The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is expected to call for actions rather than words in his Christmas sermon, amidst abuse scandals within the Church of England. He emphasizes the need for justice and love to be embodied in action, focusing on helping the most vulnerable. Other bishops, including the Bishop of Oxford, have also addressed the crisis of confidence in the Church and urged reflection during this troubled time. The Archbishop of Canterbury resigned following criticism of his handling of abuse cases, while local clergy are working to reassure parishioners and provide support during the holiday season.
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At Damascus opera house, hopes for a better future
Percussionist Bahjat Antaki performed with Syria's national symphony orchestra at the Damascus opera house, marking the first classical concert since President Bashar al-Assad's ouster. The concert aimed to showcase the resilience of Syria's arts community amidst years of war, with works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Syrian composers. Despite concerns about the future under Islamist leadership, attendees expressed hope for a brighter future and a return to the Syria they love. Full Article
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