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Fabrice Muamba has shared the story of his recovery with The Sun newspaper. He told reporters: 'I asked God to protect me and he didn't let me down. I am walking proof of the power of prayer. For 78 minutes I was dead and even if I lived was expected to have suffered brain damage. But I'm very much alive and sitting here talking now. Someone up there was watching over me.' The 24-year-old footballer was speaking for the first time since he collapsed on the pitch in front of fans. (The Sun on Sunday, 22/4/)
Anglican lay preacher, Peter Gowlland, has been accused of upsetting worshippers at All Saints Church in Sanderstead, Surrey, after he asked them to sign a petition against Government plans to introduce same-sex weddings. As a result, the retired science teacher has been told by his Archdeacon to 'withdraw' from ministry for two months. (Daily Telegraph, 4/5)
For the first time in its 200 year history, Bible Society has launched its first nonliteral translation of the New Testament. Who? is aimed at people who are coming to it for the first time or who find traditional translations hard to access. Although the Synoptic Gospels are presented as one narrative and the Gospel of John has been moved to the end of the New Testament, the whole book has been subject to rigorous theological analysis and revision. Doctor loses appeal after refusing to stop using religious references at work A Christian doctor has lost his unfair dismissal claim after he was fired for 'gross misconduct and insubordination' in December 2010. Dr Drew told a tribunal last week that during his time as a senior paediatric consultant at Walsall Manor Hospital, he had emailed a wellknown prayer by St Ignatius Loyola as an incentive to his staff. He was then ordered to 'refrain from using religious references in his professional communications, verbal or written'. Dr Drew was dismissed after they queried this. (Daily Mail, 3/5)
Dr John Sentamu has urged politicians to tackle the rising tide of inequality across Britain. Addressing the Church Urban Fund's 2012 conference, in Leeds, last week, the Archbishop spoke of the need to address 'the reality of poverty and growing inequality in our country'. He added: 'put simply, we have lost a vision of how we might transform our society to bring about changes that we wish to see'. (CEN, 26/4)
The Bishop of Carlisle, James Newcome, has defended NHS chaplains following claims by the National Secular Society that the NHS should not have to pay for chaplains. Bishop James's response comes in the spring issue of The Way. In the article, he says: 'The cost of chaplains is a tiny fraction of the annual NHS budget - and the contribution chaplains make to the work of healing is out of all proportion to that cost'. (CEN, 20/4)
According to a poll for The Sun newspaper just 17 per cent of people believe Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are the most important parts of Easter. Most say the real significance is having time off work to spend with friends and family. The survey also found that 87 per cent thought Britain was less religious than 50 years ago. The majority, however, disagreed with limiting the rights of Christians to wear a cross to work. (The Sun, 7/4)
Speaking at a reception for church leaders at Downing Street, David Cameron said that a fightback amongst Christians was taking place but asked churches not to fall out with the Government over gay marriage. Mr Cameron cited the Pope's visit, the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, and the support for the right to wear a cross at work, as examples of Christians coming together and taking a stance. (Church Times, 13/4)
Following his victory in the Masters 2012, golfer Bubba Watson shared his faith on American television: 'That's why I cry all the time, that's why I feel like I am so blessed. It's because of being a Christian, being a Christian family, my wife too. It's a special time for us because we know these things are not just from us. It's God helping us out, and we know that the green jacket is a big honour, but at the same time, we can't take this to Heaven with us.' (Fox news, 11/4) (Daily Mail, 16/2)
