Latest News from Ekklesia

Religious polemics migrate to cyberspace

Adam Darlage — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:44:52 +0100

New technology has always played a part in religious polemics and in the sense of identity generated through the heated exchange of opinion, says Adam Darlage. Consider Luther and the Catholics, and also what we see happening in cyberspace today.

The struggle between good and bad religion

Giles Fraser — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:24:41 +0100

The struggle between good religion and bad religion is at a crucial juncture on te domestic and global stage, says Giles Fraser. He believes the Quilliam Foundation, a new Muslim think tank, can make a positive contribution.

Churches announce international Israel Palestine peace initiative

staff writers — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:54:26 +0100

The World Council of Churches is inviting member churches and others to join a week of advocacy and action for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Participants will contribute to a common global witness for peace in early June 2008.

Outrage at Burma junta's emergency aid obstruction

staff writers — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:39:54 +0100

Development agencies and United Nations officials are exasperated at the obstructiveness of the Burmese junta toward an international aid effort aimed at bringing desperately needed supplies to victims of the recent cyclone.

Christian Research data defended, but church decline continues

staff writers — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:20:54 +0100

The Christian Research organisation, whose latest data survey on the decline of UK church attendance has annoyed the Church of England, has defended its work against accusations of being misleading.

What’s God got to do with it?: Down to earth theology for the front line

Jordan Tchilingirian — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:06:33 +0100

Start: 11/06/2008 - 09:45

End: 11/06/2008 - 15:30

The very word ‘theology’ is a turn-off for many activists. Too often, theology seems abstract and disconnected from the reality of day to day community work.

US Evangelicals seek path beyond political sectarianism

staff writers — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:04:41 +0100

A group of 70 major American Evangelical leaders have issued a manifesto which they hope will promote better conversation within their tradition, and a more positive public profile for evangelical Christianity in the United States.

Cardinal calls for new dialogue between believers and non-believers

Agencies — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:37:09 +0100

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, has called for an improved dialogue between believers and non-believers to establish the shared values of British society.

Catholic justice and peace body condemns Zimbabwe election commission

agency reporter — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:45:41 +0100

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) can now no longer be relied upon as a "neutral and nonpartisan electoral umpire", according a statement from the Justice and Peace Commission of the Zimbabwean Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Archbishop and Pope talk about Christian-Muslim relations

agency reporter — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:36:10 +0100

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has described his private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican earlier this week as "friendly and informal". They talked for an hour, especially about Christian-Muslim relations.

Are Christians facing discrimination?

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:42:43 +0100

Constant Christian claims of discrimination don't hold water, says Joanthan Bartley. They are used to excuse privilege, and evade the more demanding self-giving dynamic of the Gospel.

British public urged to give 'desperately needed' aid to Burma

agency reporter — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:25:05 +0100

Teams from Disasters Emergency Committee member agencies, along with flights of emergency relief items, are now reaching those affected by Cyclone Nargis. DEC is calling for urgent donations to the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal.

Land of hope and glory?

Simon Barrow — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:03:19 +0100

The notion and shape of 'the land' means many things to many people, as the contradictory responses to this 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel are showing. Simon Barrow looks at the relationship between rootedness and aspiration.

Middle East peace needs respect for history, say Christian leaders

staff writers — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:07:57 +0100

An unprecedented range of leaders from all sections of the Christian community have come together to affirm the right of both Israelis and Palestinians for a just and peaceful future - after years of division and violence.

Methodists join growing Burma emergency relief effort

agency reporter — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:37:57 +0100

As the death toll from the Burma cyclone continues to rise dramatically, possibly to around 100,000, the Methodist Church and the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) in Britain have launched an emergency appeal for funds.