Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

It is easy to understand the popularity of Mary Magdalene over the centuries: she is the patron saint both of repentant sinners and of the contemplative life. Jesus drove seven demons from Mary, who came from near Tiberius in Galilee.  She became His follower to the bitter end.  She followed Him to Jerusalem and was...

General Synod dates and update on ‘Living in Love and Faith’ groups Church of England’s Social Impact Investment Programme grows Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse – Guidance Summary Bishops agree further work implementing ‘Living in Love and Faith’ Legislation to safeguard Church of England Academy land moves forward Church Commissioners fund posts...

Mary Magdalene From the Vicar Spiritual Disciplines: Solitude Reflecting faith – the Pulpit     The story behind the HYMN:Now Thank We All Our God Graduation? God’s Garden ** Editor:  By Canon Paul Hardingham Mary Magdalene Six Marys are mentioned in the New Testament, including Mary Magdalene, who is remembered this month in the church’s calendar....

Fake news is not new. Perhaps one old example is the assertion that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. Back in the 6th Century, Pope Gregory is said to have confused her with two other women in the Bible. Medieval Bible scholars also attempted to name an unidentified sinful woman who had washed and anointed the...

The outside Notice Board.  Can it be read from the pavement? Make sure the name of the Church and the times it’s open are clearly displayed. Ask non-churchgoing friends to look at the list of Services and tell you if they understand what it means. Keep it as simple as you can. The Website. This is for the benefit...

It was 75 years ago, on 5th July 1948, that the National Health Service (NHS) began operating – formally opened at the Park Hospital in Manchester, now renamed Trafford General. The National Health Service Act provided for the establishment of a comprehensive health service for England and Wales. (Separate legislation was produced for Scotland and Northern...

Happy Holidays How to deal with those stressful people in your life How to keep young, as you grow old Beware of that pizza The rise of sourdough Holiday soothies  ** Editor:  David Pickup, a solicitor, considers the possible pitfalls of travelling… Happy Holidays  ‘From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for...

Many years ago, a couple who listened to the UCB Christian radio station wanted to be able to offer prayer to any who wanted to receive it. They found some phone lines, shared the number, and people began to call. Many years later, UCB now receives hundreds of calls every day and more than 100,000...

The next meeting of General Synod will take place in York from Friday 7th to Tuesday 11th July. The July meeting will include a substantial item on the proposals, which emerged from the Living in Love and Faith process, to enable same-sex couples who have marked a significant stage of their relationship such as a...

James and his brother John were sons of Zebedee and fishermen from Galilee – the ‘sons of thunder’, as the gospel writers describe their impetuous characters and fiery tempers. James stands out on three accounts: he was one of the three disciples who witnessed the Transfiguration of Christ.  Jesus took him, along with Peter and...

‘From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace… we went on to Neapolis. From there we travelled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district[a] of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. (Acts 16:11-12) I wonder if travel was in some ways easier in St Paul’s...

The Church of England’s Social Impact Investment Programme, which directs capital towards new solutions to deep-rooted social challenges, has invested £5.7m in its first two years, according to its 2023 Impact Report. The programme, established in 2020, aims to support vulnerable people and communities, while generating sustainable returns that preserve the capital for future impact....