Francis Martin

1 week ago | churchtimes.co.uk | Francis Martin

THE Church of England has been “humbled by the truth” of its implication in the transatlantic slave trade, the Archbishop of York told a UN forum this week; but he said that scripture and the example of Christ “give us hope for our world and hope that we can do better”. Archbishop Cottrell was speaking in New York on Monday, during a session of the United Nations’ Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, which was co-hosted by the Anglican Communion.

1 week ago | churchtimes.co.uk | Francis Martin

A JUDGE in Washington, DC, has refused to grant an injunction against President Trump’s immigration crackdown, after faith groups argued that it infringed constitutional rights (News, 21 February).

1 week ago | churchtimes.co.uk | Francis Martin

THE Methodist Church has offered “sincerest apologies” to “anyone who was hurt or abused” in the mother-and baby homes it ran in the 1950s and ’60s. A formal apology was issued by the Connexional Council — the trustees of the Methodist Church — on Wednesday of last week. “Part of the mission of the Methodist Church in the 20th century was to work with single mothers who did not have others to support them. The aim of the Church (which no longer runs any homes) was to offer compassion and care.

2 weeks ago | churchtimes.co.uk | Francis Martin

South Korean bishops call for unity BISHOPS in South Korea have urged politicians to put partisan conflicts to one side as the country prepares to elect a new President, after a final verdict of the country’s highest court confirmed the impeachment of the former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Mr Yoon was arrested on insurrection charges after declaring martial law last December, and this week’s decision by the Constitutional Court means that new elections have to be held within 60 days.

2 weeks ago | churchtimes.co.uk | Francis Martin

THE Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, visited Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank last week. A local Anglican priest has described his visit as “empowering”. Bishop Usher is the Church of England’s lead bishop on the environment, and elements of his visit were focused on nature issues, including meeting a rabbi working on environmental projects, and visiting the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, where scientists are working to preserve biodiversity in the region.