The Church of Scotland and the Church of England have reached an historic agreement that recognises their longstanding ecumenical partnership and lays the groundwork for future joint projects. The agreement called The Columba Declaration is set out in a 15-page report by the Joint Study Group “Growth in Communion, Partnership in Mission”. Rev Dr John […]
This has been a terrible year for some. Syrian refugees are fleeing conflict and death, only to find more conflict and misunderstanding once they arrive on safe shores. Churches in Peterborough Diocese have rolled up their sleeves to help those refugees. The response is large and varied, and from the heart. The people of St […]
The Mears Ashby group of churches had their annual carol service at Beckworths Emporium. For the past six years they have sung their carols in partnership with David Brown, the owner of the Emporium, and with the Kettering Salvation Army YP Band. This year Archdeacon Richard Ormston was there along with the Bishop of Brixworth, […]
“In many ways 2015 hasn’t been the best of years. Terrorist violence in Europe and America as well is continuing on a huge scale in the Middle East and North Africa. Vicious persecution of religious minorities: people beheaded or crucified, raped or tortured, for no other reason than that they are Christians, or the wrong […]
We are blessed at Peterborough Diocese to have two lovely Bishops, and for this year, we have two Bishops’ Christmas messages. Bishop Donald’s message is here. Peterborough’s Suffragan Bishop, the Right Reverend John Holbrook, is the Acting Bishop of Leicester as well. His Christmas message for them is also for us as well.
Rosalind Willatts went to Dresden as part of the 50th anniversary of the Coventry Dresden reconciliation project for the Community of the Cross of Nails (Nagelkreuz). Rosalind was moved: “It was powerful and wonderful.” She took with her an embroidery that she made for the Evangelical Luther Diokonessen community. The symbolism in the embroidery depicted both […]
Leaders from Peterborough’s communities have expressed their condolences following Friday’s events in Paris. Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor John Peach, said: “A terrible atrocity took place in Paris on Friday which resulted in 129 people losing their lives and dozens left seriously injured. Our thoughts and prayers go to the French people and those of other nationalities, […]
Church of England parishes have been reminded of the vital role they can play in helping support the Armed Forces, veterans and their families at a training day aimed at promoting the Armed Forces Covenant. More than 80 people including representatives from 34 dioceses, chaplains, serving personnel, Ministry of Defence officials and speakers from the […]
Child development charity Compassion UK partnered with event organisers Big Church Night In for an evening of music and worship at Cambridge Corn Exchange Wednesday 18th November. Leading the evening are Matt Redman and Kari Jobe; singer-songwriters who have both contributed numerous hymns and songs to the contemporary global church. Double Grammy award winning Matt […]
With the rest of Christ’s body, we grieve with the families of those who were victims of the terror attack in Paris. Bishop Donald said, “I, along with all people of good will, was horrified at the attacks in Paris on Friday. Terrorists seek to create terror, to divide communities, to sow hatred. They must […]
Leading children’s charity Spurgeons today warns that building nine new prisons (announcement 9 November 2015) will make life harder for many of the estimated 200,000 children and young people in the UK who have a parent in prison. The charity runs Visitors’ Centres for the 8 HMPS London prisons, receiving more than 230,000 visitors each […]
There has been a different sort of harvest festival in Christ the Carpenter in Peterborough. It was a ‘Harvest of Hair’. After the harvest service, Revd Nigel Fry had his luxurious lock shorn and donated to the ‘Little Princess Trust’. They are a charity providing real hair for boys and girls across the UK and Ireland […]
‘Sausage Tasting’ is just one of the many events that the St David’s Cafe has for the community. The cafe, based in St David’s Church, Kingsthorpe opened on Saturday 13 June. Revd Rachel Hethington of St David’s said, “The cafe is completely run by volunteers from church and community. Our ‘Big Breakfast’ is proving to […]
Church of England Schools from Merseyside and Lancashire will take part in a prestigious awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on the 20th November 2015 having been nominated for awards from science and the arts to careers aspiration, commitment to sport, leadership in teaching and SEND provision. The Rt Revd Richard Blackburn, Bishop of Warrington, who chairs […]
The Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholomew has called for urgent action for climate justice ahead of the UN summit on climate change in Paris in December. In a lecture held at Lambeth Palace as part of a two day visit, the ‘green patriarch’ spoke of the ethical and honourable obligation ahead of COP21: “It is […]
The Church of England has launched a brand new re-design of their hugely popular website www.yourchurchwedding.org, with essential information for couples planning their wedding within the Church of England. The current website, which received over 990,000 visits in 2014, enables couples to explore the possibility of a church wedding, and to make choices about their […]
“Throughout history people of faith have been persecuted – often to their death. Jesus warns us of this, “if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” On All Saints’ Day Bishop Donald spoke at Evensong on All Saints’ Day about Christians persecuted today. Listen to the talk here.
Samaritan’s Purse is calling on people across the UK to be ‘One in a Million’ and pack a gift-filled shoebox this Christmas. Samaritan’s Purse UK Executive Director Simon Barrington explains that every person who lovingly packs a shoebox or who volunteers for Operation Christmas Child is ‘one in a million’ to us. “This year we […]
The Church of England will be at The Baby Show at Olympia today for the first time as clergy meet parents to talk about christenings with a special stand complete with font and team of vicars including Rev Kate Bottley. There will also be a prayer activity workshop with bubbles. The team will answer questions […]
The Church of England today has launched a a new short film showing how gifts in wills can help to transform the lives of churches and communities. ‘A Lasting Difference’, features three inspiring case studies from parish churches where gifts have enabled opportunities for mission from new church halls, to hiring a youth worker and improving disabled […]