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Christian bookstores report hike in ‘sex book’ sales

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:07:35 +0100

DeeperCalling Media (DCM) claims there has been a dramatic rise in sales of sex-related books from Christian retailers in the US.

Top-selling titles include: Intended for Pleasure: Sex Technique and Sexual Fulfillment in Christian Marriage (Ed and Gaye Wheat) and Red Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle (Bill and Pam Farrel).

DCM marketing manager, Joe Kerr, said: "We have been astounded by the marked increase in the sales of Christian Books on the topics of Sex. It's clear that in tough economic times people are seeking ways to improve their lives through better relationships with those closest to them.

"People often think of Christians as being prudish and wanting to avoid open talk about sex. But nothing could be further from the truth," he added. "Christians are demonstrating a healthy interest in the topics of sex and marriage."

Christian Aid disappointed by Queen's speech

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:38:48 +0100

Christian Aid has criticised the fact that the Queen’s Speech did not commit the UK to its previously announced overseas aid pledge.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour parties all pledged to make the 0.7% aid commitment a legal obligation ahead of the last election.

The charity’s chief political adviser, Sol Oyuela, said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to raising the aid budget to 0.7% from 2013, but we are very disappointed that it has yet to live up to its pledge to legislate on this.

“This was not just a coalition promise. It was a promise made to the world’s poorest people and one which we just cannot renege on.

“Protecting the 0.7% in law would safeguard the aid budget from future political jockeying, guaranteeing effective and predictable spending to fight global poverty whichever party is in power.

“And it would also enable the UK to exert more pressure on other EU countries to move towards the UN goal of a 0.7% aid commitment from rich countries.

“Only recently the European Commissioner for Development praised the UK for its leadership on aid provision. Enshrining the figure in law would have only enhanced our standing internationally.”

Chavez seeks Christ’s help in cancer battle

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:10:25 +0100

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appears to have shifted his focus from Socialist heroes Karl Marx and Fidel Castro to Jesus Christ.

Chavez says his battle with cancer has made him "more Christian" and he has openly prayed for God’s help during the rare public appearances he has made.

As he left for his final bout of cancer treatment in Cuba, he said: "I'm sure our Christ will do it again, continuing making the miracle."

He is also reported as saying: "I have great faith in what we're doing, in this intense undertaking against the illness that ambushed me last year, and I have faith, I repeat, in God."

However, some political analysts have been sceptical of this newfound religious fervour, claiming he is appealing to the sympathies of the country’s Catholics, who could prove influential in upcoming elections if he can win them over.

Christian doctor loses dismissal case

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:06:28 +0100

Dr David Drew, who was sacked after emailing a prayer to colleagues, has lost his claim for unfair dismissal.

Dr Drew said the prayer was intended to offer inspiration to members of the department and that he had been made to feel like a "religious maniac" afterwards.

After sending the prayer he was told in a report from an independent body that this type of communication was unacceptable and that his religious beliefs should be kept to himself.

The report also took him to task for a text message he sent to a colleague, which said "Have a peaceful Christmas". This was perceived as an "aggressive and unwelcome intrusion" into the colleague’s private time.

He is said to have ignored the report's recommendations and was subsequently dismissed for "gross misconduct and insubordination" in December 2010.

Commenting on the judgment, Dr Drew said: "This means that you cannot be yourself in the workplace, you cannot say 'I am a Christian’.

"Other people who have got other religions won't be allowed to either but of course what religion other people are because it is more visible.

"For example we would be in meetings when one or two of my colleagues who are Muslims would go across into a corner to pray.

"The Muslim doctors have been more supportive of me than any other groups and I have a very warm working relationship with them."

Andrea Williams, director of the Christian Legal Centre, said: "This is like the shutting down of identity. This approach to Christians is like forcing them to deny their identity; being Christian isn't something which you take off when you go to work.

"To say that it is not appropriate to say that you are a Christian at work is to totally misunderstand our history, our heritage, freedom under the law, freedom of religion. It is deeply illiberal, it is wrong."

Murder plot mastermind killed in Nigeria

Tue, 01 May 2012 17:34:16 +0100

According to media reports, one of Boko Haram’s senior leaders has been killed in Kano, Nigeria.

The militant Islamic group is believed to be responsible for several attacks on Christians over the last few months.

Nigerian security forces raided the sect’s base on May 1, prompting a long gun battle. Reports suggest the man who masterminded the attacks was shot and killed during the raid.

Three women and two children are thought to have been rescued from the site. AK-47 assault rifles, 467 munitions and 45 cans full of explosives were also seized.

Referring to attacks on Christian worshippers on April 29, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: "We condemn attempts by those in Nigeria who seek to inflame Christian-Muslim tensions.”

US Christian group protests government aid cuts

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:13:22 +0100

According to Bread for the World, a US-based Christian aid organisation, claims queues at church-run food giveaways are likely to grow rapidly if proposed government cuts are introduced.

The House of Representatives has announced it may cut more than $169 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with some representatives arguing that it is the responsibility of churches to feed the hungry. More than 46 million Americans depend on SNAP to put food on their tables every day.

"America's churches are already doing their fair share," said a spokesperson for the organisation, Sister Margaret Mary Kimmins. "We challenge our fellow pastors and their congregations to tell Congress, 'No more cuts because they only hurt poor people’."

"It would be devastating if our church had to do more than we already do," said Rev Barb Hobe, pastor of Bethany United Church of Christ in Lebanon, Ohio. "Many of our members are living paycheck to paycheck and just can't do more."

Shooting claims pastor's mother’s life

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:46:48 +0100

According to local news reports, two people were shot dead outside the New Destiny Christian Center in Aurora, Colorado, on April 22.

The first casualty was Josephine Echols, the mother of Pastor De Lono Straham, who was known locally as ‘Mother Jo’.

Witnesses claim a road rage incident was taking place nearby and the two drivers pulled into the church car park to fight it out. Mother Jo reportedly came out of the building to find out what was happening and was shot by one of the drivers, who has not yet been named.

An off-duty police officer who was at the church service exited the building and shot the suspected shooter dead.

Artist of the Year award for Jason Crabb

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:52:41 +0100

Christian vocalist Jason Crabb was awarded two major accolades at the 43rd Dove Awards on April 19.

Nominated for eight awards, Mr Crabb was presented with the two top gongs: Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year.

He said: "It hasn't sunk in just yet. I'm proud to be in the family of God, and proud to be his kid. I can't believe it. I want to challenge other people and other kids this: Go after your dreams, pursue them. God is behind you."

Aired by GMC – formerly the Gospel Music Channel – the awards recognise excellence within the field of Christian and gospel music. The show was held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Win Aviva Premiership Rugby Final tickets

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:22:16 +0100

Saturday May 26 will see one of the biggest events in the Premiership Rugby calendar kick off at Twickenham Stadium, the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2012. A chance to see some of the country’s top players fight for the ultimate crown in the Premiership.

It promises to be a sellout event as the season concludes with an undoubtedly exciting finale to a capacity crowd of over 81,000 rugby fans.

The Aviva Premiership Rugby Final is renowned for its high-quality play, electric atmosphere and show-stopping entertainment in and around the stadium.

Tickets are selling fast, but thanks to Hilton HHonors TM, the guest loyalty programme for the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels, fans can share the experience through its ticket giveaway.

Hilton HHonors provides members with a range of benefits when they stay at one of their 3,800 hotels worldwide. Membership is free and you can find out more by visiting www.hhonors.com/rugby.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets courtesy of Hilton HHonors, the Official Hotel Partner of Premiership Rugby, simply answer the following question:

Where is this year's Aviva Premiership Rugby Final

taking place?

a) Twickenham

b) Wembley

c) Murrayfield

Simply email your answer to steve@sorted-magazine.com for your chance to win.

Cameron anticipates backlash over gay marriage plans

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:54:39 +0100

David Cameron has said plans to legalise gay marriage are to go ahead, but that he is expecting some Christian groups to voice opposition to the change.

“I hope we won’t fall out too much over gay marriage,” he said. “There’ll be some strong arguments and some strong words.”

The Prime Minister sought to reassure opponents of the law change that Church law will not be affected by allowing same-sex couples to hold civil marriage ceremonies. While the new legislation would change civil services, it will not change the way the Church conducts marriage ceremonies, he said.

Cameron then encouraged Christians to stand up for what they believe in a bid to counter perceived attempts to sideline the faith.

He said: “I think there’s something of a fightback going on, and we should welcome that.

“The values of the Bible, the values of Christianity, are the values that we need.”

Christians await verdict in Iranian apostasy trial

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:16:06 +0100

According to local media reports, 12 Christians stood trial in Rasht, Iran, on Easter Sunday. They were accused of being “apostates” (people who have forsaken their religion), and multiple charges were brought against them including “crimes against the order”.

The 12 defendants are believed to be: Rev Matthias Haghnejad and his wife Anahita Khadeimi; Mahmoud Khosh-Hal and his wife Hava Saadetmend; Amir Goldoust; Mina Goldoust; Zhaina Bahremand; Fatemah Modir-Nouri; Mehrdad Habibzade; Milad Radef; Behzad Taalipasand; and Amin Pishkar.

The act of converting from Islam or to attempt to convert others from the faith can be punishable by death in Iran under Shariah law. Another Christian pastor, Youcef Nadarkhani, was charged with apostasy last year and sentenced to death.

“It ultimately illustrates that being a Christian is illegal in Iran. No matter how clear or how open a pastor and a church may be, Christians are being brought to trial just for being Christian,” said Jason DeMars, director of the Present Truth Ministries.

Lord Carey stands up for religious freedom

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:22:32 +0100

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey is encouraging Christians in the UK to make a public show of their beliefs following several recent court rulings.

These rulings included a ban on pre-council-meeting prayer sessions (now overturned) and the dismissal of several employees for wearing crosses to work.

According to The Telegraph, Lord Carey has described the cross as an “indispensable image of Christianity” and believes Christians should be allowed to wear jewellery depicting it wherever they are.

“I have no doubt that those who have tried to impose restrictions on the wearing of crosses are either deliberately or inadvertently attempting to sideline the Christian faith,” he said.

“I would like all Christians—men as well as women—to wear the cross publicly.”

He added: “It is an iconic symbol of Christ's sufferings for us all, his humiliation and yet his glory. There could be no talk of Christ's resurrection without the cross.”

Mexicans embrace evangelical Christianity

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:25:21 +0100

According to a national census, Mexico has seen a rise in the number of evangelical Christians over the last 40 years.

In 1970, 96% of Mexicans identified themselves as Catholics, but this figure fell to around 80% in 2010. The number of evangelical Christians has risen correspondingly.

According to reports, witchcraft and alcohol abuse were major issues in parts of Mexico before people started to convert. This is thought to be because many people who identified themselves as Catholic were not actually practising the faith.

Other theories are that evangelicalism is a cheaper alternative as Catholic baptisms and weddings can be expensive. Statistics also show that there is, on average, just one Catholic priest per 6,000 Catholics in Mexico, compared with one evangelical pastor per 200 evangelicals.

St Matthew's by the Sea to host Alpha Course

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:20:55 +0100

St Matthew's by the Sea in Fenwick Island, Delaware, is to host a 12-week Alpha Course starting on April 12. The course will explore the basics of the Christian faith with anyone who is interested in attending.

Sessions will run from 6:30pm to 8:30pm each Thursday and include a free dinner, a video presentation and small group discussion. Topics such as "Who is Jesus?" and "How does God guide us?" will be up for discussion.

Rev Bruce Miller told local press that it will: "Present the fundamental tenets of Christianity in a nonthreatening, relaxed setting, where no question is too outlandish or too heretical, and where all points of view are welcomed"

He added: "We happen to think that meaning and purpose is found through Jesus Christ and all he taught, and we'll lay that out and let folks decide for themselves."

Those who are interested in attending can call 302-537-1402 or email smbts@verizon.net. The course is open to people of all faith backgrounds and those of no faith.

John Sentamu endorses Andrew Williams book

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:30:59 +0100

Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, recently helped launch a new book entitled Working with Street Children: An Approach Explored by Andrew Williams.

Fiona Castle also took part in the launch, which took place at the headquarters of the International Salvation Army in London. Her reading from the book was an especially poignant part of the evening.

The book aims to equip and encourage those working with street and homeless children or thinking of doing so. In the foreword, Sentamu writes: “I strongly commend this book to all practitioners, would-be practitioners, all decision makers and opinion formers to remind them and all of us that each story told in the book represents a real person and actual circumstances.”

The author, Andrew Williams, has 20 years’ experience of direct work with children and young people. Born in Uganda, his father remembered John Sentamu in the 1960s as a promising youth leader in Kampala shortly before Idi Amin’s rise to power.

Williams said: “It is especially significant that Dr Sentamu is here as he has supported, encouraged and prayed for the work described in the book since it began.”

In 1996, Andrew and his wife Katina accepted an invitation to develop The Tigers Football Club for street boys into an effective social work organisation. The organisation was registered as a charity in the UK and Uganda and was rebranded Retrak in 2005. The following year Andrew was awarded an MBE for services to disadvantaged children.

Retrak now operates in three African countries and works with 3,000 street children every year. Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton reported from Retrak during her spectacular high-wire walk, and a visit from JLS to Retrak in Uganda featured on BBC1’s Comic Relief – What A Cracker!.

Working with Street Children is available from Amazon, and more information about Retrak can be found at www.workingwithstreetchildren.com.

American Idol contestant won’t hide Christianity

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:11:32 +0000

In an interview with Today.com last week, American Idol contestant Colton Dixon revealed he has been urged by producers to cut back on references to his Christian faith on social networking sites.

“I think that the producers also have a mutual respect that that is a part of who I am. I am not going to hide it, and I am not going to stray away from it just because I am on a TV show,” he said.

“You know, being a Christian is who I am. It is a part of me musically. It is what I want to do after the show – go into Christian music.”

Dixon prays before and after every performance and says that sharing the love is God is his ultimate reason for being. If this loses him votes, that is just the price he has to pay, he claims.

A Twitter follower recently suggested Dixon was trying to ‘Tebow’ himself into a win (following the example of American footballer Tim Tebow, who has shot to fame for dropping to his knees and praying after scoring – an act that is now known as ‘tebowing’).

But Dixon was resolute in his response. He replied: "I don't follow Tebow. I follow a guy named Jesus. I'm just trusting His plans, whatever they may be."

American killed for sharing faith in Yemen

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:28:45 +0000

According to reports, an Al-Qaeda-linked group has admitted killing an American teacher in Yemen because he was sharing his Christian faith.

Joel Shrum was gunned down by more than one assailant on a motorbike in the Sena neighbourhood of Taez.

Ansar al-Sharia (Partisans of Sharia) claimed responsibility for the attack, which claimed the life of the project leader who had worked at the International Training and Development Centre in Taez for two years.

A message that reportedly came from a source close to the group said that the attack was launched “in response to a Western campaign to preach Christianity among Muslims".

Cameron and Johnson wade into cross-wearing debate

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:23:13 +0000

As Nadia Ewedia and Shirley Chaplin prepare to appear at the European Court of Human Rights, David Cameron and Boris Johnson have suggested they support Christians’ right to wear a cross in the workplace.

Cameron’s official spokesman revealed that: "The Prime Minister's personal view is that people should be able to wear crosses".

He added: “Our view is that the Equality Act, as it stands, should allow people to express their views in this kind of way.”

Meanwhile, London Mayor Boris Johnson said he had met Ms Ewedia and called for “some common sense” to be shown. “Mrs Eweida is a member of a group — Christians — and she wanted to express her membership of that group in a small and inoffensive way,” he wrote in The Daily Telegraph.

MP denounces Christian ‘right’ to wear a cross

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:32:52 +0000

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone has told government lawyers to oppose the assumed ‘rights’ of Christians to wear a cross at work.

The Liberal Democrat minister says they must call on European human rights judges to dismiss upcoming claims from Christian workers who have been told to remove the religious symbol in the workplace.

The Strasbourg court will shortly address Nadia Eweida and Shirley Chaplin’s cases.

British Airways employee Ms Eweida was suspended from work in 2006 after refusing to remove the cross she wore to work, while Ms Chaplin was banned from working as a nurse at an Exeter hospital when she refused to conceal or remove the cross she wore around her neck.

Despite having their perceived rights to wear a cross under European human rights rules rejected by British courts, both women are being backed by the Equality Commission, headed by former Labour politician Trevor Phillips.

The British government’s submission to the court is that: “In neither case is there any suggestion that the wearing of a visible cross or crucifix was a generally recognised form of practising the Christian faith, still less one that is regarded (including by the applicants themselves) as a requirement of the faith.”

Christian Aid joins new Rapid Response network

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:50:03 +0000

UK-based charity Christian Aid is to join a new rapid response network that will respond to major international crises, such as famine, floods and earthquakes.

The Rapid Response Facility will mobilise life-saving support in the critical hours following a humanitarian disaster.

Christian Aid is one of 34 organisations specialising in disaster response to be invited by the UK government to join the network. Other organisations include Mercy Corps Scotland, Oxfam, Merlin, Lifesaver Systems and MapAction.

According to international development secretary, Andrew Mitchell, vital aid is often tied up with paperwork, rather than being immediately deployed.

He said: “We need our best experts, equipment and aid on the ground quickly after a disaster, not tied up in red tape. They need to be able to do their job in the vital window of 72 hours, to save as many lives as possible.

“These organisations represent the very best performing disaster response agencies. They will deliver value for money for British taxpayers, and results that best benefit affected people. This allows them to focus on delivery, not paperwork.

“The private sector plays a vital role in emergency response and I am particularly encouraged that so many have already agreed to be involved in the Rapid Response Facility.”

Motocross star Ronnie Faisst speaks out about faith

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:13:46 +0000

Ronnie Faisst says becoming a Christian has made a massive impact on his life.

Prior to coming to faith, he recalls experiencing a great deal of stress.

He claims struggles with alcohol and increasing incidents of injury were really bringing him down before he found God in 2006.

“I lived a lifestyle most people think is the cool rock-star lifestyle and the world embraces: making money, partying and chasing girls,” he said at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he was performing a series of high-speed motorcycle acrobatics.

“It was definitely a struggle in the beginning, because I was around the same people, and being Christian wasn’t the popular thing.”

He is now sober and is finding it easier to cope with the injuries that come as part of the job because he firmly believes his future is in God’s hands.

“I’ve been kind of giving my career to God and riding. God’s in control, and when it’s over, he’ll let me know. I won’t have to worry about making this last longer,” he concluded.

BBC chief explains why Christianity is treated differently on TV

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:47:38 +0000

BBC director-general Mark Thompson claims Christianity is treated less sensitively than other religions in the UK because it is more “broad-shouldered”.

He believes broadcasters are far more cautious when they refer to or represent other belief systems because the threat level in the complaints received can be significantly greater.

More than 45,000 complaints were made when the BBC showed Jerry Springer: The Opera in 2005. And hundreds of Christians protested outside BBC buildings, outraged at the continual swearing and the blasphemies it contained. The scene that caused the most controversy depicted Jesus wearing a nappy.

Mr Thompson is Catholic and says he hasn’t watched other well-known satires on Christianity because he is “quite personally sensitive to mockery of religious images”. But he says he had no regrets about showing the Jerry Springer film and that he had “thoroughly enjoyed it”.

Complainants argued that the BBC would never have allowed a similar show about Islam to go on air, and Mr Thompson agreed this was probably the case. He claims that: “For a Muslim, a depiction, particularly a comic or demeaning depiction, of the Prophet Mohammed, might have the emotional force of a piece of grotesque child pornography.

“‘One of the mistakes secularists make is not to understand the character of what blasphemy feels like to someone who is a realist in their religious belief.”

He said that the best way of dealing with the issue is to avoid watching shows that viewers think they might find offensive.

Law gazumps religion, claims Trevor Phillips

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:10:04 +0000

Speaking at a debate in London, Trevor Phillips, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), praised new laws that have led to the closure of all Catholic adoption agencies in England.

Following a High Court case, the Charity Commission last year ruled against an exemption for Catholic Care, an adoption agency operating in Leeds, which fought a long legal battle to avoid being forced to take on homosexual couples under equality laws.

Mr Phillips claimed Christians who want to be exempt from equality legislation are comparable with Muslims trying to impose sharia law and, despite complaints, he has stood firmly by this statement.

According to Mr Phillips, religious rules should end “at the door of the temple”. He believes faith groups providing public services must choose between their religious beliefs and obeying the law at times when their beliefs conflict with those of the state.

“You can’t say because we decide we’re different then we need a different set of laws,” he commented.

“To me there’s nothing different in principle with a Catholic adoption agency, or indeed [a] Methodist adoption agency, saying the rules in our community are different and therefore the law shouldn’t apply to us.”

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, described the comparison with sharia law as “ridiculous”.

“We are a democracy in which Christianity is established in the Church of England and a nation profoundly influenced by this faith in its Catholic and Anglican heritage. We need lawmakers to respect this heritage and seek accommodation wherever a strongly held faith seems to clash with new legislation,” Lord Carey said.

Andy Kind and Carl Beech join forces

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:24:56 +0000

Comedian Andy Kind and director of Christian Vision for Men (CVM) Carl Beech will appear under the same roof on February 23 in Manchester.

The Two Blokes Tour will make a stop at Ivy Manchester in Didsbury at 7.30pm. Tickets for the night of “comedy and chat about life, God and everything in between” are just £5.

Carl Beech is a regular conference speaker and is known for his clear-sighted, passionate and direct approach. is on the councils of Fusion, the Evangelical Alliance and Restored. He will discuss Codelife – an initiative designed to help men live uncompromised, Jesus-centred lives – at the event.

Andy Kind has appeared on BBC1, ITV, Channel 4 and national radio and has been endorsed by a number of critics including The Scotsman and BBC Online.

“If you are a man who lives near Manchester and like comedy and a good story, you should give serious thought to coming to this event,” he told Sorted.

Christian charity launches generosity movement for Lent 2012

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:14:15 +0000

Christian charity Stewardship is inviting people to add something transformational to their usual Lent traditions, by taking part in the 40acts Challenge this Lent and creating a movement of generosity.

Over 40 days, participants will be invited to take part in 40 simple acts of generosity, which will challenge them to "do Lent generously" this year.

Debbie Wright, Stewardship’s head of content explains: "Lent marks a pivotal point in the history of the church, when Jesus prepared to give himself up as a sacrifice for all mankind. Traditionally we mark Lent by giving something up, but what if it could be more than that? What if Lent was a preparation for a lifetime of big-heartedness?

"What if you could give up chocolate and give the money to your favourite charity? What if you could turn the TV off and spend more time helping your neighbour as well?”

Some of the acts of generosity will challenge people to engage more with their communities, others will challenge people to look after the environment more, and some will challenge people to step out of their comfort zones. Each will be supported by 40 biblical reflections from a plethora of contributors including Nicky Gumbel (Holy Trinity Brompton), Rob Parsons (Care for the Family), Chine Mbubaegbu (Evangelical Alliance), Ram Gidoomal (South Asian Concern), Chris Duffett (Baptist Union of Great Britain), Andy Frost (Share Jesus International), Richard Nelson (Summer Madness), Liza Hoeksma (Soul Survivor), Andrew John (Bishop of Bangor) and Andrea Boden (Romance Academy).

The 40 acts will include sharing a skill, being polite on the road, making someone smile, sending a thank you note, listening well, forgiving, picking up litter and sharing a testimony.

George Carey slams prayer ban

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:31:33 +0000

Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey has decried the recent High Court ruling that will make public prayers at council meetings illegal.

“There are deep forces at work in Western society, hollowing out the values of Christianity and driving them to the margins,” he told The Telegraph.

“Judges say that the law has no obligation to the Christian faith, but I say 'rubbish’ to that. Historically, there has been a great interlocking of Christianity with our laws in this country.”

Lord Carey’s new book We Don’t Do God: The Marginalisation of Public Faith expands on the idea that Christian values are being sidelined despite the demand on Christians to tolerate other world views. He claims the book is “a call to arms” for readers to uphold Christian values.

Patrick Regan calls for positive action on gangs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:41:29 +0000

Youth charity founder Patrick Regan has responded to new powers allowing police and local authorities to apply for gang injunctions for 14- to 17-year-olds.

In an article for the Express website, Patrick suggests the new measures, which are designed to stop young people from entering specified areas and implementing compulsory rehabilitation activities, are not enough of their own.

CEO of XLP and member of the Centre for Social Justice’s advisory board, Patrick comments: “It is naïve to think that tactical enforcement measures alone will offer a strategic solution to the complex multiple causes of the violence and stop young people from leaving school and joining gangs.

“There was no single cause of the violence and riots, and there is no single, quick-fix solution.

“For the thousands who took to the streets it seemed as if there was nothing holding them back: no relationships and no future prospects to be put at risk.

“Indeed, of those brought before the courts, two-thirds had special educational needs, more than one in ten had been permanently excluded from school and 70% lived in some of the most deprived areas of the UK. Many of the rioters felt that they had nothing to lose.”

He goes on to suggest an alternative approach: “There is no excuse for unlawful behaviour but from my 18 years of working with young people in inner cities, the key to bringing about sustainable change is “relationship”.

“Relationship can restore a young person’s trust in people, it can nurture the belief that things can change and an alternative future is possible, and it acts as a reference point for determining right and wrong.

“I have witnessed courageous life decisions made by young people emerging from tragic and hopeless situations, because of a strong and trusted relationship.”

Finally, Patrick suggests a few practical ways for the government to tackle gangs in a positive and sustainable way. “What I ask is that the government invest in the people and organisations working to divert or prevent young people joining a gang in the first place,” he urges.

“Free those working in our statutory youth organisations from the endless process and paperwork that steals away valuable time that they would so dearly love to spend developing relationships with young people.

“Focus more resources on third-sector organisations that have proven track records of working with young people in a relational way and steering them away from or back from gang culture.

“Invest in creating real jobs and apprenticeship schemes. Then, if we do these things, maybe we will not need to be debating the rights and wrongs of raid-and-arrest campaigns. We will not need them.”

Vladimir Putin pledges support to Christians worldwide

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:05:24 +0000

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says protecting oppressed Christians overseas will be one of his foreign policy priorities if he is elected president again.

During a meeting at Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral on February 8, Putin appeared moved when he was told the extent of the oppression Christians are experiencing across the globe, particularly in countries such as Egypt, India and Pakistan.

Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev told the controversial presidential candidate that, somewhere in the world, a Christian dies for his or her faith every five minutes. He urged Putin to make the protection of Christians a priority.

“This is how it will be, have no doubt,” the Prime Minister assured him, adding that he hoped leaders from all religions would work together to prevent religious persecution.

Christian charity to open Waterloo school

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:34:38 +0000

Christian charity Oasis has announced new developments in its plan to open a small secondary school in London.

It hopes to open Oasis Community School Waterloo in 2013 under the government’s 'free school' policy and claims that more 100 local families have pledged their support.

Speaking on local radio station LBC, Oasis founder Steve Chalke said: "I am a Christian. In fact, we run a local church in Waterloo. But we already run the only primary school that's here. Johanna School is part of Oasis and it chose to be part of Oasis even though Oasis is a Christian foundation.

"We serve all children. We do not select on the basis of ability or faith. We serve children of all faiths and no faith, and our staff represent that as well.

"We believe that there needs to be a religious emphasis of all sorts. So if you live in Waterloo, you live in a very multicultural area.

"If a child goes through school and perhaps they are Muslim then they need not only to have a good knowledge of their faith but to understand Sikhism and Hinduism and Judaism and Christianity.

"We need to celebrate all faiths rather than, in a watered-down attempt to not be prejudiced, celebrate nothing at all.

"Education isn't about proselytisation, but if any child leaves any school in the UK without a working understanding of the other great faith movements then I think we do breed discrimination rather than an integrated society."

Christian healing group censored by ASA

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:57:18 +0000

A Bath-based group of Christians called Healing on the Streets (HOTS) has been contacted by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The organisation, which claims to have witnessed many people being physically healed has been told to remove these claims from its website and the leaflets it distributes.

HOTS founder Paul Skelton said: “All over the world as part of their normal Christian life, Christians believe in, pray for and experience God’s healing; our ministry, in common with many churches, has been active in praying for God‘s healing (of Christians and non Christians) for many years.

“Over that time the response to what we do has been overwhelmingly positive, and we find it difficult to understand the ASA’s attempt to restrict communication about this. Our website simply states our beliefs and describes some of our experiences.”

Mr Skelton claims he tried to reach a compromise with the ASA but that the advertising standards body was trying to make the group “recant” its Christian faith.

HOTS has lodged an appeal against the ruling, which says that it cannot “make claims which stated or implied that, by receiving prayer from their volunteers, people could be healed of medical conditions”.

The HOTS team will be back in action outside Bath Abbey between 11am and 1pm on March 1 and Mr Skelton said the group will continue to pray for people who require healing during this two-hour period.

National prayer event to focus on child abuse prevention

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:56 +0000

According to 2010 figures from the NSPCC, a new case of child abuse is reported every ten seconds. Thousands of incidents of child abuse are not prevented or acted upon and many are missed altogether.

There are currently approximately 46,700 on child protection plans in the UK and, on average, 56 children are killed every year through abuse and neglect.

In 2010/2011, almost 50% of children and young people said they had been bullied; just under 10% of children and young people had experienced serious neglect in some form; and just under 7% of children and young people experienced physical abuse in some form. Just under 5% of children and young people experienced sexual abuse.

One Child, One Day, One Prayer is a national prayer initiative that seeks to change these statistics. On March 1 at 1pm, Christians all over the country will stop and each pray for one anonymous child/ young person who has been, or is, the victim of child abuse.

For further information email onechildonedayoneprayer@gmail.com and follow @1C1D1P on Twitter.

Watoto Children’s Choir to perform at Norfolk church

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:59:13 +0000

The Watoto Children’s Choir is to perform at a free concert hosted by Downham Market Christian Fellowship. The concert will take place on February 17 at 7.00pm in the Sovereign Centre, Downham, Norfolk.

Many of the choir’s members are orphans that have been rescued by Uganda-based Christian charity Watoto. These children are being cared for and educated in the charity’s Children’s Villages.

The "Beautiful Africa: A New Generation" tour will visit UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia and the US. The vibrant choir, which will also perform dance routines and recitals, is to give a special performance at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Downham Market Christian Fellowship spokesperson Nam Tong told Network Norwich: "It is so exciting for Downham that such an internationally acclaimed choir will be performing in our town.

"I hope that many local people will take the opportunity to come along to what will be a thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful experience".

Unicef: India celebrates polio-free year

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:18:17 +0000

India, once recognised as the world’s epicentre of polio, has registered a full year without any cases of the debilitating disease. The last case was recorded on January 13, 2011.

Although it is now likely India will officially be deemed to have stopped indigenous transmission of the virus, Unicef claims the country must be vigilant in order to guard against any importation of polio from the three remaining polio-endemic countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

Each year, more than 170 million children under the age of five are vaccinated in India, with up to 70 million children in the highest-risk areas vaccinated multiple times.

According to Unicef, these efforts will save hundreds of thousands of children from lifelong paralysis and even death each year.

Unicef executive director, Anthony Lake, says: “India’s achievement is proof positive that we can eradicate polio even in the most challenging environments; in fact, it is only by targeting these areas that we can defeat this evil disease.

“We have the ability to protect every last person, especially children, from this entirely preventable disease and, because we can, we must finish the job of eradicating polio globally, once and for all."

A new course for the Alpha male

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:56:31 +0000

The basics of the Christian faith will be explained and debated at a new Alpha Course starting on February 9.

The first session will take place at St Paul’s Church, in Lincoln Road, at 7.15pm and is open to men and women of all ages from all backgrounds.

Church spokesperson Val Watkinson told Sorted: “The Alpha Course is a low-key, relaxed way of exploring the Christian faith. Whether it is just a few enquirers or a large group, some food will be shared before listening to a talk based on a key issue relating to the Christian faith.

“There is then an opportunity to ask questions and express opinions; to listen, learn, discuss and discover more together over one evening a week for approximately ten weeks. Try it out - over two billion followers can't all be wrong!”

For more information, contact the Rev Ron Watkinson on 01733 314117 or by email at revronkingdomyouth@btinternet.com.

Pastor criticised for sex-filled marriage guide

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:58:26 +0000

Pastor Mark Driscoll’s new book has met with mixed reviews from Christians and non-Christians alike.

Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship And Life Together has been criticised for its explicit content, for “misogynistic” views and for deliberately trying to shock readers.

Co-written with wife Grace, the Seattle-based church leader covers a series of sexual taboos including anal sex, oral sex, masturbation, teenage sex, sex toys, role play, cyber sex, marital sexual assault, pornography and sex-related medication.

The book runs through a range of sexual acts and asks whether, based on Bible teachings, they as lawful, and then debates whether they are helpful or “enslaving”.

Chapter 10 actually comes with a warning, recommending that readers who “are older, from a highly conservative religious background, live far away from a major city, do not spend much time on the internet or do not have cable television” might wish to read the book sitting down.

Pastor Mark told CNN: “This is not just stuff that I have pulled out of my mind... These are issues I have dealt with for 15 years and it is battle tested.”

Published by Thomas Nelson, Real Marriage hit Amazon and Barnes & Noble top sellers' lists when it officially launched in early January.

Tebow thanks God for Denver Broncos win

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:41:35 +0000

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has given the glory for his part in the game-winning touchdown on January 8.

Having done little in the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and trying desperately to recover from a three-game funk, a stunning 80-yard touchdown pass from Tebow landed in the arms of receiver Demaryius Thomas, who clinched the 29-23 win in overtime.

Tebow chased after Thomas in celebration before getting down on one knee to thank God; a gesture that has become known as “Tebowing”.

Commenting on the game, Tebow said: "First of all, 'Thank you, Lord,' and then I was running pretty fast, chasing him [Thomas] -- like I could catch up to [him]. Then I just jumped into the stands, first time I've done that.

“That was fun, and then I just got on a knee to thank the Lord again and tried to celebrate with my teammates and the fans.''

Racism still prevails in the UK, claims Doreen Lawrence

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:37:59 +0000

Despite welcoming the conviction of Gary Dobson and David Norris for the murder of Stephen Lawrence, his mother Doreen Lawrence believes more needs to be done to prevent further incidents from occurring in the UK.

It has taken almost 19 years to bring any of the murderers in this case to justice, exceeding the length of time Stephen lived.

Mrs Lawrence told The Guardian that "thousands of families" were still being denied justice by the police. She believes racial prejudice prevented the police from carrying out a proper investigation in the wake of the brutal 1993 murder.

"All I have kept on saying is that I don't want any special treatment, just to be treated as you would want to be treated. When police dealt with me the colour of my skin made a difference," Mrs Lawrence said, adding, “we are just one family among hundreds of thousands still suffering."

In fact, Mrs Lawrence believes racism may be increasing in the UK. The plaque in South London commemorating her son’s life has been deliberately damaged on many occasions.

"I do feel occasionally that things are rolling back,” she told The Guardian. “After the inquiry there was a sense that all the institutions wanted to do the right thing; they wanted to change. But I don't hear people talking like that anymore.

"I don't know whether they believe that it's been accomplished, that racism has been eradicated, but the reality is that it hasn't. What's happened is that racism still exists but it is not so overt, that doesn't mean it is not still there and in some ways it is worse having it underground."

"After 18 years we are still struggling and we shouldn't have to," she concluded.

Britain is a “Christian country” affirms David Cameron

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:24:33 +0000

David Cameron has publicly confirmed that Britain is a Christian country and “should not be afraid to say so".

Marking the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible in Oxford, the prime minister said that voicing this was not about “doing down other faiths”. He defended the role of religion in politics and said the Bible, in particular, was crucial to British values.

Although his views were decried by some humanists and secularists, it was welcomed by the Muslim Council of Britain. Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra told the BBC: "It's very seldom I get excited by what our prime minister has to say, and this is one of those times. As Muslims we also believe in the Bible.

“We believe in the teachings of Jesus. Not only that, but in the teachings of all the biblical prophets, including Moses in the Torah. So this is something that we feel is absolutely in tune with the Muslim thinking. We have to base our behaviour according to Scripture; God's revealed message.”

Liverpool showcases new take on the Nativity

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:01:39 +0000

Volunteers from across Liverpool have joined forces to present a Nativity production "with a Scouse flavour".

A Down To Earth Christmas 2011 (ADTEC) is currently being performed at the city's famous St George's Hall.

According to In Another Place, the productions' organisers, ADTEC 2011 is designed "to bring the people of Liverpool together and promote the true meaning of Christmas".

The show runs December 14-16 at 5.30pm and 7.45pm. Tickets costs between £3 and £7.

Time for ethical lenders to step up, claim Christian banks

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:55:43 +0000

Managers from two major Christian banks have spoken out against irresponsible attitudes within the UK banking sector.

Chief executive of the Salvation Army's Reliance Bank, Trevor Smith, told The Independent: "When I joined the Institute of Bankers, the profession was about probity, integrity and 'my word is my bond' and over the last 30 or 40 years that has been corrupted by competition... The moral balance just seemed to go and this greed culture came in."

Kingdom Bank’s interim chief executive, Chris Sheldon seems to agree. He claims customers are now looking to bank with organisations that are straightforward in their dealings and dedicated to high ethical standards. “We wouldn't know a derivative if it bit us on the backside," he told the paper.

Mr Sheldon left his job at NatWest in 2002 because he wanted to do something more valuable with his skills, while Mr Smith worked at Barclays before joining Reliance.

Reliance gives at least 75% of its profits to the Salvation Army, while Kingdom donates 10% of its profits to the company’s parent charity and a further 10% to other Christian causes.

"A number of people who have lost faith in the banks on the high street have come to us," Mr Smith claims.

Rick Perry vows to end Obama’s “war on religion”

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:14:22 +0000

Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry has vowed to end President Obama’s "war on religion" if he takes up residency in the White House.

Texas Governor Perry said: "I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian, but you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate or pray in school.

"President Obama declared early in his campaign for the White House that he is a Christian. We were led to believe that he was a supporter of the Purpose Driven teachings of California pastor Rick Warren.

"But it didn't take long to discover that the only Sunday morning activity President Obama did on purpose was drive golf balls.

"The evidence of his White House attacking the Christian faith, however, is plentiful."

It was President Obama who declared in an e-mail to CBN News that 'whatever we once were, we’re no longer just a Christian nation'."

According to news reports, these comments were met with widespread approval from many Christians across the US.

In a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition, Governor Perry said: "Bringing America back starts with faith. Faith in the Almighty, who created [us]. Faith in our friends and allies, in a time of trouble; faith in each other to not give up hope."

Food bank to help hungry families in Weymouth

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:38:26 +0000

A Christian couple in Weymouth have opened a food bank to provide emergency food parcels for those struggling to feed their families.

Those in need of emergency rations can obtain a voucher from social services, nurses and care organisations. This will entitle them to collect a food parcel from Weymouth Baptist Church, which is designed to last three days.

Bob and Lilly Mockett say they were inspired to set up the food bank because the Bible instructs people to care for the poor.

Mrs Mockett told the Dorset Echo: "It's mostly needed when people’s benefits are being held up. We’re not here to feed people for any length of time; it’s really just for people who can’t feed their family.

"We've looked to start before Christmas because it’s such a difficult time for a lot of people financially but unfortunately it won’t be running until January.

"In exceptional circumstances we will buy food and give it to people in the meantime. I wouldn’t want anyone to go without over Christmas."

Christian Bale turns down Noah role

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:36:19 +0000

According to reports, Christian Bale has decided not to pursue the lead role in Darren Aronofsky's film based on the life of Bible hero Noah.

It seems the English actor is too busy filming for Lawless and Knight of Cups to take on the role.

Pundits are expecting Michael Fassbender to play Noah in the film, which will offer a modern take on the story of the biblical figure who built an ark to save his family and the world’s animals on God’s command.

Although no contract has yet been signed, rumours were sparked after Fassbender and Dark Swan director Aronofsky reportedly met to discuss the role.

Fassbender has appeared in many well-known productions including: X-Men: First Class, Jane Eyre, Inglourious Basterds, Hunger, Murphy's Law and Band of Brothers.

Filming for Noah is expected to start in spring 2012.

Littlehampton Gazette column suggests church and state are intrinsically linked

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:30:10 +0000

The Littlehampton Gazette’s latest Christian Comment column urges Christians to recognise the many ways politics, both national and local, heavily influences everyday life.

Its author, Rob Ferguson, admits: "In the past, I have been less than enthusiastic about politics, [e]specially at a local level. But I have changed my mind and am glad to own up to my mistake."

Retired GP Ferguson is chair of the trustees of the Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Centre. He has met the last three mayors of Worthing – Noel Atkins, Anne Sayers and current mayor Ann Barlow – as a result of his work with the centre.

"My connection with Ann Barlow goes back at least ten years. She and her family come to Hosanna church in Broadwater where my wife and I also go," Ferguson explains. This has given me the chance to see how much of her spare time Ann has put in over the years on local council business."

Acorn has also brought Ferguson into contact with Tim Loughton, one of Worthing's MPs. "In October he came to visit our office in Warwick St and to hear about what we seek to do for the needy in our community," writes Ferguson. "Here was a busy man, the minister for children and youth, fitting in an hour or so en route from Chichester to Lancing.

"He was attentive, fun, astute and with a great memory for detail. I couldn’t help but be grateful for someone so committed to working for the public good."

Ferguson claims media reports "do us a disservice when they highlight the mistakes of our politicians".

However, he adds that the onus on Christians across the UK is to "pray regularly" for MPs, local councillors and civil servants, whose "commitment and thoroughness affects how our local authority, our county and our country is run".

TKC to hold three Christmas services

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:20:38 +0000

The King's Church Mid-Sussex (TKC) has announced it will hold three Christmas services on December 18 this year.

At 9.30am and 11.30am, visitors and church members can enjoy music from the TKC Gospel Choir and the TKC Kids Choir.

Children will be invited to take part in the TKC Kids Alive programme while gifted speaker Adrian Holloway delivers a seasonal message. The service will be followed by coffee and mince pies.

For those who can’t make the morning celebrations (and for those who can), an evening service will be held at 7.00pm. The TKC Gospel Choir will play once again and TDK’s lead elder, Jim Partridge, will speak. Mulled Wine will be available after the service.

All three services will be held at Clair Hall in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

German Christians fight for minimum wage

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:32:13 +0000

Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has approved a plan to implement a German minimum wage, a concept that has been contested for several decades.

"There are people in Germany working two or three jobs and still don't have enough money in their wallets. That is unacceptable," the Chancellor said at a CDU convention in Leipzig. The response to her announcement was overwhelmingly positive.

"No one would have imagined even a year ago that the CDU would agree to a minimum wage," a delegate at the meeting told The Wall Street Journal. "We have finally realised that it is part of the Christian perspective to recognise the worth of a worker is more than EUR3 an hour."

Although specific figures weren’t mentioned, it was suggested that current temporary labour wages could potentially be used as a guideline. Temporary work in Germany currently pays EUR6.89 an hour in eastern Germany and EUR7.79 an hour in western Germany.

Egyptian Christians injured during commemorative march

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:22:42 +0000

According to reports, 29 people were injured in Cairo on November 17 during a march designed to honour the 25 people killed on October 9 when Christian protesters clashed with army troops.

The Coptic Christians were marching towards the city's iconic Tahrir Square on Thursday when violence broke out. Stones, glass and Molotov cocktails are believed to have been thrown as missiles.

Riot police were called to the scene and those in the procession quickly dispersed. The majority of injuries were minor, with 24 people reportedly discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for cuts, bruises and fainting spells.

Christians account for around 10% of Egypt’s 80 million-strong population.

Liverpool church refutes homophobia claims

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:32:12 +0000

Liverpool’s Frontline Church has issued a statement responding to claims that it is homophobic.

A row erupted when housing association Plus Dane severed ties with the church because of its perceived views on same-sex relationships.

Plus Dane particularly took issue with Frontline’s L.I.F.E sessions, which aim to help "Christian men and women out of homosexuality" and its now-defunct Homosexuality Fact Sheet, which has also angered gay-rights groups.

Church leaders admitted the statements in the fact sheet were "simplistic", but made it clear that everyone is welcome at their Wavertree-based centre.

The statement says: "We are unequivocally not homophobic. Firstly, none of our services (church and projects) discriminate against anyone on any basis and we are unconditional in offering support to all service users.

"We respect everyone’s right to hold their own views and don’t ask service users to adhere to our Christian values or even ask project users what their views are. All are welcome to our Sunday services whoever they are.

"We agree that the fact sheet is somewhat simplistic and could lead to prejudicial stereotyping if taken wrongly, and that is the last thing we want. That is why the Fact Sheet has not been on our website for some time and we took it down because we did not feel it was a constructive reflection of such a complex issue.

"The Fact Sheet was written under the auspices of a staff member some years ago and he has subsequently left.

"Liverpool L.I.F.E. Ministry is an internal pastoral support group for Frontline Church members who have requested extra support around their own sexuality.

"Our views on homosexuality as a church leadership are in line with [the views of the] Evangelical Alliance, of which Frontline is part and which represents more than two million Christians in the UK.

"We adhere to standard orthodox Christian teaching within the church and our heart on this matter, as with all others, is to let our members decide what their own views are.

"Our projects, like Foodbank, Streetwise and CAP offer unconditional help to anyone in need of their services and volunteers do not ever force their own views and don’t discriminate against anyone seeking to access our services on any basis.

"Our projects are predominantly funded by church-giving trusts, grants and smaller funding bodies.

"Again, Christian views are not forced on anyone in these projects which simply seek to demonstrate care and understanding to every service user.

"Every bit of funding we have been given in the past by public agencies and otherwise has been used solely for the purposes for which it was given."

Abuse has devastating effect on attitudes toward the Church

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:19:58 +0000

According to a survey from Olive Tree Media, abuse is the chief obstacle to Christianity in Australia.

More than three-quarters of respondents said church abuse was a “massive” or “significant” negative influence on their attitudes towards Christianity and the Church.

The data showed that the top ten most off-putting aspects of Christianity for non-Christians were: abuse, hypocrisy, judgmental behaviour, ‘religious’ wars, suffering, financial issues, the perception that it is old-fashioned and irrelevant, the concept of hell and condemnation, the rejection of homosexuality and the need for exclusivity.

The survey revealed that 51% of respondents were “not open at all” to changing their religious world view, and that parents and families were by far the biggest influence on perceptions and opinions of Christians and Christianity (67%), followed by mass and social media (25%) and networks and relationships (24%).

Around 42% of those surveyed said Jesus was an ordinary man who had no divine powers and 17% said he did not exist at all. While 80% of respondents believe that Jesus died on a cross, only 52% believe he rose from the dead.

Commenting on the findings, Sydney’s Anglican Archbishop, Peter Jensen, said: “Christianity, as you know, is a communication religion. We believe in the Word and the spreading of the Word…

“The whole business of translating the text into the language of the people is part of the genius of the Christian gospel.

“The first thing I noticed as a communicator is how ill-informed the audience is. My expectation of what people know is far higher than what, in fact, the research has indicated.”

'Remember the poor' run highlights needs of those in debt

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:52:57 +0000

The founder of a charity helping people with spiralling debt problems across the UK is running 15 marathons in 15 consecutive days.

John Kirkby, 50, of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) set off on November 8 to run five marathons in the UK followed by five in Australia and five in New Zealand.

As he runs, he will take with him the Bible-inspired message of “remember the poor” which he believes has never been more relevant as the UK copes with the economic downturn.

“I'm doing this run to remind us all that no matter how bad things get for the majority of us, they are so much harder for people living with real poverty,” said John, who founded CAP 15 years ago after financial problems of his own.

“When you haven't got a lot to start with, it takes very little to throw your finances into crisis and it is up to all of us to make sure that even when times are hard, we don't give up helping those who struggle to achieve the most basic standard of living.”

The UK marathons take place in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Nottingham, London and then in Bradford, where CAP's headquarters are based.

Multi-award winning charity Christians Against Poverty offers a uniquely in-depth and free debt counselling service delivered in the client's home thanks to partnerships with local churches.

In the past 15 years, CAP has grown from one man with a £10 donation working from his bedroom office to a UK network of 190 debt help centres currently carrying £71 million of clients' secondary debts.

With more than a third of clients saying they felt suicidal over their debts, it can truly be said that CAP's service is a life-saving one.