Anglicans

Responding to Stephen Hawking’s claim that heaven was made up by people who were afraid of dying, Archbishop of York Dr. John Sentamu clarified what heaven really is.

“Heaven is not just some kind of place for retired Christians where they’re going to be enjoying their retirement,” he told BBC’s Toby Foster. “Heaven is where God’s will is being done. In fact, the Lord’s Prayer talks about ‘your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ So God is very much on earth as He is in heaven.”

During his two-day visit this past week to South Yorkshire, Sentamu spoke with BBC about his trip and other matters of faith as well. more >>

The spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion admitted on Thursday that he felt “very uncomfortable” with the killing of Osama bin Laden when he was unarmed.

Contrary to initial reports that bin Laden had engaged in a 40-minute gun fight with U.S. Navy Seals, it emerged on Wednesday that the al-Qaida leader had been unarmed when he was shot dead in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on Sunday.

Answering a question about the killing at a press briefing, Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams also criticized conflicting reports coming from the White House about the events surrounding bin Laden’s death. more >>

For billions of people all over the world, and for one woman in particular, the wait is almost over.

By 11:00 a.m. Friday (London Time), Catherine "Kate" Middleton will finally marry Prince William of Wales, the man of her dreams, officially entering into the royal family as “Princess Catherine.”

The on and off couple of eight years, who met while studying at the University of St. Andrews, will take their vows on April 29, at the Westminister Abbey. more >>

“Die with dignity” is the controversial message being given to East Boston residents this month, garnering criticism from many religious leaders.

Part of a nationwide campaign to legalize physician-assisted suicide, the message is plastered on a billboard, purchased by the Final Exit Network – a national, volunteer-run nonprofit organization.

The ad states, “Irreversible illness? Unbearable suffering? Die with Dignity.” more >>

Churches in Japan are still desperately trying to confirm the safety of their parishioners six days after an earthquake and tsunami devastated the north-eastern region.

The Anglican Bishop of Tohoku, the Rt. Rev. John Hiromichi Kato, said that the affected area was very wide and diocesan staff had not been able to visit all areas.

One member of St John’s Church, Isoyama, has been confirmed dead but there is still no news of the tiny church’s other seven members. more >>

Millions of Christians worldwide will usher in the 40-day season of Lent by imposing the sign of the cross on their foreheads with ash on Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday, which falls 46 days before Easter – 40 if not counting Sundays – marks the beginning of a season of reflection and penitence for Christians of the Western traditions.

“Through the traditional practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer, which are an expression of our commitment to conversion, Lent teaches us how to live the love of Christ in an ever more radical way,” explained Pope Benedict XVI in this year’s message for Lent. more >>