The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time.
Headlines
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
A pro-life campaigner who silently prayed near an abortion clinic in Birmingham has been criminally charged.
Court hearing for grandmother arrested after holding sign in abortion clinic buffer zone
A Christian grandmother who was arrested after holding a sign offering assistance to women considering an abortion appeared in court on Friday.
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
The university and students' union said the play was within the bounds of free speech laws.
Spotlight
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals.
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.
Most Popular
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Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles
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Large crowds join Tommy Robinson's Christmas carol service
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Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
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The little-known history of the X in Xmas
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Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
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Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Faith and Life
World
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.
Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles
Nicaragua has gone up the league table of anti-Christian persecutors.
Half of Armenian archbishops have been thrown in jail
The Armenian government has been in conflict with the church for a number of years now.
Catholics in Mozambique caring for survivors of Jihadist violence
International attention on Mozambique is scarce.
News
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time.
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria
Thirteen Christians have been abducted by a militia group in Nigeria following a skirmish in Kogi State.
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
Locals are reportedly unhappy with the decree but know that failure to comply could lead to arrest.
Who was the historical King Herod?
At Christmas time we read about King Herod who ruled Judea at the time of Jesus’s birth, and he is the villain of many Nativity plays. But King Herod was a real historical character. This is the story …
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
No mention of abortion was made in the sermon.
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases.
Presbyterian Church in Ireland under investigation amid safeguarding concerns
The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has launched an inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
BBC chooses Bradford Cathedral for Christmas Day broadcast
The BBC has chosen Bradford Cathedral as the location for its live Christmas Day service in 2025, coinciding with its status as UK City of Culture and placing the historic cathedral firmly in the Christmas morning spotlight.
A pogrom on Bondi Beach
Australia, once one of the safest countries in the world for Jews, has become one of the most dangerous.
The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels
16 December 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of novelist Jane Austen, who was born in southern England in 1775. Her novels are steeped in biblical analogy and practical theology. This is the story…
Will Tommy Robinson put ‘Christ back into Christmas’?
Often described as ‘Far Right’, Robinson is seen as an unlikely standard bearer for Christianity.
What does Advent have to do with hope?
Atheists would have us believe that hope is futile, but Advent shows they are wrong.
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.
Keir Starmer praises faith and church volunteers in Christmas interview
Church volunteers "are the true Britain" and doing the country proud, the Prime Minister said.
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.
The little-known history of the X in Xmas
Many Christians worry that writing “Xmas” crosses Christ out of Christmas, but the story of the X is an ancient, deeply rooted Christian custom. This is the story ….
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”