New Lambeth Palace Library key to preserving Anglican history
By Catherine Pepinster — July 5, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Work has begun on a new library to house the biggest collection of religious works in the world, outside the Vatican. It is the first edifice in 100 years to be built on the grounds of Lambeth Palace, home of the archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion.
A year later, Britain remembers 72 killed in fire and faith groups’ response
By Catherine Pepinster — June 14, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — The Rev. Alan Everett vividly remembers the early morning hours of June 14, 2017. Flames were engulfing the 24-story apartment building near his church, St. Clement’s in Notting Dale, and he did what came naturally: invite in the weary, fearful and displaced. “Opening the doors and switching on the lights was the […]
Archbishop of Canterbury: Church has failed to protect children from abuse
By Catherine Pepinster — March 21, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Justin Welby, the leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion — who himself has come under some criticism for his handling of abuse cases — told the commission Wednesday (March 21) that the church needs new powers to safeguard children.
Chief inspector: English schools need to address extremist elements
By Catherine Pepinster — March 7, 2018
(RNS) — Some head teachers who run inner-city schools with predominantly Muslim student bodies have taken issue with conservative Muslim parents who want their children to express their religiosity in school, and in turn accuse the teachers of thwarting religious expression.
Stressed-out Anglican priests turn to trade unions for support
By Catherine Pepinster — January 16, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — 'People nowadays expect and demand a quick response if they contact you. And there are some people who seem to feel free to express their anger to clergy in a way they would never do to someone else,' one priest explained.
Anglican bishops prep for tough talks on same-sex marriage
By Catherine Pepinster — September 29, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has indicated how difficult the meeting is likely to be, saying that the leaders of the Anglican provinces would gather together to pray, and even 'to weep with one another.'
The Book of Common Prayer gets a glossary
By Catherine Pepinster — September 27, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — It is the book that gave us immortal phrases — 'till death do us part' and 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' But today, its nearly 500-year-old prose can mystify even priests. A young theologian offers a new glossary to help translate this masterpiece of the English language.