Maria Mackay

Northern Ireland Politicians Meet Old Firm Clubs to Tackle Sectarianism

Unionist and nationalist politicians from Northern Ireland were in Scotland this week to meet with Glasgow's Old Firm clubs and the Scottish Executive to find out how they are tackling the widespread problem of sectarianism among the teams' Scottish and Northern Ireland-based fans.

Edinburgh Presbytery Backs Proposals to Bless Gay Couples

The Edinburgh Presbytery of the Church of Scotland has become the first to vote in favour of new proposals that will give the go ahead to ministers to bless gay couples.

Church of England to Appoint First Urban Faith and Life Bishop

Urban mission is set for revival as the Church of England appointed its first bishop to oversee the implementation of the Church's Faithful Cities report.

Amish Community Buries Victims of School Shooting

The Amish community of Nickel Mines in Pennsylvania was subdued by their grief yesterday as four of the five victims of Monday's schoolhouse shooting were laid to rest. A final victim will be buried later today.

United Methodist Church to Boost Alcohol and Drug Abuse Ministries in US

Alcohol and drug abuse ministries are set to be expanded across United Methodist Church denominations in the U.S. thanks to a new training programme it has co-developed to equip pastors and lay leaders in tackling the problem head on.

Tearfund Calls for More Urgency after Climate Summit

Tearfund has greeted the end of the major climate change summit in Mexico with an appeal to world governments to act with greater urgency to tackle the emerging crisis.

Global South Communiqué an 'Epoch-Making Statement', says Anglican Mainstream

Anglican Mainstream has responded to the Global South Communiqué issued last month, calling it an "epoch-making statement". Canon Dr Chris Sugden, Executive Secretary

Churches Across Europe Launch 'Climate Justice Now'

A European network of churches has launched a new climate change initiative to tackle the global warming crisis from the standpoint of North/South equity.

Traditional Values in Sex and Relationships Making a Comeback

A recent poll has found that traditional attitudes to sex and relationships are making a comeback, a developing trend that has been welcomed by the Catholic Church in Scotland.

£50m Needed to Save Canterbury Cathedral

Surveyors have estimated that Canterbury Cathedral needs to stump up at least £50m if it is to reverse the damage caused by a combination of old age and modern pollution.

National Clergy Council Meets Families of Amish School Shooting Victims

The President of the National Clergy Council in the U.S. has met the families of both the victims and the perpetrator of Monday's shooting tragedy in the Amish community of Nickel Mines in Pennsylvania.

African Churches Support World Social Forum

The World Social Forum will take place in Africa for the first time next January and the continent's churches are already setting out their social justice agenda.

Cranmer Hall "Saddened" over Howard No Ordination Claims

Cranmer Hall has issued a statement of defence after the son of the former Conservative Party leader implicated the college in his failure to be recommended for ordination.

Archbishop Eames Attends National Police Memorial Day Service

The Archbishop of Armagh joined 2,000 other guests at a memorial service to commemmorate the sacrifice of those police officers who have died on duty. He read aloud a message on behalf of the Prince of Wales

Amish Community Shows Forgiveness, Not Anger, after School Massacre

Members of the Amish community where five schoolgirls were shot dead by a gunman consumed by hate and grief over previous incidents in his life have emphasised the need for forgiveness, not anger.

BMS World Mission Gives Voice to Voiceless in Uganda

BMS World Mission lawyers Steve and Caroline Sanderson are working selflessly in Uganda to give a voice to the voiceless by giving Ugandans the confidence to assert their legal rights.