David Byle, who is a joint US and Canadian citizen, was stopped at Ankara train station and taken to anti-terror police for interrogation.

He was detained overnight but released with an order to leave the country within 15 days.

The evangelist has served in Turkey for 18 years and has been threatened with deportation on a number of occasions due to his mission work.

He’s previously been arrested several times while conducting street evangelism.

While evangelism is legal in Turkey, police accused him of disturbing the peace and insulting Islam.

Following the detention of Andrew Brunson, Byle has been advised to legally contest the deportation order but also to leave within the fifteen days.

Thanking Christians for their prayers, he said: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, not only from believers here in Turkey, but from literally all around the world.

“It means a lot to us and encourages us greatly to know we’re not alone, that we’re a part of such a great family, God’s family.”

Encouraging Christians to keep praying, religious freedom group Middle East Concern said: “Pray that David and his family will continue to be strengthened and encouraged during this ordeal and that David will have the wisdom and guidance to know how to proceed, including in discussions with his co-workers.

“Pray also that God will comfort the Christian community in…

Rt Revd Vivienne Faull was enthroned at a service in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday.

Members of congregations from across the city gathered and were joined by bishops from across the country, including Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu.

Bishop Viv travelled to the service by boat and was greeted by children from local schools who accompanied her to the Cathedral.

Others attending the service included the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, the Lord Mayor of Bristol and the High Sheriffs of Bristol and Wiltshire.

Addressing those gathered, Bishop Viv said: “This is a service filled with celebration and prayer which marks the beginning of my public ministry in this Diocese. I am grateful for the many ecumenical and diocesan representatives who are supporting me in the service and will be assisting in the worship.

“I do look forward with great anticipation to all that lies ahead for the Diocese of Bristol. I have been sustained by the welcome I have received and the assurance of the prayers of so many, and continue to hold the Diocese in my prayers.”

She’ll now officially begin her work across the diocese which covers churches across Bristol, Swindon, North Wiltshire and South Gloucester.

She’ll also take her seat in the House of Lords later this week.

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This year, the attention is turning to the country of Ethiopia and the community of Menja people.

The Catholic Church for England and Wales is asking their parishes to “help build a future of hope” through praying for the Menja people and giving to Missio, the Pope’s official charity for overseas mission which helps care and support them.

Speaking to Premier, Father Tony, the National Director for England and Wales for Missio explained what the day means for the Church.

“Every parish is encouraged to reflect upon, pray for and offer donations towards the mission of the Church,” he said.

Mission claims the Menja people face social exclusion and that in turn affects the ability to find work and earn an income.

Sr Karlo, who is a missionary for the charity called Little Sisters of Jesus explained: “Everyone looks upon the Menja people as poor, uneducated and socially untouchable.

“We Sisters live among them and proclaim the Gospel by our living. We invite them into our house and welcome them as friends.”

Last year, they raised over £550,000 for the work of Missio.

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Despite Sunday worship taking place at the Catholic Church in Boho in County Fermanagh for more than 1,500 years, a shortage of priests means the congregation now needs to join with the Immaculate Conception Church in nearby Monea.

The problem there is the church is too small for both combinations. The first joint service saw people standing outside.

Parishioners have warned that the move will lead to people drifting away from church.

Over 400 people have signed a petition asking for their weekend Masses to be reinstated.

Defending the changes to the BBC, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness from the Diocese of Clogher, said: “It’s understandable that some people will find this very difficult and there will in some cases be almost a great sense of loss to people that the kinds of celebrations that there were in their churches previously may no longer be possible.

“Given the fewer number of priests, the convenient Mass may not necessarily be in their own parish, it may be within a church elsewhere in the area.

“However, we have to look again at the opportunities that this presents to us to do things in a different way, but in a way that keeps our churches alive as places of praise and worship.”

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For the past decade the Shelton and Etruria Residents’ Association have put up the illuminations at St Mark’s Church, in Shelton but this year it’s been told to remove them from the church yard.

It’s reportedly down to a dispute over this year’s Christingle service.

Traditionally the lights have been turned on during the service but the residents’ association is boycotting the event due to an issue last year.

Speaking on behalf of the church, in a statement to Stoke-on-Trent Live, the Lichfield Diocese has stressed there will still be Christmas lights at the church this year.

“Shelton and Etruria Residents’ Association recently informed St Mark’s that it did not want to take part in this year’s Christingle service. Permission is needed for the installation of Christmas lights in a churchyard. Therefore, the district church council has asked the association to remove its lights so that alternative arrangements can be made.

“St Mark’s will still have Christmas lights which will be switched on during the carol service at the church. Everyone is welcome to this community event. Meanwhile, the door is also open for the residents’ association to discuss further involvement in church events should it wish.”

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