Anne Thomas

Scripture Union Takes Children on a 'Lifepath'

Hundreds of children from across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire were taken on a 'lifepath' recently, as Scripture Union, trusts and churches showed them the role that former Bucks resident, John Newton, played in the abolition of the slave trade.

Church of England Defends Plans for Increasing Faith Schools

Despite strong criticism, the Church of England has defended its plan to run up to 100 more academies in the UK. According to the National Secular Society, the move to create more academies run in conjunction with religious groups such as the Church of England was Tony Blair's final "self-indulgent gift to the religious establishment".

Liverpool Gospel Festival Commemorates Songs of Slaves

A festival commemorating the lives of the victims of the slave trade will take place in Liverpool this month. The Amazing Grace Festival, to be held 16-17 June, will mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the 800th birthday of the city Liverpool.

Prayers Website Encourages Churches to Pray for Iraq

Churches around the world are bring invited to sign up to a new initiative to pray for an end to the violence in Iraq. The London based www.iraqprayer.org has been established in partnership with prayer leaders from various nations, including Christians living in the Middle East.

Rare Old Testament Text Displayed at Israel Museum

A 1,300 years old rare manuscript from the Old Testament is finally on display for the first time, after making its way from a secret room in a Cairo synagogue to the hands of an American collector.

Hillsong United Tops Billboard's Chart

Hillsong United, the youth-centred worship ministry of the Sydney-based mega Hillsong Church, debuted in the No. 1 slot of America's Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Albums chart with their eighth career album, All of the Above.

Christian Aid, Tearfund Warn G8 Politicians of Climate Change Dangers

A coalition of relief and development agencies like Christian Aid and Tearfund will warn 600 delegates to the 'UN 3rd World Conference on Disaster Reduction' in Geneva this week of the dangers of climate change impacts.

Blair to Develop Relationships Between Religious Groups

Tony Blair and Gordon Brown will attend a meeting with world Muslim leaders at a two-day conference aimed at developing understanding between religious groups, 4-5 June 2007.

David Beckham, JK Rowling Expected to Join 'Madeleine Day'

The parents of four-year-old Madeleine McCann, who was abducted in Portugal four weeks ago during holiday, have announced plans for a "Madeleine Day" to keep her disappearance in the public eye.

'Stabilisation Goal' Crucial at G8 Summit, says Christian Aid

Christian Aid believes it is crucial that the upcoming G8 summit agrees to the principle of a 'stabilisation goal' for atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which would limit global warming to 2Â°C.

World Vision Welcomes U.S. Proposal for AIDS

World Vision lauded U.S. President George W. Bush's recent proposal that Congress double funding to fight AIDS globally to $30 billion over five years. Bush announced the plan a week before meeting with other leaders at the annual G8 summit.

Switchfoot to Host 3rd Charity Surfing Event

Popular rock band Switchfoot will be hosting the 3rd annual 'Switchfoot Bro-Am', a charity surfing contest and concert. The event will be held 2 June at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California. Proceeds from concessions, sponsors, after-party, and a silent auction on 30 May will benefit Care House, a San Diego-based non-profit organisation that assists needy children and at-risk teens throughout the county.

Aids Victims to Testify God in UK Tour

A team of Aids victims from the US will be touring the north-west of UK next month to testify how God is helping them move forward.Sharon Hylton's husband, Mike, died in 1998 from Aids. She is now a partner in the company he started, Factor Support Network Pharmacy, which is a special service for people with haemophilia, HIV and Aids, and bleeding disorders.