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Friday Briefing: Funeral Gunfire in Jordan, Ecumenical Meetings in Windsor and London

By The FaithDaily Desk

Good morning. Gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan on Friday, killing seven people and injuring 34, Charisma News reported, citing a later police update carried by the official Petra news agency. The attack struck Hamoud Church in Karak governorate as mourners gathered.

In England, two meetings drew Christian leaders together. Anglican Ink reported that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, hosted a private meeting at Lambeth Palace of ecumenical leaders, faith-based NGOs and government officials to discuss the conflict in South Sudan as the country prepares for its first elections. Separately, Anglican Ink reported that Pope Leo XIV has become Papal Confrater of the College of St George at St George's Chapel, Windsor, with the approval of the King. The Dean and Canons described the act of confraternity as a visible sign.

The Church of England also faced harder news at home. Charisma News, drawing on Church Times, reported that two academics warn the institution is heading toward what they call financial disaster, and that its decline is no longer only a matter of empty pews but a question of the institution's future.

Among United Methodists, United Methodist News reported two strands. At the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering, participants moved from naming the realities facing The United Methodist Church to exploring new practices and imagining a future church. In Dallas, leaders at Highland Park United Methodist Church hope to lead their congregation away from the denomination, with a vote set for 25 and 26 October.

In the United States, Charisma News reported that Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is demanding answers over a golden statue planned for a St. Louis park between two churches, raising concerns on X about its placement and public input. The outlet also reported that Vice President JD Vance paused a Nebraska rally on Thursday to ask the crowd to pray after a woman suffered a medical emergency.

Anglican Ink separately reported that the Perth Anglican Synod passed a motion supporting a conversion ban bill for Western Australia, affirming that all people are created in the image of God.

Zoom out: The day's reports ran from a deadly attack at a funeral in Jordan to ecumenical meetings in England, while several churches weighed questions about their own future.

What we're following

Sources

Archbishop of Canterbury hosts South Sudan delegation and ecumenical leaders at Lambeth Palace Anglican Ink
Church of England Decline Deepens as Experts Warn of ‘Financial Disaster’ Charisma News
Ideas for future church start to take shape United Methodist News
What You Should Know About the Hebrew Roots Movement The Gospel Coalition
Pope Leo XIV accepts honorary title at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Anglican Ink
Emotions high as Highland Park vote looms United Methodist News
Gunmen Attack Christian Church Funeral in Jordan, Killing Mourners and Wounding Dozens Charisma News
Missouri Attorney General Demands Answers Over ‘Demonic’ Statue Planned Between Churches Charisma News
Watch: JD Vance Turns to Prayer as Medical Emergency Halts Rally Charisma News
Perth Anglicans vote in favour of a conversion therapy ban Anglican Ink
Gathering explores new practices for church United Methodist News

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