The survival of religion amid war in Gaza where heritage is destroyed; Bishop suspends masses in Ecuador after terrifying violence; Arrests in Brooklyn as secret tunnel to synagogue is blocked; Ploughs all over England blessed in church services
Paula Vennells, ex CEO of the Post Office, “shortlisted to be Bishop of London”; RMC briefing – look ahead to religion stories in 2024; Cardinal in charge of doctrine accused of blasphemy over graphic sex book
CPAS takes down unambiguous statement on same-sex relationships; “Abuse, torture and rape” by founder of Nigerian based church with global audience; European faith leaders highlight impact of Israel Gaza war on Muslims and Jews
Church Pastoral Aid Society issues unambiguous statement on same sex relationships; Global survey finds widespread belief that religion does more harm than good; London lawyer enlisted in campaign to save Ukraine Orthodox Church
Vatican confirms same sex blessings are pastoral and do not overturn doctrine; Christian organisations urge politicians to halve poverty by 2030; Muslim Employment Charter created to help professionals at work; US giant bonfires of Christmas trees to mark Epiphany
Renaissance of art in English cathedrals; Evangelicals create system to select alternative CofE leaders; MP takes up case of sudden death of Sikh activist in Birmingham; Andrew Lloyd Webber engages a priest to eject a poltergeist
Harvard president resigns over antisemitism evidence to US Congressional committee; Calls for a barrister to intervene in delayed John Smyth review; US religion stories in 2024; The missionary who started a church plant in a Thailand gym
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
