Church

Traditionalist bishops commended over opposition to CofE's same-sex blessing plans
The orthodox Anglican movement, Gafcon, has commended 11 bishops in the Church of England for opposing plans to introduce prayers for same-sex couples.

CofE takes next step towards redress scheme for abuse victims
The Church of England General Synod has approved ongoing work to introduce a national redress scheme for victims and survivors of Church-related abuse.

Is it too late for the Church of England?
Last night, after three hours of debate about the introduction of prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, summed up the "intractable trickiness" Synod faced in the need to answer two questions.

Calls for Archbishop of Canterbury to resign
The Most Rev Justin Welby has faced further criticism this week, with a formal request for his resignation being placed before the Church of England General Synod.

Scale of Israel's bombardment of Gaza 'cannot be morally justified', says Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza as the death toll continues to climb.

Pope Francis approves baptism for transgender people
In a significant move, Pope Francis has granted authorisation for the Catholic Church to baptise transgender individuals.

Dozens of bishops back same-sex marriages for priests
Dozens of bishops have signed a public statement saying that pastoral guidance should be issued to allow priests to enter into same-sex marriages.

Vineyard leaders resign amid disagreements over Alan Scott review
Senior Vineyard leaders Neil and Janet Young are parting ways with the denomination amid disagreements over an independent review into allegations surrounding Alan Scott.

Papal critic praises dubia by conservative prelates as 'heroic act'
Bishop Athanasius Schneider said that Francis' answers to questions posed by prelates 'were confusing and sought to confuse.'

Cathedrals bring people together for peace in the Middle East
Cathedrals are creating spaces for people to come and pray for peace in the Middle East.

Archbishop joins faith leaders in condemning rise in antisemitic incidents amid Israel-Hamas war
UK faith leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, have made a joint appeal for unity among Britain's faith communities amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

New chapter for historic church with ties to Mary Queen of Scots and King James I
The fascinating story of a medieval church in the heart of Scotland with ties to Mary Queen of Scots, King James VI of Scotland and I of England, and John Knox is being brought to life thanks to a new partnership with the local district.

Orthodox ordinands plead with bishops to prevent fracture of the Church
The debate in the Church of England about the introduction of prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, known as Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF), took an ironic turn this week.

Orthodox Anglicans grieved over 'disastrous decision' to commend same-sex blessings
Orthodox Anglicans have voiced dismay over Monday's decision by the House of Bishops in the Church of England to agree in principle to commending Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples.

Bishops break ranks over blessings for same-sex couples
Eleven Church of England bishops are refusing to back plans to introduce blessings for same-sex couples.

Bishops agree to commend prayers for same-sex couples
The Church of England's House of Bishops has agreed to commend Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples.