Nicholas Lowton, Ruth Hulse, Matthew Stafford and Matthew Cashmore are taking part in a new series for BBC2 which goes behind the scenes in the lives of rural vicars in the Herefordshire countryside.

It will follow the ordained group through the ups and downs of parish life as they plan weddings, support congregation members through times of crisis and play a part in their community life. 

But it will also address the problems many vicars face in the 21st century where rural churches, especially, are facing declining numbers at services and having to take on more than one parish. 

However, it will also show the crucial role that churches play in local life, particularly when they’re not located not in wealthy cities, when people struggle with homelessness and cuts to public services.

In a BBC statement, the broadcaster say the show explores: “how the vicar’s message of Christianity fits into an ever-changing 21st century” and will include “a heavy dose of humour, charity, and inspiring local leadership.”

Rev Matthew Stafford told the Shropshire Star: ““I really wanted to do the series for three reasons. Firstly, to raise the profile of Much Wenlock because it’s a beautiful part of the world, but under sells itself. Secondly, I want to people to see that vicars are also human beings who experience the same trials and tribulations as everyone else regardless of faith, even though having faith helps.”

Rev Nicholas Lowton works in the heart of the…

There was fear that violence would hit the Christian community on Christmas Day on Sunday 7th January after believers have faced a tough year, including nine people shot in late December at a church. 

There has been increased security around churches amidst attacks from ISIS specifically on the Christian community. 

Speaking to Premier, Archbishop Angaelos said he is: “certainly concerned, there’s a much greater police and security presence in the streets and around the churches…people shouldn’t feel vulnerable when they’re going to church. What we do know is that the churches will be full, there is an incredible resilience and strength in the Coptic community.”

He said they are praying that “a time celebration doesn’t turn into a time of mourning, as we’ve seen not only in Egypt but in so many places and most recently in places like Pakistan during the Christmas celebrations”

Describing what it’s been like to be a Christian in the past year in Egypt, Archbishop Angealos said: “It’s in a very painful time, it’s the first time in our contemporary history we’ve seen bombings of churches – we’ve had three churches bombed in this last year, we’ve had churches attacked, people killed by gunfire attacks on worshipers as they were leaving, Christians attacked just for being christian, in their homes, in their shops and on the street.

“It has been a very focused time for persecution – just this year alone we’ve mourned over 130 people , just for being…

Research on behalf of the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) into spiritual abuse reveals that most people need a better understanding of the term. 

Dr Lisa Oakley from the University of Birmingham says in her report that key characteristics of the term are: “coercion and control, manipulation and pressuring of individuals, control through the misuse of religious texts and scripture and providing a ‘divine’ rationale for behaviour.”

The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service are recommending more training 

shows a lack of an agreed, clear definition of the term itself. Awareness of what is often referred to as spiritual abuse is increasing in the UK however findings from a new study into this issue highlight big gaps in understanding around the topic.

Findings indicate the need to develop a fuller understanding of this very real experience, to assist in developing effective responses and help develop safer and healthier cultures across the Christian community.

The summary report issued today by CCPAS into ‘Understanding Spiritual Abuse in Christian Communities’ has been conducted in response to the growing need for credible research into this form of abuse. 

Initial results show there is recognition that coercive controlling behaviours do occur in churches and other religious settings, but more needs to be done to understand and address the issues.

Of the 1,500 participants surveyed as part of the research, only 33%…

Francis said during a homily on Saturday to mark Epiphany that people “often make do” with having “health, a little money and a bit of entertainment”.

He urged helping the poor and other needy communities instead, while giving freely without expecting anything in return.

Most Christian religions observe Epiphany to recall the three wise men who followed a star to find baby Jesus. Francis suggested asking “what star we have chosen to follow in our lives”.

He said: “Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honours and pleasures when these become our lives.”

That path, he says, will not ensure peace and joy.

Later, during an appearance from his studio window overlooking St Peter’s Square, Francis told tens of thousands of faithful gathered below that some Christians prefer to live while indifferent to Jesus.

“Instead of conducting themselves in coherence with their own Christian faith, they follow the principles of the world, which lead to satisfying the inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches,” Francis said.

He prayed that instead that “the world makes progress down the path of justice and of peace”.

Francis noted that some Eastern Rite Catholic and Orthodox churches are celebrating Christmas this weekend. In expressing cordial wishes to these believers, Francis added: “May this glorious celebration be a source of new spiritual vigour and of communion among us Christians.”

He also…