All posts tagged: baptism

Pastor charged with manslaughter after 61-year-old drowns during baptism | UK | News

Pastor charged with manslaughter after 61-year-old drowns during baptism | UK | News

Published by Sam Flores

Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the drowning of a 61-year-old man at a baptism ceremony in Birmingham in 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Robert Smith, from Brixton in south London, died at an address in Erdington on October 8, 2023. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the special crime division, said: “We have decided to prosecute Cheryl Bartley, 48, with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during a baptism. “This follows the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith from Brixton in south London, who died from drowning at an address in Slade Road, Erdington on October 8, 2023. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. “We have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its investigation. “We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that she has the right to a …

Is there a Catholic revival? Pope Leo seems to think so.

Is there a Catholic revival? Pope Leo seems to think so.

Published by Sam Flores

MONACO (RNS) – A highlight of Pope Leo XIV’s one-day trip to Monaco was his meeting with young Catholics in the country, including those who represent a surging number of catechumens, or people converting or returning to the faith and preparing to receive the sacraments. While research points to skepticism regarding a possible Catholic “revival” — following years of steady decrease in the number of faithful as parents struggle to pass down the faith to the new generations — some recent data and reports from Catholic dioceses have suggested growth in some pockets of Catholicism worldwide. But speaking at the Chapel of St. Dévote in Monaco on Saturday (March 28), Leo seemed to take notice of an increased interest in Catholicism among youth. He observed that if “today the faith faces challenges and obstacles, yet nothing can dim its beauty and truth.” “We can see this in the growing number of men and women of all ages who desire to know the Lord and ask to be baptized,” he said. Monaco, which is majority Catholic …

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany to mark baptism of Jesus

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany to mark baptism of Jesus

Published by Sam Flores

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered on Monday at celebrations for Epiphany, locally known as Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. In Batu, a town on the western shore of Lake Dambal (Hora-Dambal) in the Oromia Region, thousands of pilgrims entered the lake waters after priests blessed them, symbolically reenacting baptism and embracing the festival’s themes of purification, renewal, and faith. In the capital, Addis Ababa, many waited for the tabots, which are symbols of the Ark of the Covenant meant to contain the 10 commandments and are used to consecrate churches. Tabots were ritually carried to nearby public spaces for overnight prayers before being returned to their home churches the next day, surrounded by millions of the faithful in spectacular displays of reverence. Similar celebrations were held across the country, including inside the 17th century Fasilides Fortress in Gondar, located in the war-torn Amhara region. Timkat is seen by the faithful as an important religious holiday, nearly as significant as Easter and Christmas. …