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 One thing is certain – Mary the mother of Jesus must have had parents. Beyond that, nothing is certain – but church tradition offers some details. The first mention of Anne and Joachim as being Mary’s parents was found in the apocryphal Gospel of James (second century) which has no historical validity. James says that...

More than £260,000 was distributed by the Church of England last year to support conservation of historic items and works of art in parish churches. They ranged from stained glass and organs to curtains, a carpet and an 18th century Bible famous for its misprints. In all, there were 124 projects in 33 dioceses, including...

Have you ever wanted to step on a bee? Hopefully most of us haven’t – but the eye-catching name of this annual event aims to remind people of how important bees are in our ecosystem, and of the need to promote their protection. Don’t Step on a Bee Day highlights the crucial role bees play...

Next time you see something beautiful – pause for a moment and simply enjoy it. Especially if it counts as ‘art’. For recent research has found that contemplating beautiful works of art really can inspire you. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that beautiful art can induce ‘psychological distancing’.  This is the process...

Six Marys are mentioned in the New Testament, including Mary Magdalene, who is remembered this month in the church’s calendar. What can we learn from Mary’s story? We don’t have to be defined by our past: When Jesus encountered Mary, He cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). As a result, her life was...

Fifteen Church of England bishops have joined Jewish, Muslim, and other Christian leaders in urging the Prime Minister to reconsider migration rhetoric that they warn risks deepening division and undermining compassion. They have signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister, calling for a more compassionate and respectful tone in the national conversation around migration....

– An Introduction to the Books of the New Testament: Romans ‘Paul’s letter to Rome is the high peak of Scripture…all roads in the Bible led to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans’ (J I Packer) Paul probably wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome around...

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. This month we are looking at what the Nicene Creed affirms about...

Do you tend to avoid conflict?  When you feel stressed, do you crave sleep?  Then the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus would be good patron saints for you.  But – you may find it hard to copy their successful method of avoiding trouble! Legend has it that The Seven Sleepers were third century Christians who lived...

Electric cars may be the ‘future’ of British motoring, but meanwhile, more of them are catching fire. From 131 blazes three years ago, there were 232 blazes needing a fire brigade last year – a 77 per cent increase in just two years. Electric car fires are more dangerous than petrol or diesel car fires,...

Last month we considered how, when we are invited by the priest to come and receive Holy Communion, our immediate response is one of being overwhelmed with the enormity of what we are being offered. We recognise how unworthy we are, to even be in God’s presence, never mind taking Him in our hands and...

The House of Bishops, which met recently in York, issued a statement on the situation in Gaza. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Recalling our Easter Statement (14th April) following the Government of Israel’s bombing of the Anglican Al Ahli Hospital, we cry out in protest at...