Policy Areas - Religion and Society

A truthful antidote to 'savvy cynicism'

Jill Segger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:22:38 +0000

Moral relativism, confusion and cynical resignation to the pressures of realpolitik bring apathy in their train, says Jill Segger. Truthfulness is about a different and hopeful way of living.

Women at the UN say theology can be good for gender equality

Ecumenical News International — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:06:55 +0000

In the continuing quest for gender equality in the world, a group of young women have been working at the United Nations to expand the message that theology which emphasises equality is essential to real progress.

Health justice, Christianity and stem cell research

Celia Deane-Drummond — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:43:17 +0000

The rapidly developing field of stem cell research mobilises immense amounts of money in private and public grants, says Celia Deane-Drummond. But it also raises deep ethical questions regarding health justice and the dignity of human life.

Nigerian Christians welcome Muslim governor to preach in church

Ecumenical News International — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:24:25 +0000

For the first time in northern Nigeria, a Muslim state governor has accepted an invitation to a church revival programme during which he called for unity and peaceful co-existence between the country's Christians and Muslims.

Episcopal church advertises core beliefs, inclusiveness and work for justice

staff writers — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:13:29 +0000

In the face of continued attacks from a hardcore minority opposed to women and gays in the churches' ministry, the Episcopal Church in the USA has launched a national advertising campaign about its key beliefs and practices.

Top Methodist to join climate cycle ride to Copenhagen

staff writers — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:25:40 +0000

Ben Bradley, Events Co-ordinator of the British Methodist Church, has said that he will join a team of 28 volunteers cycling 140 miles to the United Nations climate change conference at Copenhagen.

Calvin's Cuba unveiling highlights Christian and human aspirations

agency reporter — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:08:34 +0000

A bust of Protestant reformer John Calvin has recently been unveiled in a park in Havana, Cuba, as a way to cap a year-long celebration of his 500th birthday.

Why Humanists aren’t asking the right question

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:49:16 +0000

Some religious, and specifically Christian, commentators are a bit miffed that the money they have given to the Atheist bus campaign has been rolled over to support another poster drive which raises questions about the religious identity of children in the context of faith schools. It would be interesting to see whether they would support a question about how Jesus might run a school, says Jonathan Bartley.

Society sees churches as both dangerous and valuable, says Methodist leader

staff writers — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:19:16 +0000

The General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Britain has urged creativity and variety in establishing both new local churches and 'fresh expressions' of church in communities up and down the country.

Right-wing evangelicals challenge Ugandan President over anti-gay bill

staff writers — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:06:26 +0000

A right-wing evangelical group that works to change the sexual orientation of lesbian and gay people has written to the President of Uganda, expressing concern over proposed legislation which would introduce the death penalty for some of them.

Evangelicals find common ground with Humanists over faith school ads

staff writers — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:26:11 +0000

Evangelicals in the UK have welcomed a message of the new advertising campaign launched yesterday by the British Humanist Association (BHA).

Politicians must focus on the most vulnerable, say churches

staff writers — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:19:33 +0000

Following the proposals set out in the Queen's Speech, three of Britain's largest denominations are urging the UK's politicians to “focus their concern on those who made little out of the good economic years".

Age of apathy is over, say Methodist youth

staff writers — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:24:35 +0000

British Methodists have declared that “the age of apathy seems to be over” after a Youth Assembly with almost twice as many participants as last year. The Assembly elected Pete Brady as Youth President, a full-time, salaried position.

Amendment to Equality Bill may bring civil partnerships to churches

staff writers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:03:39 +0000

Campaigners are seeking to get an amendment tabled to the Equality Bill to allow religious buildings to hold civil partnership ceremonies, previously prohibited in law.

Now a question of 'when' not 'if' Thought for the Day will be broadened

Press Office — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:05:11 +0000

Speaking after a debate with Controller of Radio 4 Mark Damazer on the BBC's PM Programme, concerning the BBC Trust's report on Thought for the Day, Ekklesia co-director Jonathan Bartley said: