It was discovered after a car crash involving 56-year-old Father Oscar Diaz, who broke his hip in the traffic accident, when paramedics found over $18,000 cash in the Roman Catholic priest’s car.

A hospital employee called the police, according to the Bishop of Santa Rosa, Rt Rev Robert Vasa.

Bags full of cash from months’ worth of church collections were found in his parish office and $10,000 in notes in a desk drawer.

Where he lived, at the rectory, bags were also found containing collections going back to last September.

Bishop Robert Vasa said: “All of this is certainly horribly distressing and so I hope you can understand the anger, outrage, sadness, grief and confusion which this has created. My determination to have the police involved and to proceed with a criminal investigation, arrest and charges was secure.”

Bishop Vasa said it was important for him to handle this situation “in the light of the Gospel, in prayer and in meditation.”

He said: “Our journey must be a journey from anger to peace. Our journey must be a journey from shock to understanding. Our journey must be a journey from grief to acceptance. Our journey must be a journey from confusion to compassion. Our journey must be a journey of concern for the spiritual well being of Oscar despite the fact that actions must be taken which are extremely difficult.”

Mr Diaz, who celebrated his 25th…

Thanks to the regular support of Cathedral workers, support workers, volunteers and coaches, some of the most vulnerable people in the city have been provided with a safe and inclusive environment. 

The sessions are held at Gloucester Cathedral and are a partnership initiative with both the Cathedral and Gloucester City Mission.

Helen Jeffrey, community engagement manager at the Cathedral said: “Walking rugby has been incredibly rewarding for those involved, many have developed new friendships and all have improved their fitness and team work skills. 

“As part of a collaborative team, volunteers and staff have a greater understanding of how to provide positive opportunities for the community and really enjoy taking part as much as our participants! 

“It’s a great way to build positive relationships and provide a warm welcome to all.” 

Mathew Liddiard, community inclusion officer for Gloucester Rugby Community Charity said the sessions give everyone the opportunity to participate in sport. 

“The hour of physical exercise helps participants take their mind off issues or stresses and enjoy themselves with others,” he explained.  

“Working collaboratively with Gloucester City Mission and Gloucester Cathedral has been the key to the success of this project and we are delighted to be having a positive impact on people’s lives”.   

The…

The Methodist church, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Salvation Army, Church of Scotland, Scottish Episcopal Church, Quakers in Britain and United Reformed Church all call on the Conservative leader to consider the well-being of the poorest in society and not to ignore evidence that they argue shows the poorest will suffer most from leaving the European Union without a deal.

Currently, the law states that Brexit will happen on 31st October unless the law is changed. Mr Johnson has promised this will happen “do or die”.

He has called Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement “dead” and accepted that no-deal might be the only way to leave in 3 months’ time.

The church leaders from across the UK say they have a particular concern about the number of people already homeless, in debt and using food banks.

Their letter reads: “we are compelled to write expressing our urgent concern about your position that leaving the European Union without a deal is acceptable. Advice and data from multiple reputable sources, including the UK Government, indicate that failing to agree a deal will hit those held back by poverty very hard indeed.

“The UK imports 10,000 shipping containers of food from the EU each day. These containers are part of long and complex integrated supply chains. Even minor disruptions to this chain have in the past rapidly had serious consequences. A no-deal Brexit…

The founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, told The Christian Post that he believed the Church was under “attack”. 

“The Church is coming under attack; it’s forgotten what the Church is supposed to be,” Jeremiah said.

“We’re not an entertainment service; we’re not here to see how close we can get to what the world does. 

“But there’s so much of the world in the Church and vice versa that we can’t tell a difference. We have to hold to the truth. We have to get nourished. 

“If it’s not happening, you’re a social organisation and not a church.” 

Pastor Jeremiah also advised churches to be less concerned with membership numbers and more prioritised with sharing the Gospel. 

“There’s nothing wrong with getting people there, as long as you share the Gospel,” he explained. 

“But there’s no glory in just a number. Don’t worship at the attendance altar. 

“A lot of good things happen in churches when there aren’t huge numbers but the pastor has prepared a good message and there’s worship.” 

He said focusing on numbers would inevitably stop preachers from sharing anything controversial and make them try to “figure out how to get more people to come”.

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