Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

All in the month of JULY 75 years of the National Health Service Even the BBC couldn’t find the Loch Ness Monster In appreciation of William Byrd Henry Moore and his monumental sculptures Diabetes timebomb: NHS to offer ‘soup and shakes’ diet The sweet smell of rain ** Editor:  We continue our column that looks...

Take the book of Samuel in the Bible, add a bit of Luke Skywalker father/son conflict from Star Wars, stir in a dash of Pirates of the Caribbean, and you sort of have the story of St Helier – the first saint and martyr of Jersey. According to the legend, it all began in 6th...

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has urged the Russian armed forces to continue their ‘war of defence’ in Ukraine. He said: “We are called to defend our country, and this alone should mobilise our spirit and strengthen love for our fatherland, making us fearless, strong and capable like our ancestors. Russia is one of the truly...

It was a normal day in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. A Christian pastor, who ran a non-governmental organisation focussing on people living with HIV/AIDS and recovering addicts, was in his car on a city street when five SUVs and two motorcycles drew up. Fifteen men wearing black balaclavas emerged and took just 42 seconds to abduct...

Do you have a sister?  Is she ‘good news’ in your life?   Macrina the Younger (c. 327 -79) should be the patron saint of all ‘sisters’ whose generosity helps their siblings to succeed. Macrina the Younger was the eldest of 10 children.  Their father was Basil the Elder, a leader in the church in 4th...

Churches can do great work in helping people’s mental well-being, if they collaborate with charities and health services. So says the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullaly. Bishop Mullaly said that there are ways in which churches can aid the work of social prescribers, whom doctors use in community initiatives as part of...

As the traditional Easter story is remembered again this month, you may notice that there is one name that frequently occurs. It is that of the ‘other’ Mary – not the mother of Jesus but Mary of Magdala, who stood by her at the cross and became the first human being, male or female, actually...

Later this month Christians all over the world will commemorate probably the most unlikely saint in the Bible, Mary Magdalene. There was something in her background that has always fascinated people. All we are told about her ‘past’ is that Jesus had cast ‘seven devils’ out of her, but on that slender if intriguing evidence...

More than 100 churches have been burned down in the recent ethnic violence in Manipur, north-east India, according to a partner in India of the charity Open Doors. One report told of mobs also attacking Christian homes and burning them. The number of dead and injured is difficult to verify, but the BBC has referred...

It was: 400 years ago, on 4th July 1623 that William Byrd, English Renaissance composer, died. Regarded as one of the greatest British composers, and best known for his sacred music. 175 years ago, on 7th July 1848 that Waterloo railway station in London opened. 150 years ago, on 19th July 1873 that British-born Australian...

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...