Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

John Chrysostom (347 – 407) is the saint for anyone who applies their Christianity to public life, and also for anyone who hates travelling in bad weather.  Chrysostom did both, and had trouble both times. Born into a wealthy home in Antioch, John Chrysostom studied both oratory and law.  In 373 he became a monk,...

On Holy Cross Day the Church celebrates the Cross as a symbol of triumph, as the sign of Christ’s victory over death.   Holy Cross Day goes right back to 14 September 335, and we have the mother of a Roman Emperor to thank for it. Helena was a devout Christian, and after her son, Constantine,...

Teaching people to ‘tithe’ can be a delicate matter.  Some clergy teach ‘tithing’ well, and inspire their people to great generosity of spirit.   Other clergy teach ‘tithing’ at least well enough, and get their people’s sluggish cooperation. But – there are clergy who teach ‘tithing’ badly – and then, watch out!   St Adam (bishop 1213...

Ninian was a Celt who was born about 360, in southern Scotland.  He was remarkable for two things:  he was almost certainly the first man in Scotland to live in a little white stone house, and also the first to preach the gospel to the Scots.   Just as remarkable:  becoming the apostle to the Picts...

Have you ever sinned since you became a Christian?  Really sinned – or in other words done something that was SO wrong and totally ‘out of line’ with being a Christian that you are still ashamed when you think of it now.  If so, and if you went on to ask God’s forgiveness for it,...

This summer the first operational images from the James Webb Space Telescope astonished and delighted astronomers, as well as the rest of us. Those of us who have grown up in an age when ‘astronaut’ is a career option (albeit a pretty specialist one) might struggle to identify with the wonder of these events, and the true scale of...

Joseph of Copertino (1603 – 63) should be the patron saint of all awkward people who mean well, but who drive those around them to distraction – especially their church leaders. Joseph began life in a garden shed, because his father had sold the house to pay debts.  Then he grew up wandering about open-mouthed...

Korea is known for its thriving Christian church.  But it was not always so – in fact no Korean was baptised until as late as 1784.  Christianity arrived in Korea through Christian books sent from China, and the Koreans responded warmly as soon as they heard the Good News.  A Chinese priest who visited in...

Synod votes to condemn Russian invasion Archbishop meets head of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine Protecting freedom of religion or belief protects everyone, says Archbishop Keep highlighting abuses of freedom of religion and belief, bishops urge Synod endorses plan to reach net zero carbon by 2030 General Synod welcomes £3.6bn investment in mission and ministry...

St Matthew was one of 12 apostles.  But he began as a publican i.e. a tax-collector of Jewish race who worked for the Romans, before he left all at the call of Christ.  From earliest times, he was regarded as the author of the first of the four Gospels.    The Gospel of Matthew is in...

Back to School From the Vicar ‘England’s Rose’ Reflecting Faith: a special place for a special purpose Christian Basics No 9: Why Belong to the Church? Being grateful ** Editor:  Canon Paul Hardingham consider what we will ‘do’ this autumn Back to School September is that time of year when we get back to school...

Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine was recently condemned by the General Synod in a debate where members heard of the suffering and terror experienced by ordinary Ukrainians because of the conflict. Members backed a call for prayer for an end to the war in Ukraine and for parishes and dioceses to work towards providing long...