Catherine Pepinster
Catherine Pepinster is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Catherine Pepinster
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.
Britons reject creationism but some find evolutionary theory lacking, too
By Catherine Pepinster — September 5, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — Many religious people reject the story of Creation. But a significant number of Britons do not find that evolution provides a satisfactory explanation for human consciousness.
British Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor dies at 85
By Catherine Pepinster — September 1, 2017
(RNS) — 'I am at peace and have no fear of what is to come,' he wrote in a last message.
Evensong sees a surge even as British church attendance declines
By Catherine Pepinster — August 30, 2017
(RNS) — From Westminster Abbey to small parish churches, the evensong service in Britain is attracting growing crowds of locals and tourists alike — some who come just for the music and atmosphere, others who appreciate the spirituality as well.
Biggest Christian festival in the UK decides to showcase some Islam too
By Catherine Pepinster — August 18, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — 'It is because we are Christian that we do this. Not because we want to dilute or deny our faith,' said Paul Northup, the festival's creative director.
Britain’s first Anglican same-sex marriage celebrated in a Scottish church
By Catherine Pepinster — August 4, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — In June, the Scottish Episcopal Church, which is part of the Anglican Communion, announced that it was allowing gay weddings after its synod voted to amend its canon law on marriage.
Charlie Gard dies after sparking a global debate on the ethics of life and death
By Catherine Pepinster — July 28, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — The baby died after his parents gave up a protracted legal battle with a London hospital over whether he could be successfully treated in the United States for a rare genetic condition.
It’s no longer Sunday best for the Church of England
By Catherine Pepinster — July 14, 2017
LONDON (RNS) — But will they convince young people it’s a 21st-century institution they want to join?
As Anglicans point fingers in sex abuse scandal, George Carey quits honorary role
By Catherine Pepinster — June 27, 2017
LONDON (RNS) George Carey’s resignation highlights how church institutions are shifting their focus to punishing church officials for their roles in covering up child sex abuse by priests, even as some criticize them for not sufficiently addressing victims' needs.
Finsbury Park attack a window onto two Britains: One seeking tolerance, the other revenge
By Catherine Pepinster — June 20, 2017
LONDON (RNS) In Britain, some people cynically describe friendly relations between members of different faiths as 'tea and samosas,' but others suggest expressions of solidarity are growing despite the recent attack.
British Christians wonder if there is room for them in politics
By Catherine Pepinster — June 15, 2017
LONDON (RNS) 'We are kidding ourselves if we think we are living in a tolerant liberal society,' said Tim Farron, who stepped down as leader of the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum because of his faith.
Debate about Islam and security dominates British election
By Catherine Pepinster — June 7, 2017
LONDON (RNS) After three major terror attacks in as many months, Muslim leaders are under pressure to acknowledge a connection between their faith and jihadi violence, while the government is under pressure to take firm action.
Religious leaders shocked by attack on Ramadan and Pentecost
By Catherine Pepinster — June 4, 2017
LONDON (RNS) The archbishop of Canterbury warned that the U.K. could end up 'hiding behind closed doors' and urged Christians not to be afraid.
Mourning in Manchester, religious and secular traditions meet and meld
By Catherine Pepinster — May 27, 2017
(RNS) This is a moment where Christian tradition meets secular rituals that have come to define public mourning since this increasingly irreligious nation said goodbye to Princess Diana exactly 20 years ago.
