Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

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...

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...