church of England will be regained very slowly >> Bishop of Leeds Nick Baines to retire >> Canterbury Cathedral seeking to be ‘England’s premier pilgrim centre’ >> Villagers outraged that 15th century church tower has been painted white >> Cardinal warns there is no respect for humanitarian law >> Jesuit Refugee Service says plans to send refugees to Balkans must be abandoned >> Board of Deputies tells BBC to act on editorial demands by 12 April >> New police powers to prevent protests near mosques and synagogues >> Centre for Media Monitoring AI tool >> Samaritan’s Purse gets $19million back in U-turn after Trump’s freeze on US Aid >> US Methodists dealing with financial and emotional disaster from Trump’s policies >> Biography of US “Atlantic” journalist Jeffrey Goldberg >> Moonies ‘dissolved’ in Japan but the decision is to becontested in court >> French president condemns antisemitic attack on Chief Rabbi of Orleans >> World Council of Churches urges global legal action to stop climate change >> Doctors tell of moment Pope Francis nearly died >> Controversial prior at Franco’s mausoleum is removed, but monks remain >> South Korea fires engulf 7th century temple >> Methodist bishop attacked in Nigeria >> |
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