Church of England officials ‘turned blind eye’ to child abuse claims

Lincolnshire Police and Lincoln Diocese investigated 25 people over alleged abuse, from a list of 53 names which were passed to officers, with three cases leading to convictions.

The BBC’s Panorama said some of the names could have been referred years earlier as part of the Church of England’s national Past Cases Review, which examined tens of thousands of church records in 2008 and 2009 to discover whether abuse cases had slipped through the net.

 

Not all of the names on the list related to child abuse allegations.

Detective Superintendent Rick Hatton, who leads the ongoing investigation, named Operation Redstone, told a Panorama programme being broadcast on Monday: “We whittled it down to about 25 names whereby we either knew that they’d committed offences or there was some issue around risk to members of the public from them.

“There was the ongoing concern that actually those people were working with children. Potentially there was still a risk.

“Just because they are what we call non-recent cases, doesn’t make them any less serious.

“In fact it makes them more serious because they weren’t dealt with at the time, so there’s a risk from the offender ongoing.”

The programme will claim two former Lincoln Diocese bishops were made aware of abuse concerns at the time, but failed to act.

ln, was told in 1969 that Roy Griffiths, a deputy head teacher at Lincoln…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

United Methodist Court Upholds Ban on LGBTQ Clergy, Same Sex Marriage

United Methodist Court Upholds Ban on LGBTQ Clergy, Same Sex Marriage



CHICAGO (RNS) — The United Methodist Church’s top court has upheld much of the Traditional Plan approved earlier this year, continuing the global denomination’s ban on the ordination and marriage of its LGBTQ members.


Approved by delegates to a special session of the United Methodist Church’s General Conference in February, the Traditional Plan strengthens language in the denomination’s Book of Discipline that bars LGBTQ clergy and forbids same-sex marriage.


That rulebook currently states that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” and that “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” cannot be ordained as ministers, appointed to serve or be married in the church.


The Traditional Plan, as upheld by a Judicial Council decision announced Friday (April 26), defines a “self-avowed practicing homosexual” as a person who is “living in a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union or is a person who publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual.”


The plan also bars bishops from consecrating, ordaining or commissioning “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” even if they have been elected or approved by the appropriate church body. It prohibits those church bodies from approving or recommending them as candidates, as well.


And it strengthens current complaint procedures and penalties in the Book of…

… Read More

Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.

قالب وردپرس

Play-Doh fun in church unites children and elderly people

The group is called ‘Generations’ and holds meetings in Ebenezer Methodist Church in Trinity.

The idea was inspired by the Channel 4 television programme ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’ which explored the social and health benefits of older people making friendships with very young children. Experts claim there are benefits for both age groups.

 

Community lay worker, Amy Britton, who started the group said the five-year-olds are already making positive friendships with some of the older generation.

“There’s a young man called Ethan who’s six and he is incredible,” she told Premier.

“He doesn’t have elderly relatives in his life. And his mum said to me at the start ‘I don’t know if he’ll enjoy it. I don’t know he’ll behave.’

“And he holds the most incredible conversations with people who maybe adults would find quite austere or intimidating. And he makes one particular lady smile like you just can’t image.

“It’s a magical thing to see – it really is.”

 

Inside the church, children and older people gather alongside each other with tables set out with building blocks, paints and craft materials.

Britton said everyone gets involved: “I learnt early on that what five-year-olds enjoy, elderly people enjoy more. So, Lego, absolutely.

“The most popular thing we’ve done is getting the Play-Doh out.

“It’s things that either…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Rev provides £1,000 ‘perfect’ wedding for couple struggling to meet costs

Rev Mike Smith from St John’s in Hartford laid on the wedding, complete with organist, photographer, reception and a three-tier cake.

Beth and Lee Southern from Norwich were the first couple to take advantage of the ‘Grand Wedding package’.

 

The newlyweds had been unable to afford a church ceremony for their big day as they were also trying to save up to buy a house.

Beth told the Mail Online: “Because weddings are so expensive we thought we’d have to wait.

“Then we spotted this offer and it meant we could do both at the same time.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better day.

“The wedding was perfect.”

Facebook/Bethaney Southern

 

Rev Mike Smith previously told Premier’s News Hour where the inspiration to provide three affordable weddings a year came from.

“It was an idea that came a few years ago now, when we had a couple who cancelled their wedding in church for cost reasons.

“That was followed by a couple more who did the same thing. It was about that time the Church of England decided to put a massive hike on its wedding fees and I felt uncomfortable with that and so began to put together a team of volunteers, with the idea that we could do somebody’s whole day for an affordable price.”

The average cost of a wedding in the UK this year has now risen to over £30,000.

While the dress wasn’t included in the package, Beth managed to pick up a frock for…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Who Are the Outcasts in (Some) Churches?

The word “outcasts” seems strong. Perhaps it is. But, after over 30 years of working with thousands of congregations in North America, I think the nomenclature is close to reality.

When I use the word “outcast,” I am referring to those who are neglected at best and ostracized at worst. And lest anyone think I am compromising biblical views on marriage, sexuality, or other issues, I am not. In a number of churches, however, some of these groups are truly marginalized and, perhaps, shunned by members in the church.

Each of these examples are true examples from church members who have shared with me their stories. I may not have perfect recall from our conversations, but the essence of the story is true. The names are pseudonymous.

  1. Divorcees. Mary was in an abusive marriage. She was beaten physically on more than one occasion. “I stayed with the marriage for our son,” she told me. Ultimately, her husband left her after he had numerous affairs. “When people heard I got a divorce, they began to treat me like a leper. My husband still had family in the church, so you can guess how a lot of church members felt about me. I couldn’t take it, so my son and I left the church.”
  2. Special needs persons. They could be adults or children. For certain, a number of churches embrace special needs individuals. But too many churches simply don’t know how to respond. “We visited seven different churches before we could find a place for our son,” William told me. “In one of the churches, we…

… Read More

—

Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

قالب وردپرس

‘Avengers: Endgame’ makes $1.2 billion: Why the movie strikes a chord in our souls

I may be the only person who reads this article who has not yet seen Avengers: Endgame. This is a coincidence of calendar, not an expression of intent.

At my first opportunity, I intend to conform to the will of the masses and see the highest-grossing movie (through its first weekend) in history. Avengers: Endgame earned more than an estimated $1.2 billion over the weekend, nearly doubling the global box office record held by Avengers: Infinity War, which made $641 million in its opening weekend last April.

Seventeen AMC locations stayed open for seventy-two straight hours from Thursday night through Sunday. The movie had the best opening day in cinematic history, far surpassing the record set by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Why would a three-hour movie about comic book heroes garner such attention?

Part of the answer is its excellence: the movie received a 96 percent score on the review site Rotten Tomatoes and a rare A+ on CinemaScore. Another is the way it depicts heroes redeeming their failures, a theme Ryan Denison explores in his excellent review on our website.

I’d like to explore a different angle, one that is relevant whether we’ve seen (or intend to see) the film or not.

Avengers: Endgame is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, comprising twenty-one previous films that have made more than $19 billion worldwide. Taken together, these incredibly popular movies tell us something vital about ourselves and our culture.

Raccoons, trees, and other heroes

The film series comprises more than thirty different main characters. They include a raccoon named Rocket and his mobile tree friend, Groot, a tiny superhero (Ant-Man) and a giant (the Hulk), two Captains (America and Marvel), and a scientist (Iron Man) and a brawler (Drax the Destroyer).

None of the superheroes could have sustained the franchise alone. Nor could they defeat their cinematic enemies by themselves. Their intertwined stories make the…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

قالب وردپرس

Catholic Church urges crackdown on Sri Lankan Islamists

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, said the church may not be able to stop people from taking the law into their own hands unless the government conducts a more thorough investigation and prevents further attacks.

The cardinal said he is not satisfied in the manner in which the government has carried out its investigations so far.

 

Cardinal Ranjith told reporters: “All the security forces should be involved and function as if on war footing.

“I want to state that we may not be able to keep people under control in the absence of a stronger security programme.

“We can’t forever give them false promises and keep them calm. (We ask the government) to implement a proper programme in order that the people don’t take the law into their own hands.”

More than 250 people were killed when seven Islamist suicide bombers blew themselves up, targeting worshippers in three churches and in three luxury hotels.

The victims included at least 40 tourists who were having breakfast at the hotels.

Two other suicide bombers died by triggering blasts – one to avoid capture by the police, and another at an inn he was staying.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility, and investigators are looking into the extent of their direct involvement with the local radicalised Muslims who carried out the attacks.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Joyce Meyer Devotional 29 April 2019 — Looking Forward

Topic: Looking Forward [Joyce Meyer Devotional 29 April 2019]

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES HERE

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11

The presence of the Lord is always with us, but we do not always recognize it or take time to be conscious of it. I think this is why there seems to be a lack of joy in the lives of many believers. There are a lot of unhappy people who are spending their lives chasing things when nothing can keep us satisfied except God Himself.

When people are not satisfied inwardly, they usually look for some outward object to satisfy their hunger. Often they end up in a fruitless search for that which cannot fill the emptiness within. We’ve heard it said, many people spend their lives climbing the ladder of success, only to find when they reach the top that their ladder is leaning against the wrong building.

When we keep our priorities straight, we discover that everything we really need in life is found in the Lord. Seek to dwell in His presence. In Him is the path of life, the fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore.

The reason we can laugh and enjoy life in spite of our current circumstances is because Jesus is our joy.

Prayer Starter: Father, You are everything I need. Help me to keep the proper perspective and look to You as my source of joy instead of the things in this world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The post Joyce Meyer Devotional 29 April 2019 — Looking Forward appeared first on Flatimes.

Handling Disagreements – Anglican Communion 29 April 2019

The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 29 April 2019 – Handling Disagreements

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES

TOPIC: Handling Disagreements

READ: Acts 15:36-41 New King James Version (NKJV)

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

THE MESSAGE:

Paul and Barnabas had been working as partners for years, planting Churches and spreading the gospel together.

However, even partners do disagree sometimes. The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas brings some things to the fore. Paul’s reason for refusing John Mark to go with them on this mission was because he had deserted them at some point on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), perhaps out of fear, exhaustion or discouragement. Paul and Barnabas are two dedicated men who had just helped bring unity to the Church, and yet here they could not settle their own disagreement!

Disturbing and painful as these conflicts are, they have often been found in the Church throughout history. Good and godly people in the Church do disagree; we must accept this fact. But we must be careful that our disagreements do not hinder the work of God.

Perhaps for Paul and Barnabas, it was a difference of perspective: Paul looks at people and asks, What can they do for God’s work? while Barnabas looks at people and asks, What can God’s work do in them? Both questions are important to God’s work and a lot of times, it is hard to keep things balanced.

As a result of the contribution of Barnabas to the growth of Mark, Paul came to love and appreciate Mark quite fondly (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 23-24). Never write anyone off.

ACTION: Find someone to urge on in faith today.

The post Handling Disagreements – Anglican Communion 29 April 2019 appeared first on Flatimes.

Andrew Wommack Devotional 29 April 2019 – Opposition To The Gospel

Topic: Opposition To The Gospel [Andrew Wommack Devotional 29 April 2019]

View Previous Devotional HERE

Matthew 10:34, ‘Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.’

Matthew 10:34-42

This statement seems like a contradiction to some prophecies concerning Jesus and some of Jesus’ own statements concerning peace, as well as what was written of Him in the New Testament Epistles. However, the peace that Jesus purchased was peace between God and man. We have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). We are exhorted to take this peace and extend it to all men, but it is also made very clear that not all men will receive it.

Peace can only come when we relate to God on the basis of faith in what He did for us, instead of what we do for Him. A person who is thinking that he must perform up to some standard to be accepted by God will have no peace. That puts the burden of salvation on our shoulders, and we can’t bear that load. We were incapable of living holy enough to please God before we were saved, and we are incapable of living holy enough to please God now that we are saved (Heb. 11:6). We were saved by faith, and we have to continue to walk with God by faith (Col. 2:6). Not understanding this has made many Christians, who love God, unable to enjoy the peace that was provided for them through faith in Jesus.

The Gospel will always produce opposition from those who don’t receive it. This ‘sword of division,’ even among family members, is not God’s will, nor is it God that causes it. But, it will inevitably come, and Jesus was simply preparing His disciples for that time. As much as we would like everyone to receive the good news, we must not think it is strange when even our loved ones don’t receive it. Jesus was rejected by His own, and we will be also. We must remain faithful to continue preaching the Gospel, for there are others who will receive. Keep sharing the ‘Good News!’

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

The post Andrew Wommack Devotional 29 April 2019 – Opposition To The Gospel appeared first on Flatimes.