News

The morning after an abortion referendum
I am writing this reflection early on Saturday morning after a referendum campaign that has highlighted great divisions in Irish society.

Violence against Nigeria's Christians hits record high
In the central state of Benue alone, 492 people have been killed this year.

South Korea says North is committed to 'complete' denuclearisation, summit with Trump
In Washington, Trump signalled that preparations for a June 12 summit with Kim were going ahead, despite having called off the meeting last week.

Jailed British-Iranian aid worker to face new trial on fresh charges
A detained British-Iranian aid worker sentenced to five years in jail in Iran is to face a second trial on new security charges.

Ireland ends abortion ban as 'quiet revolution' transforms country
Ireland has voted by a landslide to liberalise its highly restrictive abortion laws

US missionary Josh Holt released by Venezuelan government
The Venezuelan government on Saturday released an American, Josh Holt, whom it has held since 2016 on weapons charges.

Prosecutors drop charges against suspect in murder of pastor's wife Amanda Blackburn following plea deal
Prosecutors have dropped the charges against a suspect in the murder of Amanda Blackburn, wife of Indiana pastor Davey Blackburn, after the accused agreed to a plea deal.

Pray the archbishop of Canterbury's prayer for the poor this Sunday, says Tearfund
This Sunday is the closest to the date of Tearfund's founding on May 29, 1968.
Prospects of US-North Korea summit brighten after Trump's tweet
An advance team of 30 White House and State Department officials was preparing to leave for Singapore later this weekend.

Ireland set to liberalise abortion laws in landslide 'Yes' vote
The people of Ireland are set to liberalise some of the world's most restrictive abortion laws by a landslide.

Pakistani court hands down 14-year jail sentence for rape of Christian 7-year-old
A Pakistani court has sentenced a man to 14 years in jail for the rape of a seven-year-old Christian girl. Activists have celebrated the ruling as a rare justice for Christians in majority-Muslim Pakistan.

A legacy of souls: Why we should be grateful, not sad as Soul Survivor closes
It's the news that no one in UK youth ministry ever wanted to hear, and the announcement we all knew one day would come.

End of the line for Soul Survivor summer festivals
The British Christian youth organisation Soul Survivor has announced that it is closing its long-running summer festivals next year.

'Voice of God' Morgan Freeman under fire in harassment allegations
Several women have alleged inappropriate behaviour and harassment by Hollywood icon Morgan Freeman.
Authentic community: Reflecting on the European Mennonite Regional Conference
I cannot remember attending a theological conference that was pervaded by such a deep and meaningful sense of community.
Pope warns bishops against letting gay people train for priesthood
Pope Francis has warned Italian bishops to be wary of priesthood applicants suspected of having homosexual tendencies, according to a new report.