Charlie Boyd

Sermons failing to inspire change in believers

Congregations may look forward to the pastor’s sermon, but when it comes to bringing about a change in their attitudes or lifestyle, preaching appears to have little impact.

New resources help youths explore relationship between science and faith

The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion has produced new resources to help young people make up their own minds about the relationship between faith and science.

Pope's failed assassin wants £3m for story after leaving jail

The man who shot Pope John Paul II wants to sell his story for £3m after being released from a Turkish prison yesterday.

Bible translators course receives Government approval

A programme that trains hundreds of students in working cross-culturally in language based development has received Government approval.

Anger over Clegg’s faith school views

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg faced strong criticism this week after telling a gay magazine that all faith schools in the UK should be made to teach that homosexuality is “normal”.

Counselling training could help stressed clergy

Researchers at the University of Bedfordshire believe training in counselling may help clergy to cope better with the emotional demands of their job.

Appeals for prayer after Christmas and New Year violence against Christians

Barnabas Fund has asked Christians to pray for believers in parts of Asia, Africa and the Arab world who came under attack over the Christmas and New Year period.

South London church wins battle with council over noise

A church in south London has won its legal battle against Lambeth Council after being handed a noise abatement notice.

J-Lo says faith in God would keep her from having IVF treatment

Jennifer Lopez may be playing the part of a woman who conceives twins through artificial insemination in her latest flick The Back-Up Plan, but the views of her character could not be further from her own.

Church urged to reclaim Sabbath as family day

The Church of Scotland should reclaim Sunday as a family day, says a senior Kirk convener.

Journey with God this year, says Salvation Army chief

The head of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland says his resolution for 2010 is to journey with God.

Christians rejoice as councillors reject lap-dancing venue

Christians are celebrating after Macclesfield Council last week rejected an application for full lap-dancing at a nightclub in the heart of the town centre.

Archbishop joins calls for action to save Sudan from new conflict

The Archbishop of Sudan the Most Rev Daniel Deng joined protesters outside Downing Street on Saturday calling for urgent action to prevent Sudan from sliding into another war.

Government appoints faith advisers

The Government this week appointed 13 new faith advisers to act as a “sounding board” on effective engagement with faith communities.

Jewish leaders condemn harassment of Christians in Jerusalem

Ultra orthodox Jewish leaders in Jerusalem have denounced the harassment of Christian clergy.

Churches urged to protect biodiversity in their churchyards

The Church of England’s national environmental campaign Shrinking the Footprint is advising churches to protect biodiversity by managing rather than mowing their churchyards.