More stories in mission

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  Durham is revealed as Church of England low point for Christians

  Ruth Gledhill | Mon 22 Feb 2016 14:09 GMT

  Durham in the north of England is the diocese where Christians are least likely to go to a service of the Church of England, according to latest figures

• Ancient Christian icon found in Bethlehem

  Ruth Gledhill | Mon 22 Feb 2016 13:09 GMT

  An ancient icon of "great religious and historical value" has been found by craftsmen working on the restoration of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

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  The Queen makes rare comments about her strong, remarkable Christian faith

  Ruth Gledhill | Mon 22 Feb 2016 10:45 GMT

  The Queen has said that she is "very grateful" to the nation for its prayers for her in a strong statement of her Christian faith. She says she has felt God's "faithfulness" during 64 years on the throne.

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  Russian action in Syria offers hope, claims Catholic bishop

  Ruth Gledhill | Fri 19 Feb 2016 17:07 GMT

  Most people in Syria support the Russian military action against terrorists, according to the country's senior Catholic bishop. They are pinning their hopes on Russia helping negotiate peace in the war-torn land, he said.

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  Church leaders in India condemn decision to deny equality to low-caste Christians and Muslims

  Ruth Gledhill | Fri 19 Feb 2016 16:50 GMT

  Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs who are born into the lower castes have been granted special privileges to help them break free of discrimination, but the government has refused to give the same rights to Christians and Muslims.

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  Director of church-run nursery released after two years in prison in China

  Ruth Gledhill | Fri 19 Feb 2016 15:50 GMT

  The director of a nursery run by a church in China has been released from prison after serving two years for "engaging in illegal business operations", the charity China Aid reported.

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  Every Catholic bishop should watch 'Spotlight', says former Vatican sex abuse prosecutor

  Ruth Gledhill | Fri 19 Feb 2016 13:11 GMT

  Archbishop of Malta Charles Scicluna said: "All bishops and cardinals must see this film, especially those in charge of souls, because they have to understand that it is the complaint that will save the Church, not the conspiracy of silence."

• Former trainee vicar and youth leader facing jail after multiple rape conviction

  Ruth Gledhill | Fri 19 Feb 2016 11:15 GMT

  A former youth leader and trainee vicar who preached a gospel of abstinence is facing many years in jail after being convicted of the rape of two women. Police are appealing for anyone with more information about the one-time Wycliffe student to come forward.

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  Primates 'sanctions' against Episcopal Church 'fail to heal tear in fabric of Anglican Communion'

  Ruth Gledhill | Thu 18 Feb 2016 12:05 GMT

  The imposition of penalties by Anglican leaders on The Episcopal Church has failed to heal the tear in the fabric of the Anglican Communion, conservative leaders said,

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  'Obedience to God's Word is vital', says leading campaigner against gay marriage

  Ruth Gledhill | Wed 17 Feb 2016 16:44 GMT

  A prominent evangelical member of the Church of England's governing body has accused the Archbishop of Canterbury of putting "institutional" unity over true unity.

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  Church to launch social media 'digital evangelism' campaign to reach young people

  Ruth Gledhill | Wed 17 Feb 2016 16:03 GMT

  The Church of England is to launch a nationwide "digital evangelism" campaign to reach out to the one million children educated in church schools once they leave school. The social media project will also aim to reach children leaving secular schools.

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  Church that does not side with the poor 'cannot claim to follow Jesus', synod told

  Ruth Gledhill | Wed 17 Feb 2016 14:46 GMT

  Church of England leaders called on the Government to initiate a "full independent review" into the impact of benefit sanctions.