A document called ‘God’s Unfailing Word’ has been published by the Church of England, outlining the theological and practical implications of Christian-Jewish relations. 

In the Afterword by UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, he said: “I must, though, convey a substantial misgiving I have with this document, despite the progress it undeniably represents and articulates. Namely, that it does not reject the efforts of those Christians, however many they may number, who, as part of their faithful mission, dedicate themselves to the purposeful and specific targeting of Jews for conversion to Christianity.”

Speaking to Premier, Dr Richard Harvey from Jews for Jesus explained his response to the apology and the Chief Rabbi’s comments. 

What was your initial response to this repentance from the Church of England? Well, I was very pleased because I was asking for more repentance to be demonstrated in the document – that the Church of England realises that Christian anti-Judaism has led to anti-semitism and needs to be repented of. The Archbishop of Canterbury was absolutely right when he said there seems to be something in the DNA of Christianity that from its early years its anti-Jewish emphasis led to the virus of anti-semitism being nurtured by it.How has that manifested itself?Well, of course, there’s been a tradition of Christian anti-Judaism for thousands of years, perhaps culminating in Martin Luther’s work ‘On the Jews and Their Lies’ – 65,000 words of…

The prize was given in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote Christian unity around the globe.

Patriarch Theophilos, who spoke to Premier in January about his strong desire to see greater unity between Christians across the nations, received the honour from the Patriarch of Moscow at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, in the Russian capital.

He used his acceptance speech to invite senior leaders from the Orthodox Church to his home in Jordan, so that they can address the need for greater unity between Orthodox Churches together.
Patriarch Theophilos has been tireless in his promotion of church unity during a time when there has been significant tensions between churches in Russia and Ukraine.

As the leader of the Orthodox Christian community in the Holy Land, Patriarch Theophilos reminded a packed cathedral of Christ’s prayer for the Church in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father…I ask…that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Patriarch Theophilos called on Christians everywhere to practice unity, not only for the sake of the Church but also for our all too broken and divided world.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem has recently risen to international prominence, both because of the Patriarch’s increasing role in church unity, and because of the pressures…

The tool for teaching on Christian-Jewish relations, which has been three years in the making acknowledges the substantial role Christian theology has played in the stereotyping and persecution of Jewish people which ultimately led to the Holocaust.

The document, “God’s Unfailing Word” is the first authoritative statement on the subject from the Anglican Church and speaks of historic attitudes towards Judaism which have provided a “fertile seed-bed for murderous antisemitism”.

The Church’s Faith and Order Commission urges Christians to repent not only for the “sins of the past” but also to challenge active attitudes and stereotypes towards their Jewish neighbours.

“The attribution of collective guilt to the Jewish people for the death of Christ and the consequent interpretation of their suffering as collective punishment sent by God is one very clear example of that,” the report states.

“Within living memory, such ideas contributed to fostering the passive acquiescence if not positive support of many Christians in actions that led to the Holocaust.

“Christians have been guilty of promoting and fostering negative stereotypes of Jewish people that have contributed to grave suffering and injustice.”

The document encourages Anglicans to savour and respect the “unique” connection between the two faiths in their worship of one God, referring to the Christian-Jewish…

The 28-year-old singer has already bought a number of properties close to Framlingham in Suffolk where he grew up.

A planning application for the construction of an outbuilding near Wynneys Hall was granted by East Suffolk Council on Tuesday.

The plans say the structure would “address an important need for a private place of retreat for contemplation and prayer, for celebration of key life and family milestones, family and social gatherings, marriages, christenings and so forth”.

“It would also allow the applicant’s family, friends and colleagues to be able enjoy these things and join them in their observance,” it adds.

Sheeran lives on the estate with his wife Cherry Seaborn, a childhood friend who he attended school with in Suffolk.

The new building is described in the application as “novel and modern”, but designed not to conflict with the parish church of St Mary.

“The applicant has as his guests and visiting colleagues at Wynneys Hall people from around the world,” the application says.

“Many of these people are from many countries, faiths and customs, including for example the USA, Ireland, Ghana, Nigeria, Asia and Australia.

“Thus, the applicant seeks to provide a space in which he, his family and these different people can retreat for contemplation, prayer and relaxation, to meet, celebrate and meditate in peace and safety from disturbance when they visit…