Catherine Pepinster
Catherine Pepinster is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Catherine Pepinster
Prince Charles calls for Middle East peace at service for persecuted Christians
By Catherine Pepinster — December 3, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — The plight of persecuted Christians is a cause that has become dear to the heir to the British throne.
Two cakes, two courts, two countries: Same result
By Catherine Pepinster — October 11, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — This week it was the British Supreme Court’s turn to decide a case in which a bakery refused to make a cake supporting same-sex marriage.
No longer the default, Church of England goes to battle in religious marketplace
By Catherine Pepinster — September 20, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — For the past two years the Church of England has committed itself to developing a strong presence online, with a particular target of attracting people who do not regularly go to church.
Labour Party legislator’s resignation increases unease for Britain’s Jews
By Catherine Pepinster — August 31, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — For generations of Jews, Britain has been a safe place to live, but now many Jews are feeling a deep unease about new evidence of anti-Semitism in the country and especially within the left-wing Labour Party.
Church of England plans to test aspiring clergy for skills, aptitude — and narcissism
By Catherine Pepinster — July 20, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Better psychological profiling of clergy, experts say, can help to spot pathologies such as narcissism and Machiavellianism that can turn pastors into rivals of the God they purport to serve.
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 […]
Buffer zone around London abortion clinic is a first for Britain
By Catherine Pepinster — April 13, 2018
(RNS) — The move has buoyed abortion-rights supporters, who are looking for the creation of more such zones around the nation.
Church of England goes cashless for worshippers’ contributions
By Catherine Pepinster — April 2, 2018
LONDON (RNS) — Contactless payment machines will first be used for funeral fees, wedding notices and, eventually, for the weekly offering to the collection.
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.
2018 likely to be another tough year for the archbishop of Canterbury
By Catherine Pepinster — December 20, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — This past year was a trying one for Justin Welby — but he could be in for greater trials.
‘Pope’s sociologist’ fights human trafficking from the Vatican and in her own parish
By Catherine Pepinster — November 27, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — Margaret Archer is an esteemed British sociologist who credits Pope Francis with pushing her to the front lines of the war against human trafficking.
Prince Harry will marry a divorced American — and the church is fine with it
By Catherine Pepinster — November 27, 2017
(RNS) — The prince and the American actress don't face the obstacles the Church of England posed for King Edward VIII, who loved another divorced American.
