Once again, claims by Christians for exemption from laws which affect everyone have been thrown out by the European Court of Human Rights. There is a consistent pattern in such cases. It is very rare for them to be upheld. One would hope that the message would be sinking in and that further expenditure on legal representation would be avoided. And yet it seems there may be another appeal.
It is very sad that there are Christians who do not seem to realise that the secular law provides protection for everyone - it is fundamentally based on that premise. There is no requirement for...
More than 20,000 worshippers attended Christmas services and concerts at Exeter Cathedral last month.
The traditional Christmas Eve service at 6pm, the Grandisson, attracted 1,800 people into the Cathedral to hear the choir and join worship, and on Christmas Day, nearly 1,500 attended services.
Other Christmas services, including the carols for shoppers and workers at lunchtimes, were packed out.
The figures represent a rise of more than 8 per cent on the numbers attending Christmas services and concerts in 2011.
The custom of making resolutions for the New Year goes back to the Medieval period. As the year end approaches, a University of Exeter historian has shed light on how the future was predicted centuries ago.
The research shows how the Christian clergy supported agricultural superstitions but condemned what they perceived as magic rituals. The day of the week on which Christmas or New Year fell was used as an indicator to tell how the year would turn out.
According to one set of predictions, if Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, then Lent would be windy, summer would be dry,...
Findings from the 2011 census for England and Wales have revealed the number of people who say they are Christian has dropped from 72% to 59% in ten years. The statistics also show the number of people who say they have no religion has risen from 15% to 25%.
The census figures reveal that Muslims are the second largest religious group in the country at 4.8%. The third most popular religion was Hinduism, with 1.5 per cent of the population, while 0.8 per cent were Sikhs and 0.5 per cent Jewish.
Other polling data reveals a similar shift. The 2012 British Social Attitudes...
While the music was playing and excitement grew before the Christmas lights were switched on, many people passed by a silent vigil in Bedford Square. This was organised by the Exeter Interfaith & Belief Group in solidarity with faith communities around the world who suffer persecution or violence because of their faith. The vigil was sparked by the killing of Sikhs in Wisconsin in the United States earlier in the year but there are sadly many other oppressed religious groups elsewhere: Baha'is in Iran, Muslims in Burma to name just two.
As part of a national initiative, Inter Faith Week is being marked in the UK, including Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, and will see a number of local events in the county.
The week helps to strengthen positive relations between faith and belief communities and highlight the contributions they make to our wider society, recalling that all people have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
On Friday 23rd November an open silent vigil will be held at Bedford Square in Exeter to remember those who suffer intolerance and violence for their...
What is the role of women in Islam? Do Buddhists believe in God? What about reincarnation?
If you have ever wanted to know the answers to these questions, then this is the course for you! We shall begin by looking at Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Then, we shall turn to Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The course will end with a session on Humanism. No prior knowledge is requires, only an open mind and a willingness to learn about the beliefs of your neigbours. This is a mixed ability class, open to all. No religious viewpoint will be promoted - the aim of the course is to promote...
Taking place in aid of The Children’s Society on Sunday 23rd December at 4.30pm, this year’s combined Crib Service and Christingle at the Exeter Cathedral is a first.
The Cathedral Choristers will be singing and children are invited to dress up - angels, kings, shepherds, animals, Marys and Josephs will be very welcome!
This child and family friendly service includes a short play performed by Cypex, the Cathedral’s young people’s club, some well-known carols and the carol Long ago in Palestine with words and music written especially for the service by Chryssa and John...
