RMC weekly newsletter 22 August 2025 – Only 21 British universities now offer single-honours theology and religious studies degrees; Jury discharged after Christopher Brain, former leader of the “Nine O’Clock Service”, found guilty of indecent assault; Timber red Lutheran church listed on rollers to a new location 3 miles away; JD Vance meets British Christian leaders in the Cotswolds
Verdicts in and jury discharged at trial of Chris Brain, leader of the ‘Nine O’Clock Service’; Religious Studies GCSE remains popular but more teachers needed; Global prayer chain for Ukraine taking place this Sunday; World Jewish Relief delivering medical care to Gaza
Efforts to stem the decline of Theology and Religious Studies degrees include re-imagining the content, challenging misconceptions, and communicating well with schools and parents
Chris Brain, leader of the ‘Nine O’Clock Service’, guilty of indecent assault; 80 Orthodox rabbis say Israel has moral obligation to prevent mass starvation; Royal Navy’s first Hindu chaplain starts work in Plymouth
Theology and Religious Studies can thrive if universities communicate its value; The world watches as a vast wooden church in Sweden is rolled to a new location; ‘Outlaws’ and IDF attack on Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza condemned by Anglican diocese
Orthodox bishops denounce Alaska Archbishop’s meeting with Putin; Mail reports drug dealing at Westminster Cathedral; Pro-lifer investigated for third time for silent prayer near clinic; ‘Welsh Camino’ pilgrimage route gets £78k to improve the journey
PRRI research into the rise of charismatic influence in US politics, with key ideas of Christian nationalism, God given power and prophetic importance of US in global affairs
Ukrainian bishop: giving away land ‘would be tragic’; The dangers of the Christian “Vance Anglosphere crusade”; The rise of charismatics in US politics; YouGov poll suggests belief in God is rising in Britain
RMC weekly newsletter 15 August 2025 – Progressive Judaism leaders booed off stage; Hindu Rath Yatra festival celebrated in Ealing; Number of students taking RE A-level has fallen
Fewer students take RE A-Level amid shortage of specialist teachers; Theos think tank urges universities not to abandon Theology and Religious Studies; Madonna appeals to the Pope to visit Gaza; US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth’s links to a Christian nationalist church
