Church of England

Church of England’s synod takes on Brexit divisions as zero hour approaches

By Catherine Pepinster — February 21, 2019
LONDON (RNS) — In a special motion at the Church of England's upcoming General Synod, weeks before the Brexit deadline, the archbishops of Canterbury and York will urge politicians to do more to heal divisions in society.

Church of England struggles to find its voice on Brexit

By Rosie Dawson — December 7, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Calls are growing for Britain’s established church to somehow mark Britain’s departure from the EU, but the Anglican clergy is finding that its pro-Europe sentiments are at odds with its rank and file.

Prince Charles calls for Middle East peace at service for persecuted Christians

By Catherine Pepinster — December 3, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — The plight of persecuted Christians is a cause that has become dear to the heir to the British throne.

No longer the default, Church of England goes to battle in religious marketplace

By Catherine Pepinster — September 20, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — For the past two years the Church of England has committed itself to developing a strong presence online, with a particular target of attracting people who do not regularly go to church.

Defending Islam, gays and Blackpool, Brits oppose Franklin Graham’s UK visit

By Rosie Dawson — September 12, 2018
(RNS) — Blackpool’s two ministers to Parliament have also expressed their concern, with one suggesting that Graham’s comments amounted to 'hate speech.'

Church of England plans to test aspiring clergy for skills, aptitude — and narcissism

By Catherine Pepinster — July 20, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Better psychological profiling of clergy, experts say, can help to spot pathologies such as narcissism and Machiavellianism that can turn pastors into rivals of the God they purport to serve.

New Lambeth Palace Library key to preserving Anglican history

By Catherine Pepinster — July 5, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Work has begun on a new library to house the biggest collection of religious works in the world, outside the Vatican. It is the first edifice in 100 years to be built on the grounds of Lambeth Palace, home of the archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion.

N.T. Wright on the Apostle Paul’s sudden popularity

By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 28, 2018
(RNS) — The author of the new book 'Paul: A Biography,' calls the apostle 'one of the great intellectual, cultural, spiritual thinkers of the whole world.'

Archbishop of Canterbury: Church has failed to protect children from abuse

By Catherine Pepinster — March 21, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Justin Welby, the leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion — who himself has come under some criticism for his handling of abuse cases — told the commission Wednesday (March 21) that the church needs new powers to safeguard children.

Stressed-out Anglican priests turn to trade unions for support

By Catherine Pepinster — January 16, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — 'People nowadays expect and demand a quick response if they contact you. And there are some people who seem to feel free to express their anger to clergy in a way they would never do to someone else,' one priest explained.

Who are you calling a Puritan?

By Kimberly Winston — November 21, 2017
(RNS) — Quick — what's the difference between a Puritan and a Pilgrim? Did either of them actually 'land' at Plymouth Rock? And who sat down for the original Thanksgiving?

Mazel tov to my Protestant friends!

By Jeffrey Salkin — October 25, 2017
(RNS) — Should Jews mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation? Yes. But.....

Evensong sees a surge even as British church attendance declines

By Catherine Pepinster — August 30, 2017
(RNS) — From Westminster Abbey to small parish churches, the evensong service in Britain is attracting growing crowds of locals and tourists alike — some who come just for the music and atmosphere, others who appreciate the spirituality as well.

Religious liberty for all

By Curtis W. Freeman — August 14, 2017
(RNS) — Evangelical Christians in the founding of our republic understood something worth remembering. The flourishing of their communities depended on the extension of religious freedom, not only to minority Protestant dissenters like themselves, but to all.

It’s no longer Sunday best for the Church of England

By Catherine Pepinster — July 14, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — But will they convince young people it’s a 21st-century institution they want to join?
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