Book review: Christians, Muslims And Jesus by Mona Siddiqui
In this enlightening and inspiring book, Mona Siddiqui, the Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at Edinburgh University’s Divinity School, discusses how Jesus is both the “bridge and barrier” between Christianity and Islam, writes Stuart Kelly. It is in itself a significant work of inter-faith understanding, and in its account of the historical debates on [...]
Rosslyn Chapel was built to protect the skull of St Matthew, researchers claim
A Scottish chapel was built as a shrine for the skull of one of Jesus’ disciples, experts claim. Researchers found Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian was built to protect the head of St Matthew after it was smuggled out of France. St Matthew – or Matthew the Apostle – is said to have been a tax [...]
Archbishop of Canterbury opposed gay sex and adoption
The Archbishop of Canterbury voiced opposition to same-sex couples adopting children and insisted that the Bible is “clear” that gay couples should not have sex, previously unpublished writings show. Justin Welby also privately warned of a crisis facing the Church of England as a result of dwindling numbers and financial pressure which could even pose [...]
Clergyman angers worshippers with secret erotic novel
A Church of Scotland minister has angered worshippers after he was unmasked as the author of an erotic novel featuring a series of sexual trysts. Rev Alan McKean was revealed as the author of The Scent of Time, a book about a 24-year-old time traveller who enjoys sexual encounters during his journey through history. He [...]
Father John Fitzsimmons’s online confession criticises Cardinal O'Brien
He was controversial in life and remains controversial in death. The memoir of a Catholic priest and regular BBC presenter, in which he castigates the Catholic Church in Scotland for a lack of leadership, is to be published online. Father John Fitzsimmons, who died in 2008 aged 68, left behind a 154-page, type-written manuscript that [...]
Dutch back Christian rival to 50 Shades of Grey
As 50 Shades of Grey hits record breaking figures again this week, many Christians have expressed strong feelings against the book. But now one Dutch publisher thinks it’s found an alternative from the Christian genre that’s just as edgy, writes Jo Pountney at Christian.co.uk. This week 50 Shades of Grey took over from Dan Brown’s [...]
Challenge Direct 28/01/2012
Scotland for Marriage Thank you if you responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on same-sex marriage. Even if you took part in the consultation, please also sign up to the Scotland for Marriage on-line petition (http://scotlandformarriage.org) so that you can be kept informed about future developments in this on-going campaign. You can also get petition [...]
New book and CD celebrate music of 16th century Dunfermline Abbey monk
An early-modern monk will sing again after four centuries. The music of Dunfermline composer-monk Jhone Angus has been recognised and recorded in a new book. The publication traces the growth of the Reformation and includes reproductions from contemporary music manuscripts and also a 15-track CD of his music. Jhone Angus was born about 1515 and [...]
St Andrew Press and Hymns Ancient & Modern announcement
The Church of Scotland today has signed an agreement with Hymns Ancient and Modern for the outsourcing of the Church’s book publishing imprint – Saint Andrew Press. Under this agreement, Saint Andrew Press will continue to publish a broad range of high-quality titles to support the ministry and mission of the Church of Scotland and [...]
Catholic stores withdraw ‘dangerous’ books by William Barclay
A Catholic bookstore in Ho Chi Minh City has withdrawn from sale a series of books by a Scottish Protestant theologian on the advice of Vietnamese bishops’ doctrinal commission. The set of commentaries on the New Testament by William Barclay, a Church of Scotland minister and professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University [...]
