(ANALYSIS) Funerals — often thought of as solemn events filled with grief and mourning — are starting to take on a different tone. In Britain, anyway. In fact, more people view funerals as opportunities to celebrate life, rather than occasions for somber reflection. It’s a shift that’s redefining how the Brits, renowned for their stiff upper lips, are saying goodbye to loved ones.
Read MoreIt is said that all dogs go to heaven. At least, these two certainly will. In fact, Eric and Florence are no ordinary assistant attendants undertaking duties at England’s Tewkesbury Abbey located northwest of London. These special helpers are two Labrador dogs belonging to the head attendant, Chris Skepper, who come to work on a regular basis within the abbey.
Read MoreAn Army veteran and father of three was found guilty of praying silently in a large abortion buffer zone in England and fined the equivalent of $11,700, Alliance Defending Freedom UK (ADF UK) reported. Adam Smith-Conner could face jail time under the conditional discharge the court granted, his attorneys said, if he commits the same crime within the next two years.
Read More(ANALYSIS) With politicians from both Labour and Conservative parties visiting Hindu temples and endorsing Hindu manifesto prepared by divisive Hindutva forces, the question is, has the Hindutva identity now intensified in the U.K.? And the bigger question is, will these elected members of Parliament who endorsed the document now allow sectarianism to flourish?
Read MoreThe ongoing war between Israel and Hamas is having reverberations across the globe. This was the case during last week’s elections in the United Kingdom. While the headlines heralded the Labour‘s landslide victory, some of the party’s losses resulted in gains for independent candidates who made Gaza a major campaign issue.
Read More(ANALYSIS) No doubt there are those who falsely claim conversion from Islam to claim asylum, and some churches may be too credulous. But such conversions are occurring and such genuine converts face violence, imprisonment and even death if returned back to many countries.
Read MoreA February survey shows that non-Christians in the U.K. have developed a more positive view of the church since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Read MoreCivil society groups, many faith-based, have stepped in to provide a vital bridge between new arrivals and local communities. Some are skeptical of these faith-based organizations, but their work in communities, understanding of religion and multi-faith partnerships make them ideal to help migrants build support systems.
Read More(OPINION) Famous English Rabbi, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, died of cancer on Nov. 7. Rabbi Lord Sacks is most prominently known for his modernization of the Orthodox Jewish faith—making it more attractive to young people.
Read More(OPINION) Nigerians in diaspora in the UK and America are calling for direct military involvement in peacekeeping in Northern Nigeria, as Christians increasingly bear the brunt of massacres in the region.
Read More(OPINION) Acts of violence based on religion or belief are on the increase globally. This includes atrocities that amount to genocide and crimes against humanity. While such acts of violence affect all religious groups (especially minority religious groups), over the recent months, report after report has been raising the issues that relate to the persecution of Christians globally.
Read MoreA 2013 mural of a breakdancing Jesus in street artist Banksy’s Bristol neighborhood in England was recently defaced with blue paint.
Read MoreA recent poll found that only 80% of Americans believe that 6 million Jews died in the Holocaust.
Read MoreWhat would Jesus eat? Some of the world’s oldest Lenten bites, from Israel to India, are still sizzling. Others are cultural adaptions to fit the Lenten fast with local ingredients.
Read More(ANALYSIS) A report identifies serious failings in the Equalities and Human Rights Commission revealed in its ten-year review. The stunning admission comes on top of a catalog of failures that reveal that most stakeholders do not know what the quango exists for, or what its priorities are.
Read More(COMMENTARY) The International Football Association Board's "Laws of the Game" – used at the FIFA World Cup – state: "Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images." This rule "applies to all equipment (including clothing) worn by players," according to IFAB guidelines. BUT Does this apply to religious symbols woven into the flags and traditions of many nations?
Read MoreIn the wake of the UK-based Oxfam scandal in which aid workers in the Haiti earthquake aftermath exchanged aid for sex and used local prostitutes, disparate Christian voices around the world are calling for reform to the Western aid system.
Read MorePERSPECTIVE - The Daily Mail, The Times, and other outlets report that claims that cutting government spending on sexual education would lead to a rise in teen pregnancy have now been shown to be untrue. Yet none bothers with issues of deeper ethical or religious motivations in the controversy.
Read More
