Your rapid overview of today’s news and issues.
The symbol § indicates that a fuller report is posted on the CNI site in the category.
IRELAND
A sporting life – an account of a remarkable C of I woman who was educated in sport at Derry Hogh School, Lifford school, and the University of Ulster. She was a popular figure in the lives of many hundreds of Athlone girls throughout three decades.§
Presence and Presents – Canon Paul Willoughby, Rector of Kilmocomogue Union has recently produced a booklet called ‘Presence and Presents’ on the real meaning of Christmas.§
Church Army looks forward – Church Army is preparing to open its doors to new members after it voted to become a mission community in the Anglican Church in the UK and Ireland.§
Age NI launches Spread the Warmth campaign – to make winter better for older people. It has resources for churches.§
Roman Catholic bishop steps down – Just six days before child sex abuse audits into two dioceses where he served are due to be published.§
GREAT BRITAIN
1,000 churches help people beat debt – Christians Against Poverty have reached a new milestone with the 1,000th church set to take part in their debt-busting money course.§
Cumbria becomes first ecumenical county in England.§
Archbishop to launch independence celebrations in Jamaica – The Archbishop of York is heading to Jamaica in January to kick off a year of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain.§
Church of England raises safety concerns over Queen’s Diamond Jubilee beacon plan next year.§
Mining tragedy memorial service – is to be held in the Swansea Valley today for four men killed in the Gleision mining tragedy.Charles Breslin, Phillip Hill, Garry Jenkins and David Powell died when the mine flooded on 15 September. First Minister Carwyn Jones and the Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan will attend the service at St Peter’s Church, Pontardawe. The archbishop, a miner’s son who grew up in a village close to the Gleision mine near Cilybebyll, will lead the service.
Three faiths to worship together in Edinburgh mosque – In what may be a ‘first’ in Britain, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will share worship with leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities at a mosque. Today the Rt Rev David Arnott and Rabbi David Rose of the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation will join Muslims at Annandale Mosque in Scotland’s capital for prayers. The occasion is part of a unique three-day programme in Edinburgh of talks between the three main Abrahamic traditions.
WORLD
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has called for the immediate release of a pastor in India accused of bribing Muslims to convert to Christianity.§
Danish gays to be allowed to marry in church.§
YOUTH
Wales: Young people put others to shame – That was the message from the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, at a service of thanksgiving for the centenary of UK Youth and for the work of Youth Cymru.§
MOTHERS UNION
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.§
MUSIC
New Harmonies after the worship wars – Leading US magazine The Christian Century wonders about the current state of church music in Church music after the worship wars, and looks at music and identity at four congregation.§