In the News...

From the Telegraph:

Although the Democratic Republic of Congo will next month hold its first democratic elections since its independence from Belgium in 1960, televised exorcisms rather than political debates are dominating the airwaves in a country where the majority of the population still believes in black magic, the broadcast networks are saturated with a dozen religious channels competing for converts, most of them owned by Christian cults led by charismatic preachers. (Read the whole thing)

And also, rather disappointingly:

The coronation of the Prince of Wales must be an "interfaith" event, the former Archbishop of Canterbury has controversially claimed.
Lord Carey believes that the next coronation needs "very significant changes" so that it is "inclusive" of other religions that have spread across Britain.
His comments, which are likely to cause a rift within the Church of England, suggest that Lord Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury for 11 years until 2002, has been won over by arguments from Prince Charles.
The prince, who will become Supreme Governor of the Church of England when he becomes king, has already said that he wants to be Defender of Faith - not Defender of the Faith - when he accedes to the throne.
Lord Carey's comments will set him and the prince against Dr Rowan Williams, the current Archbishop of Canterbury, and other senior figures in the Church of England. Dr Williams has emphasised the need for Prince Charles to defend the Church of England when he becomes king.

Of bishops and casinos...

A giant gambling company is attempting to win over a Church of England bishop who is strongly opposed to plans for a Las Vegas-style super-casino.
The South Africa-based Sun City Casino group has met the Rt Rev John Nicholls, the Bishop of Sheffield, to discuss how Church projects, including a centre for the homeless, could benefit if a controversial £200 million gaming complex is given the go-ahead.
The disclosure that a company which boasts that it can "meet your every desire", is actively lobbying an Anglican bishop is likely to heighten concerns about government plans to establish a super-casino with 1,250 slot machines and unlimited jackpots.