Undergraduate Jonny Woods at the University of St Andrews was given the task by senior lecturer in Systematic Theology, Dr Stephen Holmes, of trying to crack a series of sermon notes using one document which existed in both shorthand and longhand.

The theoligian Andrew Fuller lived in the late 18th and early 19th century and became a leader of the British Baptist denomination.

Despite minimal schooling, Fuller published the hugely influential text, The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation, which changed the history of the Baptists.

The work brought the baptists into the evangelival revival and Fuller also founded the Baptist Mission Society alongside William Carey, with Fuller staying in the UK encouraging people to financially and prayerfully support mission abroad.

Dr Stephen Holmes from St Andrews told Premier Christian Radio about the time he first thought the theological musings could be read: “These pages of shorthand sermon notes were in an archive at Bristol Baptist College – they kindly allowed me to come and look at them…everybody had said ‘you can’t read them, nobody knows how to read the shorthand, it’s impenetrable’ but I thought I ought to go and look”.

Dr Holmes took a day to sit with the books and initially agreed that they were too difficult but noticed that the titles were written normally. He then found a ‘Confession of Faith’ from 1782, of which…

It’s a joint initiative of Westminster Theological College (WTC) and the student mission organisation, Fusion, which is aimed at equipping student workers with practical skills and theological grounding for their work.

The diploma will be accredited by the University of Chester and will begin in September 2019.

According to the organisers, the course will help people meet others from student ministry and discuss how they can inspire students about mission and discipleship after university.

The course also aims to reflect the ‘unique challenges and opportunities’ of student ministry with its teaching and establish a community of student workers who want to commit to the role long-term.

The two year part-time course offers modules in Biblical studies, Church history, spirituality, and Christian beliefs.

There are then modules in student mission, church and student culture.

The course is said to be suitable for anyone who wants to go deeper in their faith but is particularly geared towards those who have previously studied at University level and not specialised in theology.

Lucy Peppiatt, Principal at WTC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to launch this new initiative with Fusion and to be part of training and equipping the next generation of student ministers.

“I personally have a great conviction that the church should be investing in students and young…

Reports indicate that bills have been introduced in at least six states to permit the classes in state schools.

Donald Trump tweeted on Monday: “Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible.

“Starting to make a turn back? Great!”

His morning tweet followed North Dakota state Rep Aaron McWilliams – who is co-sponsoring a Bible literacy measure, being interviewed on a “Fox & Friends” segment.

Defending his bill, he insisted that the Bible course would be entirely optional for schools to offer and for students to take.

“The concept of forgiveness, the concept of recompense, these are things that all come from the Bible,” McWilliams said.

“If we don’t have a good foundational understanding of this, we’re not going to understand how the founding fathers of our country and other countries put it together to have the world that we have today.”

Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2019

Fox News reported that the states where these bills are under consideration include Missouri, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia and Florida.

Bible literacy bills were considered in at least three other states last year – Alabama, Iowa and West Virginia – but none passed, according to the…

The former Labour whip was found guilty in December of perverting the course of justice by lying about a speeding. 

Mr Justice Stuart-Smith jailed the MP for three months and sentenced her brother, Festus – who was also involved – to 10 months in prison. 

The judge said: “It’s a tragedy that you have found yourselves here and in this predicament but it’s a tragedy that you have brought on yourselves.”

The 35-year-old solicitor was driving behind the wheel of a Nissan Micra on Monday 24th July 2017 – doing 41mph in a 30mph in Thorney in Cambridgeshire. 

The Old Bailey heard evidence the MP was texting as well as speeding during the summer recess.

If she got 12 months or more she would have lost her parliamentary seat but she will now face a recall petition. 

Once a Petition Officer has opened a recall petition, it will be open for signing for 6 weeks.

If at least 10% of the electorate in the constituency signs the petition, the MP will lose their seat and a by-election will be triggered.

The recalled MP can stand as a candidate at the by-election. 

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But the pontiff also said he remained open to investigating the possibility of ordaining older, well-respected married men in remote locations where clergy are in short supply.

Speaking to Reuters and AFP reporters, he said: “Personally, I think that celibacy is a gift to the Church. I am not in agreement (with those who say) optional celibacy should be permitted.”

The Catholic leader spoke on-board the papal plane as he returned to the Vatican from Panama, where he had been attending a gathering of young Catholics – World Youth Day.

Campaigners including members of the Movement for Married Clergy have argued that rules on celibacy have been deterring men from joining the priesthood.

Clergy in the Eastern Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches are allowed to marry.

In 2017, Premier reported how Pope Francis requested a debate over whether married men should be allowed to serve as priests in Brazil’s Amazon region.

There is no formal doctrinal barrier to married men becoming priests, meaning, theoretically, the rules could be changed.

An inquiry into child sexual abuse in Australia recommended in 2017 that the Catholic Church consider introducing voluntary celibacy for clergy.

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