The staggering picture of the C of E's financial decline in the Diocesan Finances Review Update, circulated to Synod members ahead of their July meeting, comes as the C of E's bishops seek approval for their plan to allow standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples to go ahead on an experimental basis.
Often we don't have a clue about our neighbour, let alone the 'stranger'.
What happens in Parliament is of huge significance for our lives, our fellow churchgoers' lives, and the lives of our neighbours and family as well.
Let us not forget the Christian communities of the Middle East. There is much to think about as we survey the present turbulent world. But as we think and pray about its many areas of need, let us not forget them.
It is no coincidence that as Christianity fades in the West so do those values which have distinguished the West: tolerance, freedom of conscience, the value of all life and personal responsibility.
I had a dream last night. In it I found myself ushered into Number 10 Downing Street, surprisingly as the new Prime Minister.
The subtle movement from "God is love" to "Love is love" is not an accident.
The traditional Christian gospel is the only hope of eternal salvation for the people of this country but it looks as if they are going to give Labour an overwhelming mandate to make its proclamation much harder in the coming years.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is predominantly a Muslim-majority country. The estimated number of Christians accounts for approximately 1% of the population. Nevertheless, as an Iranian Christian convert, I am greatly encouraged because Christianity is on the rise in Iran.
Everywhere we turn there is bad news, even apocalyptic warnings that Western civilisation is coming to an end. Many people are expressing fear and anger about world events and politics. Yet the Bible promises us peace - in our hearts, if not in the world around us. Here are seven Bible verses that can help us to think more Biblically about our troubles:
Lord, as a pastor and leader for your church, I say, "Forgive us Lord and purify us, the leaders of your church. We are the shepherds of your sheep. Don't let us brush it off or sadly we will fall into a greater grievance in the days ahead."
Discipline is required this General Election.
It's 20 years since I was walking through Leicestershire carrying a cross. As I prayed I felt God tell me that the next thing I needed to do was to build a wall where every brick within it represented an answered prayer.
