Contribution to religious life marked in New Year Honours; Ap of Canterbury and the Pope hope for peace; “Consistent plan” to split the Church of England; Census data shows Sikhs are better at looking after elderly relatives; Dramatic film of church bombed in Odessa
“We fail Christmas” when there is no call for peace on earth through a ceasefire; Esther Rantzen’s wish to “buzz off to Europe” for assisted dying triggers new campaign; Simon Hoare, government’s faith minister in the Commons, on political point scoring about the nativity story
Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem in solidarity with the people of Gaza; Catholic gay couple blessed within 24 hours of Vatican ruling; Calls for more Oftsed investigation into the teaching of Religious Education
2023 headlines including CofE disputes, the coronation of King Charles, new imeptus for interfaith dialogue, the Asbury revival and the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobic attacks after war in Israel / Gaza
Christian reaction to government transgender schools guidance; Survey shows three in ten Jewish families have Christmas trees in their home; Post evangelicalism a growing movement in the United States
Catholic church allows same sex blessings; Political parties court Christians at “Advent receptions”; Final stages in construction of $6billion Hindu temple in Ayodhya
Pope and Cardinal condemn attack on civilians at Holy Family Church in Gaza; Two women priests among first to receive prayers of blessing; Census details of Sikh population published by ONS; Masters degree in Islamic art launches with exhibition in York
Two bishops ask clergy not to say prayers of blessing for same sex couples; Public menorahs destroyed in north London; Income to Muslim charities maintained despite cost of living crisis
Cop28 agreement fails to impress faith representatives; King holds meeting for people involved in community relations; Pope decides not to be buried in the Vatican
People of faith must redouble efforts after Cop28; Jesuit Refugee Service calls for Bibby Stockholm barge to be closed; CofE blessings for same sex couples allowed from Sunday 17 December
