The feature on the app aims to help people struggling with addictions.

Rachel Gregory, Social Policy and Relationship Manager at Christians Against Poverty told Premier: “I think this is a really exciting step that we’re seeing from Barclays.

“I think this will make a really huge difference for people whose spending is driven by addiction.”

The new feature could help those dealing with gambling problems, for example, to cut off their spending in betting shops and on gambling websites.

People can also curb their own spending in pubs, supermarkets, takeaway shops and bars.

Barclays said it has developed the tool to turn off certain types of spending with vulnerable customers in mind.

A button within the Barclays mobile banking app enables customers to choose which types of retailers they are able to spend with.

Attempted payments that fall within the “turned off” category will be automatically declined.

Gregory said non-addicts could also benefit from the new tool.

“This isn’t that same as some of the budgeting tools that are coming out of new technology innovation in the financial sector which are all about helping you set limits and be aware of what spending you’re doing,” she explained.

The new feature is now available to all Barclays debit card customers and will be rolled out to credit card holders in the near…

The three-time Grammy Award winning artist said he made the decision in order to set a good example to his newborn nephew.

In an Instagram post liked by more than 1.3 million people, the “I’m the One” hit maker said: “I’m on a plane headed out the country on my first sabbatical. I’m going away to learn the Word of God which I am admittedly very unfamiliar with.

“I’ve been brought up by my family to know Christ but I haven’t taken it upon myself to really just take a couple days and read my bible. We all quote scripture and tell each other what God likes and doesn’t like but how much time do we spend as followers of Jesus to really just read and KNOW his Word?”

The 25 year-old Chicago-born rapper has been very open about his faith in interviews and even on stage during performances.

However he rejects the idea that he makes gospel music.

ChancePerform from West Ham Stats on Vimeo.

He told CBS This Morning: “I would never say I’m making gospel music, but I love God. I love Jesus and I’m super cool with saying that.

“I don’t make Christian rap, but I am a Christian rapper.”

Chance the Rapper – whose real name is Chancellor Jonathan Bennett, also shared in his Instagram post that he plans to give up smoking during his time away.

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Ceremonies should allow transgender people to renew the commitment they made during their baptism service – prior to their gender transition – the guidance released on Tuesday said.

Dr Rev Tina Beardsley, a transgender vicar who was consulted on the document, expressed hope churches would implement the guidance.

Dr Tina told Premier: “I hope that most churches will respond positively.

“Many families are affected nowadays; a family member, a friend or a work colleague has undergone a transition.”

But the formal incorporation of a gender transition service into the Church of England’s official catalogue of services drew dismay from conservative Anglicans.

Susie Leafe from the evangelical group GAFCON told Premier nine bishops on the House of Bishops’ Delegation Committee – which oversaw work to produce the document – had bypassed the Church of England’s governing body.

She explained: “The issue that we’ve got here is the repurposing of baptism liturgy; that is a major decision that the House of Bishops have made without the consultation of Synod and that doesn’t bode well for the future.”

Andrea Williams, a lay member of the Church of England’s General Synod accused the Church of continuing a “devastating trajectory towards an outright denial of God and his word”.

She continued: “There is no need for Christians to…

The former Destiny’s Child singer revealed the news in an Instagram story post which is no longer available.

The 38-year-old singer wrote on the day she released her new single Fearless: “I still remain fearless. I guess I still remain single! Things didn’t work out. The healing that needs to take place is a must!”

“I don’t wanna destroy another relationship. Blessings to him, his family and ministry. #FEARLESS.”

The former couple first met when Williams, 37, attended an Elevate International retreat which 40-year-old Johnson was hosting in Arizona.

They later starred in a reality show called Chad Loves Michelle sharing their pre-marriage journey with viewers.

Williams told reporters while promoting the Oprah Winfrey Network show that counselling had helped them connect better as a couple.

She explained: “I had to learn how to communicate all over again. I’ve been on my own over 20 years – you don’t have to tell me what to do.

“This is my house; you know? And, it’s like – now all those things are going to change. How do you communicate that? How do you communicate your fears and concerns in those areas?”

 

In an interview with People magazine, Williams admitted that she fell into a deep depression as she began planning her summer wedding.

She said she secretly broke off the engagement just weeks after Johnson had proposed…