Leah Sharibu was one of 110 girls who was abducted from a college in Daphci, Yobe state, on 19th February 2018 by a faction of Boko Haram called al Barnawi.

The MP for Glasgow East wrote that he has “profound concerns”, saying: “In light of International Women’s Day on Friday, I would greatly appreciate an update on any recent representations that have been made to the Nigerian government regarding Ms Sharibu’s case”.

He explains that the context of her being held captive shows it has been for religious reasons as 104 of the 110 girls were released, five died and Ms Sharibu is widely thought to have been held back for refusing to convert to Islam.

In his letter, Mr Linden writes: “The Nigerian Government has a clear constitutional obligation to ensure that every citizen is ‘protected irrespective of his/her gender, culture and religious belief.’ However in this instance, a minor was not only left in the hands of terrorists on account of her religious beliefs when her surviving colleagues were released; she also continues to suffer multiple and severe violations…It is a terrible indictment of the Nigerian Government’s failure to assist a vulnerable citizen, and of an international community that has not held it sufficiently to account for this.”

He says that Leah Sharibu has been held captive alongside humantiarian workers, one of whom was shot in the head and filmed…

In the latest update from the team supporting Oluwole Ilesanmi, who ran into trouble and had his Bible confiscated while preaching outside Southgate underground station, further details have been released regarding what happened after his arrest.

Campaign group Christian Concern claim he was taken to nearby Wrotham Park and left, as previously reported, without any money to get home.

The group says with the help of a stranger, he was able to get on a bus and later that evening returned to the scene of his arrest to continue preaching.

Street preacher Olu update: As Olu was driven away from the scene of his arrest, it was clear to him that the police wanted to take him as far away as possible so that he could not return and preach.#StreetPreacher #FreedomOfSpeech pic.twitter.com/p3UPWDRTci

— Christian Concern (@CConcern) March 8, 2019

The details of his treatment come after the Metropolitan Police told Premier that he had been walked 200 metres out of the area before being shown to a nearby bus stop.

Christian Concern has launched a petition calling for action from the government to protect street preachers.

In a letter addressed to the home secretary, it says: “Christian street preachers should be free to share the gospel, even where it means challenging the beliefs of others.

“Please urgently investigate what guidance and training is being given to police officers…

A commissioning service at the Anglican landmark marked the start of ‘Tell, Serve, Give’ – the latest in a series of evangelistic initiatives taking place across the North of England.

The Bishop of Whitby, Rt Rev Paul Ferguson told Premier: “We got all sorts of things happening.

“Some of them are quite church-based…but also we’ve got some things which are happening in perhaps rather less usual circumstances”.

Launched by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu in 2015, the first Northern Bishops’ Mission was held in Sheffield Diocese. Similar events have since been held in various other northern dioceses.

Bishops from across the region taking part include Rt Rev Julian Henderson, the Bishop of Blackburn; Rt Rev Philip North, the Bishop of Burnley and Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, the Bishop of Lancaster.

Bishop Julian said: “Preparations for ‘Tell, Serve, Give’ have been taking place for many months now and it is exciting now to be approaching the start of the mission.

Bishop Cyril and the team @TransformWigan @BishopofBerwick have been serving with @FurClemtWigan , Cyril loving his apron! @LivDiocese #TellGiveServe pic.twitter.com/Tr4DJgtiSO

— mark wade (@markjohnwade) March 8, 2019

“Everyone, including the Archbishop himself, will have packed schedules over the four days, with multiple opportunities to share the Gospel.”

A prison visit, Zumba party, Prosecco and…

The Diocese of Chester also accepted it failed to act on information concerning now-retired clergyman Charles Gordon Dickenson which surfaced ten years ago.

On Monday, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault against a child during the 1970s. He was the vicar of Christ Church Latchford near Warrington at the time.

Chester Crown Court heard how a boy was targeted on four occasions during the course of a several months at both the church hall and vicarage.

In a statement, church leaders said: “We offer an unreserved apology to the survivor.

“He has shown bravery and courage to share his experiences with the police and we acknowledge how difficult and distressing this must have been for him.”

Cheshire Police found a complaint lodged in 2009 against Dickenson was not acted upon by the Church of England.

A letter – sent as part of safeguarding protocol – acknowledged an accusation that Dickenson had indecently assaulted a young boy.

It also said that the then-Bishop of Chester, Rt Rev Victor Whitsey, made Dickenson “promise never to do it again”.

The diocese continued in its apology: “Information brought to light to the church in 2009, if acted upon then, may have led to the police bringing a prosecution against Gordon Dickenson much sooner.

“The Diocese apologises for not acting on this information in 2009.”

Dickenson was appointed a bishop’s chaplain. He…

The independent review followed a complaint from one worshipper after the West Yorkshire landmark stopped publishing in advance the names of those who would be presiding over Holy Communion.

Dennis Belk claimed he was being “marginalised” because he was forced to arrive at services without prior knowledge whether there would be a male or female celebrant.

Mr Belk, who described himself as a “traditional Catholic” felt the situation put him in a “compromising position” and argued he had to leave services on three occasions because a woman priest was presiding.

Conducted by Sir William Fittall, the review found cathedral bosses were unreasonable in their expectations of Mr Belk.

He said: “To expect someone whose theological conviction does not enable him to receive the sacramental ministry of women routinely to turn up to a celebration of Holy Communion when he cannot discover in advance whether he will be able to receive Holy Communion seems to me to be asking too much.”

Responding to a previous letter from Mr Belk, Dean of Wakefield Cathedral Very Rev Simon Cowling said: “Removing the names of those – male and female – who are to preside at a particular service helps to make the point that it is our offering of the Eucharist that is central, rather than the particular individual who is presiding.”

The Bishop of Wakefield, Rt Rev Tony Robinson (pictured below,…

Lorraine Jones was named the Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year during a gala at the Marriott Hotel in Mayfair last night.

The 46-year-old founded ‘Dwaynamics’ on the Angell Town estate in Brixton – the estate where her son Dwayne, 20, was stabbed in the heart when he intervened in a fight.

She was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: “Of course, I really would prefer that I am not here and have my son.

“But in life we face situations we can’t avoid and I have to think, ‘What would Dwayne want me to do because of this experience?’

Receiving the Daily Mail Inspirational women Awards 2019 has created greater support! Dwaynamics is working collectively with other services including the Police relentlessly to safeguard our youth and We believe Peace is Possible! @LambethMPS @helenhayes_ @PeaceEducation3 pic.twitter.com/i5KyGgKutZ

— Dwaynamics (@dwaynamics) March 8, 2019

“He would want me to shine through it. He would want me to use this to make a change for the better.”

Lorraine – along with four finalists – was also praised by the Duchess of Cornwall during a reception held at Clarence House.

A joy to meet and work with the #DailyMail #InspirationalWomen #awards #finalists for today’s #femail and #mailonline feature #winners x hair and makeup by moi using @NaturesWishUK @DivaProStyling @lezliandrose
Good luck tonight pic.twitter.com/nbrenHu27n

— Alice Theobald (@Alice_Theobald) March 7,…