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Twenty-five years ago, on 26th June 1997, J K Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in the UK. It received massive acclaim, and another six best-selling books and eight hugely successful films followed. The books have been translated into over 80 languages, and have sold more than 500...

A leading US Commission is calling for India, Nigeria and Afghanistan to be designated countries of particular concern, because of the growing threat to religious freedom in those nations. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recently published its 2022 Annual Report. Its findings are in line with the recent Persecution Trends...

Just 15 years ago, on 29th June 2007, Apple released the first iPhone. From the original concept of an efficient, easy-to-use, slick mobile phone, it transformed by the time of its creation into what was described by Brian Merchant, author of The One Device, as the “primary platform for thousands of apps offering streaming music...

If your children enjoy multi-activity residentials with a mix of sport, adventure, arts and crafts, fun and games, or if they would prefer a specialist holiday which focuses on sailing, technology, performing arts or baking, then a Scripture Union summer camp may well be a holiday they would enjoy. SU has been organising holidays and activities for...

Preparing the way for the Messiah John the Baptist is famous for baptising Jesus, and for losing his head to a woman. He was born to Zechariah, a Temple priest, and Elizabeth, who was a cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus. John was born when his mother was advanced in years, and after the...

‘Marriage should be honoured by all.’  Hebrews 13:4 A new Act of Parliament has introduced no fault divorce to England and Wales. Now one or both parties to a marriage can get a divorce without the need to blame the other person. It was introduced because there were a very small number of marriages where...

The two most famous apostles are remembered this month, for they share a feast day. St Peter, ‘the Rock’ St Peter (d. c. 64AD), originally called Simon, was a married fisherman from Bethsaida, near the Sea of Galilee. He met Jesus through his brother, Andrew. Jesus gave him the name of Cephas (Peter) which means...

** Techie trouble The vicar had technical problems with the sound system one Sunday. Instead of starting the service as usual with ‘The Lord be with you’, he muttered: “There’s something wrong with the microphone.” Not hearing this, the congregation responded: “And also with you.” ** Be sticky Consider the postage stamp.  Its usefulness consists...

The Chinese authorities have recently banned a church from using the word Christ on the Internet. In the latest crackdown on religious freedom in China, the authorities picked up on the use of the word Christ in a WeChat post published by the Early Rain Covenant Church – a regular target for the Chinese authorities....

Religious persecution on the rise Looking again at Mary Whitehouse Serving in the heat and squalor of a refugee camp War in Ukraine:  Appeal for more Bibles Charity urges people in energy crisis to seek free debt help India passes another anti-conversion law With grateful thanks for royal support for the UK’s church buildings The...

Sundays of the Month Editor:  This month we are introducing a new feature, as we thought you might find it helpful to know what the Sundays of each month are called… SUNDAYS IN MAY 1st        Third Sunday of Easter (Philip and James transferred to 2nd May) 8th        Fourth Sunday of Easter 15th      Fifth...

Editor:  This month we are introducing a new feature, as we thought you might find it helpful to know what the Sundays of each month are called… 1st        Third Sunday of Easter (Philip and James transferred to 2nd May) 8th        Fourth Sunday of Easter 15th      Fifth Sunday of Easter 22nd     Sixth Sunday...