The Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, one of the biggest tourist attractions of the area, closed last month for three days as several church denominations decided they wanted to make a stand against a land law and tax coming in that would affect church property. 

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, was in support of the closure and has thanked King Abdullah of Jordan for the support he provided to the Christian community at this time. 

He wrote in a letter: “Your steadfastness, both personally and through Your Majesty’s government, is highly appreciated and we pledge our continued commitment to peace, reconciliation, and co-existence in our beloved Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.”

The closure was intended to put pressure on Israeli authorities and was supported by Palestinian and Jordanian governments.

The letter goes on: “On our behalf, on behalf of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem and on behalf of the Council of Churches in Jordan, as well as Our clergy, our faithful and the many thousands of pilgrims who visit this region every year, We wish to express to You our gratitude for the help and support that You have given to us in the recent crisis that faced the Christian community of our region,”

The church is now open again after the longest closure since 1990.

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Bishop John wrote: “Today I am writing my letter of resignation as Bishop of Dromore to Pope Francis.  I do so with a heavy heart.  I wrestled with this decision over recent weeks; it was not an easy decision to take.  Following recent media coverage which has disturbed and upset many people, I decided on Thursday to resign.

I would ask you first and foremost to continue to hold in your prayers those who have been abused and all who are suffering at this time.”

He announced his temporary replacement: “Until new arrangements for the leadership of the Diocese are in place, Canon Liam Stevenson, the Vicar General will take responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the Diocese.  As regards the celebration of Confirmation, the priests of each parish have been delegated to minister this Sacrament.”

Bishop John wrote of his fondness for his region: “To serve as Bishop of Dromore, my home Diocese, has been the greatest privilege of my life, though not without its challenges.”

“Finally, I want to say thank you for your kindness and co-operation over my time as Bishop. Please keep me in your prayers, as I will keep you in mine.”

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Though temperatures are rising in most places, many roads are still dangerous to drive on, with ice covering much of the UK. 

And the windy, slippery roads of the West Country are not the most appealing prospect for many some church-goers today. 

Jason Ham works for Rediscover Church as their church online pastor. Rediscover stream their services live every Sunday anyway but are expecting it to be a much needed service this weekend. 

On a typical Sunday 80 people tune in and can participate with an online chat room by the side of the screen. 

Jason Ham told Premier: “People are struggling to get around and there are people in Exeter who cannot get out of their homes and yet they are yearning for community, yearning to go to church and yearning to hear God’s word.”

“The good thing about the live stream is that we can broadcast the service to those people and that where ever they are, however far they are from Exeter…they can still watch, they can still engage.”

He added: “Devon is filled with lots of different villages and lots of rural parts…when there’s the flooding or when there’s snow people simply can’t get out.”

Speaking of the advantages of live streaming, particularly after this week of weather, Jason said: “People can sit at home, they can have hot chocolate, they can have a lovely breakfast and still join in church”

He concluded: “Technology is out…