Donna Birrell

The Church of England's General Synod has voted to amend and “hear” rather than "receive" a document on Israel Palestine that has been heavily criticised by Jewish leaders.

Much of the debate focused on terms in the Kairos Palestine declarations written between 2009 and 2025 which have been criticised by senior leaders including the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis for describing a "genocidal war on Gaza".

Among the organisations named in the report were Premier, The Christian Institute, Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF), the Evangelical Alliance, BGEA UK, Christian Concern, CARE, ADF UK and many others.

Police believe there may be more victims of a former church deacon and youth group leader who was convicted earlier this week of sexual offences against young men over a period of more than 40 years.

The Church of England's lead safeguarding bishop, Rt Rev Robert Springett has said mandatory reporting must take precedence over adhering to the Seal of the Confessional.

Synod had been debating a private member's motion brought by Professor Helen King which sought to affirm “ that there are no fundamental objections to being in a committed, faithful, intimate same-sex relationship, and that such a relationship can be entirely compatible with Christian discipleship”.

Key recommendations from the review include embedding survivor-centred and trauma-informed practice throughout safeguarding processes, strengthening record keeping, recognising spiritual abuse within safeguarding frameworks, establishing clearer routes to apology, accountability and redress, and implementing independent safeguarding scrutiny and oversight.

Christian leaders in Jerusalem are warning their charitable work could be at risk after a fresh dispute over taxes between churches and city authorities.

Safeguarding progress in the Church of England is being “threatened by institutional resistance and drift”, according to an independent audit.

The data shows that around a fifth of new recruits at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate attend Sunday services during their initial six-week training, with an increasing interest in learning about Christianity among young soldiers at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick.