The BBC reports that religious relics are drawing large crowds across the country. Thousands are visiting Leeds Cathedral where a relic of St. Bernadette, a 19th century saint, is on display.
A church in Bradford is featured on the BBC website for its focus on wrestling. Fountains Church, based at a Church of England venue has been mixing baptisms and wrestling for the past year, with the aim of attracting young people.
Also on the BBC website: A report is published that states cases of abuse in the Church of England run into hundreds. The Church’s report is in response to criticism of past case reviews and has uncovered cases related to vulnerable adults and children and criticises the weak safeguarding culture of the institution.
The online journal Balkan Insight reports that orthodox Christian leaders in Serbia are calling for a pro-family rally the day before a major pride event in Montenegro. The Church is calling for prayer to uphold traditional marriage values.
The Reporting Democracy website carries a report focusing on the criticism from women’s rights groups of Central European Governments who are restricting abortion rights. Activists point to the influence of conservative religion and right-wing politicians.
The Guardian reports on comments from Labour’s Ben Bradshaw, who suggests the Church of England will face questions in Parliament if it does not welcome lesbian and gay people. Mr Bradshaw says the Church is actively pursuing the discrimination of the LGBTQ community, speaking out after the barring of Rev Mpho Tutu van Furth from officiating at a funeral because she is married to a woman.