?A good place to be?

The word ?vocation? has often been defined narrowly as those who opt for the religious life. But for many in the caring professions and the charity world, their jobs are inextricably tied up with their faith. In the first of a new series, Terry Philpot talks to Paul Farmer, head of the leading mental health charity, Mind...

Levees hold in New Orleans

It was a make-or-break meeting for the future of the Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church had to decide whether to toe the Lambeth line on homosexuality, or precipitate a schism. They found a form of words that may ? or may not ? be enough to satisfy the conservative South...

Safe Space

Tribal taboos and religious restrictions are a minefield for interfaith dialogue, and one of the most difficult areas for discussion is the treatment of women. One group in Bradford is striving to bridge the ethnic divide, giving some wives their first chance to speak about the cultural pressures they face...

Taming the dragon

Rulers of China have often tried to counter the greed of officials by means of didactic art and state propaganda. Today?s leaders may be coming to appreciate that religion can help solve this problem ? but they are unwilling to surrender any of their power over the people...

He protests too much

Last week in these pages John Cornwell tackled God Delusion author Richard Dawkins. This week the Pope?s preacher takes on Christopher Hitchens, whom he says levels many valid criticisms of religion but whose new work is let down by brooking no possibility of error himself...

Delegate and survive

Last week Paul Hypher argued on this page that the Church should draw more on the skills of parishioners to ease the burden on the clergy. This week, a parish priest suggests that the delegation of management duties to paid professionals could bring enormous all-round benefits...

When boom turns to bust

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