Lockdown worship session clocks up over a million views

A collaborative music video recorded by UK Christian artists from their homes during lockdown has been watched over a million times on YouTube.

The Blessing UK was orchestrated by worship leader Tim Hughes and features other veteran British artists, including Martin Smith, Graham Kendrick, Noel Robinson and Lou Fellingham. 

The collaboration spans over 65 churches and Christian movements in the UK, including New Wine, the Church of England, Elim, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Hillsong and The Salvation Army. 

The song was originally sung by Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship. 

Organisers said they had created the video to "sing a blessing over our land" during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Standing together as one, our desire is that this song will fill you with hope and encourage you. But the church is not simply singing a blessing, each day we're looking to practically be a blessing," they said.

"Many of the churches included in this song have assisted with supplying over 400,000 meals to the most vulnerable and isolated in our nation since COVID-19 lockdown began.

"This alongside phone calls to the isolated, pharmacy delivery drops and hot meals to the NHS frontline hospital staff.

"Our buildings may be closed but the church is very much alive!"

" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
News
Ebola death toll mounts as outbreak spreads further across DR Congo
Ebola death toll mounts as outbreak spreads further across DR Congo

Healthcare workers are struggling to contain the disease amid shortages of essential medical equipment and ongoing insecurity.

Research suggests married mothers are happier
Research suggests married mothers are happier

New research has suggested that married mothers report significantly higher levels of happiness than those who are single or unmarried.

US Episcopal Church membership falls below 1.5 million as decades-long decline continues
US Episcopal Church membership falls below 1.5 million as decades-long decline continues

The US Episcopal Church has reported a further decline in membership and worship attendance, with new data it has fallen below 1.5 million members despite signs of post-pandemic stabilisation.

Priest dies after cross falls on him during livestreamed Mass
Priest dies after cross falls on him during livestreamed Mass

A priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has died after a crucifix fell on him during an evening Mass on Saturday.