Latest News from Ekklesia

Remembering a warrior who became a peacemaker

Savi Hensman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:19:31 +0000

Martin of Tours was a soldier who became a Christian champion of peace, and his Saint's day is 11 November, the same as Armistice Day, says Savi Hensman. Here is someone who can model for us what Remembrance should be about.

Reducing poverty means fighting corruption, say global faith leaders

staff writers — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:10:33 +0000

Over 100 faith leaders have written to the United Nations Secretary-General ahead of a crucial international meeting on corruption. They insist that corruption is underming attempts to reduce global poverty.

UK 'climate aid' criticised for adding to Third World debt

agency reporter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:55 +0000

The UK government came under fire today in a new report revealing that the current climate finance proposals likely to dominate the weekend’s G20 talks will increase third world debt.

Archbishop calls for political confidence building in Northern Ireland

staff writers — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:17:30 +0000

The Anglican Archbishop of Armagh has said that further confidence building measures are needed to ensure that the political process in Northern Ireland can continue to work.

Faith groups welcome lifting of US entry restrictions on people with HIV

Stephen Brown — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:54:06 +0000

Campaigners on HIV and AIDS have welcomed a decision by President Barack Obama to remove US entry restrictions based on HIV status and want others to follow his example.

Texas man executed after court case Bible row

staff writers — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:40:47 +0000

America's busiest death chamber claimed another victim this evening as 32-year-old Khristian Oliver, whose conviction was secured through misuse of the Bible, was executed in Texas.

Thought for the Day must reform or die

Jonathan Bartley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:52:56 +0000

Those responsible for Thought of the Day should learn a lesson from history, says former contributor Jonathan Bartley. When an institution does not reform, it loses its authority and credibility.

BBC urged by Lords to take humanism and non-belief seriously

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:39:56 +0000

The British Humanist Association has echoed the Government’s response to a debate in the House of Lords last night on the BBC, Humanism, and broadcasting, saying it ‘hopes the BBC has been listening’.

The Berlin Wall fell in many places

Stephen Brown — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:14:28 +0000

The political and social shock waves caused by weeks of pro-democracy protests in East Germany followed by the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, were felt around the world, says Stephen Brown. They still resonate today, and have important theological implications.

Fall of Berlin Wall continues to inspire, says world churches' chief

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:25 +0000

Christian resistance contributed significantly to the fall of the Berlin Wall, says the Rev Sam Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, on the 20th anniversary of the epochal event that ended the cold war.

Methodist Church takes radical steps to increase young people's influence

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:36 +0000

The Methodist Church is on the brink of becoming the first British denomination to employ an elected full-time Youth President. The plan is part of a wide-ranging scheme to put young people’s voices at the heart of the Methodist Church.

Nuclear waste project under pressure as advisor resigns

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:50:25 +0000

The resignation of an advisor who accused the Ministry of Defence of “ignoring its own advisory group” has called into question the future of a project aimed at dismantling nuclear submarines in central Plymouth.

Anglicanism's Ugandan moment of truth

Colin Coward — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:58:57 +0000

The Anglican Communion must oppose legislation which dehumanises, fails to protect, and makes pastoral care impossible for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, says Colin Coward. This is a moment of truth.

Congo crisis not helped by UN-backed military action, says church agency

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:33:18 +0000

A year after UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband visited to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christian Aid has warned that military action will not solve the conflict.

MP's told not to 'duck the challenge' of political reform

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:17:01 +0000

Bonfire Night is coming home to Parliament again this year, with a special floating effigy heading down river to remind MPs not to "duck the challenge" of political reform.