Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Are you over 65? Want to get married again? Then you are right on-trend. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that ‘silver splitters’ – those who have divorced in later life – are remarrying in ever greater numbers. In fact, the number of brides and grooms aged 65 and over has...

It was: 500 years ago, on 11th Oct 1521 that Pope Leo X granted the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ to King Henry VIII of England and Ireland.  It recognised the King’s defence of the sacrament of marriage, the supremacy of the Pope, and his opposition to the Protestant Reformation and the ideas of Martin...

The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, has called for immediate action on climate change, following the publication of the major UN scientific report. He said: “The message of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report is loud and clear: ‘Wake up world!’ “It is time to stop playing political games and take action...

After a year of lockdown, should we still bother with church magazines now that church life is picking up again?  Yes! It is read by lots of people. If each issue is read on average by two people, then more people see it than ever go to church.  So, it is a very good way...

This month we remember St Luke (18th October), the author of the third Gospel and Book of Acts. Throughout his writing Luke makes clear that the good news of salvation is available to all people regardless of their gender, social position or nationality. It is believed that Luke was a doctor, so he sees the...

As the Taliban tighten their grip on Afghanistan, Release International has warned that attacks on Christians are likely to rise across the region. One church leader in Afghanistan said Christians were living in great fear. Some who worked for the government now face reprisals, and any identified as Christians could be killed. Christians risk betrayal,...

This month we are looking at the Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8). It is found in a passage where Jesus is teaching His disciples to pray. Pray Shamelessly:                                                                                                                             The parable concerns a man coming to his friend at midnight and asking ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine...

These days there seems to be a day for everything, including the United Nations’ ‘International day for Older Persons’, which is observed on 1st October. So perhaps October is a good month to think about meeting the needs of older people in church.  Many churches employ children’s workers or youth leaders – but how many...

An independent network for people training for ordained ministry in the Church of England who are from minority ethnic backgrounds has been launched. The UKME (UK Minority Ethnic) Ordinands and Curates group hopes to meet every three months to provide a voice and support for a growing number of UKME ordinands and curates. The group...

Observations on our faith Don’t put a question mark where God puts a period. Are you wrinkled with burdens? Come to the church for a face-lift. WARNING: Exposure to the Son will prevent burning. Plan ahead — It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark. – Anon Though the Lord is out of sight, we...

Sadly, we can no longer blame a slowing metabolism for piling on the pounds as we reach middle age. Extra weight is more likely to be due to our lifestyle choices of exercise and diet. A new study, based at Duke University in the US, has found that our metabolism remains steady between 20 and...

How many gambling premises can you think of near you?  If you live in a poor area, it is a certain thing that you will find it far easier than if you live in a rich area. Which means that those who have the least money in our society are being put under more pressure...