The biggest difference between the two churches is the status of the Roman Catholic Pope

The article discusses the historical and theological differences between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. It traces the origins of the 'Great Schism' to 1054 when a Bull of Excommunication was placed in Hagia Sophia, marking a significant split in Christianity. The article outlines the hierarchical differences, with the Roman Catholic Pope's status being a major point of divergence. It also compares beliefs, noting both churches adhere to the first Seven Ecumenical Councils but differ in their understanding of the Holy Spirit and the meaning of Easter. Customs and calendar discrepancies are also highlighted, such as the use of icons, prayer postures, bread in rituals, and priestly celibacy. The article concludes by emphasizing that despite these differences, there is a strong theological and spiritual connection between the two churches, and efforts to unite them continue.

Expensive, slow but most of all painful - the case around a British baby's care teaches many lessons

The article discusses the case of Charlie Gard, an 11-month-old British baby suffering from Mitochondrial Depletion Syndrome, and the legal battle between his parents and Great Ormond Street Hospital regarding his treatment. The parents wanted to take Charlie to the US for experimental therapy, but the UK courts and the European Court of Human Rights ruled that further treatment was futile. The article suggests that mediation through Clinical Ethics Committees could be a better way to resolve such disputes, rather than the adversarial litigation process. It highlights the ethical dilemmas faced in the medical field when parents and doctors disagree on the treatment of a child.

The Church of England and the Debate Over Gay Priests

The article discusses the internal conflict within the Church of England regarding the acceptance of gay priests. Conservatives within the Church view gay sex as sinful and are against the idea of gay marriage, citing biblical teachings and the natural order of creation. Progressives, on the other hand, argue that the Bible's references to homosexuality are context-specific and that modern science views homosexuality as a natural aspect of human diversity. The Church of England has attempted to reconcile these views through 'Shared Conversations' and a Bishop's Report, but the General Synod has shown resistance to conservative stances. The article suggests that the Church is at a crossroads, with the potential for schism based on the direction it chooses to take on this issue. The debate reflects broader questions about interpreting scripture and truth in contemporary society. The article is written by Revd Dr Mark Bratton, a member of the General Synod of the Church of England.

Judaism and organ donation

The article discusses the perspective of Judaism on organ donation, highlighting the principle of saving lives (pikuach nefesh) which can sometimes override objections to interference with the body after death and the requirement for immediate burial. It notes that Jewish law necessitates consulting a Rabbinic authority before consenting to organ donation. The article distinguishes between organ donation for immediate transplants, which is highly regarded, and donations to organ banks or for research, which may be viewed less favorably. It also addresses concerns about removing organs before death as per Jewish law, which could be seen as ending a life. Contributions to the discussion include insights from Rabbi Chaim Rapoport, Reverend Mark Bratton, and Dr John Harris, who have backgrounds in medical ethics and law.