Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

March brings us not only Mothering Sunday, but also the Annunciation of the Incarnation -when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would become pregnant with the Christ child. (25th March, exactly nine months before Christmas). Mary was overwhelmed with joy and love, as are millions of women when they realise their child is on...

Archbishop of San Salvador, martyr 1980 Oscar Romero was a bit of a modern Thomas Becket – loyal to the authorities until he was given great responsibility for the Church. Then, like Becket, there was trouble. In Romero’s case, it all began when he was born Cuidad Barrios in El Salvador back in 1917. Devout...

‘Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.’ (Benjamin Franklin). Who or what makes you angry? In the third of our 7 Deadly Sins, we are looking at anger (or wrath). It describes uncontrolled feelings of hatred and resentment, and it can lead to resentment and grudges, quarrelling and damaged relationships....

The impact of Church of England schools on children’s lives and communities has been celebrated at the first ever recent Festival of Flourishing. Hosted by the National Society for Education, the event formed part of the Society’s annual national conference and brought together school and trust leaders, teachers, clergy, policymakers and young people to explore...

Thirty years ago, on 13th March 1996, the Dunblane Massacre took place in Scotland.  Thomas Hamilton, a former Scout leader, entered Dunblane Primary School, shot dead 16 children and a teacher, wounded 15 more, and then committed suicide.  As a result, the private ownership of handguns was banned in the UK. There was no obvious...

Out of the 80 million Easter eggs sold in the UK, The Real Easter Egg is the only one which has a copy of the Easter story in the box, is made of Fairtrade chocolate and which supports charitable projects. There are six types of eggs to choose from. Each Real Easter Egg comes with...

 A call for renewed commitment to supporting people who live in poverty was among the motions recently debated at February Synod (9th to 13th). The debate, marking 40 years since the landmark Faith in the City report, was among a series of key social challenges up for discussion, alongside the care system and the nation’s...

Throughout the month of March, the end-of-life charity Marie Curie will be holding its annual flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal. There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life. And one chance for you to help give care that makes all that possible. Care that protects someone’s dignity – instead...

Three Church of England dioceses are receiving over £22 million to support parishes in some of the country’s most deprived areas, with programmes focused on revitalising churches, nurturing young disciples, and equipping leaders for mission. The Diocese of Exeter has agreed investment of £10m with the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) in a...

This beautiful event (Luke 1:26-38) took place in Nazareth, when Mary is already betrothed to Joseph. The Archangel Gabriel comes to Mary, greets her as highly favoured, tells her not to be afraid, that she will bear a son Jesus, and that her elderly cousin Elizabeth is already pregnant (with John the Baptist). The church...

Jeremiah is described as ‘a true, honest, and God-revealing companion for the worst of times.’ (Eugene Peterson). He was a priest from the village of Anathoth, near Jerusalem. His ministry to Judah began in 626 B.C. and continued until after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Jeremiah brought a message of judgment and hope:...

 The Boys’ Brigade wants to get in touch with former members to celebrate more than 140 years of shaping young lives The organisation wants to connect with previous members to share their stories of how The Boys’ Brigade (BB) helped prepare them for their lives and careers. To do so, it has launched a new...