Reformed churches

Ds. Schot, a Dutch Reformed minister, has written 95 theses on baptism, deliberately echoing the number of Luther's theses. He argues that while the church fathers are highly valued, Scripture must take precedence in the debate over baptism. The text is drawing attention in Dutch church circles, where views on infant baptism and covenant theology remain contested.

Catholic communities worldwide mark the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, with reflections this year centring on the theme 'Rebuild my church'. Writers and religious congregations are using the Sunday readings to call for renewal of the Church's structures and mission. The phrase echoes the account of St Francis of Assisi being told to rebuild God's house, a symbol often invoked in times of institutional crisis.

Germany's Catholic bishops have concluded their autumn conference, a regular gathering where the country's bishops' conference discusses church policy. The closing of the Herbsttagung was covered by national broadcaster ZDF. Topics typically include church reform, clergy shortages, and responses to the abuse scandal, though no specific outcomes were detailed in the coverage.

Tom McCarthy, director of the Oscar-winning film 'Spotlight', says the Catholic Church has still not done enough to protect children from sexual assault, ten years after the film won Best Picture. 'Not until every child is safe,' he said, arguing that institutional reform has fallen short of what the 2015 film's reporting on the Boston abuse scandal demanded.

Pope Leo stated that St. Francis of Assisi repaired the Church, drawing on the famous episode in which Francis was called to rebuild the ruined chapel of San Damiano. The remark, published under the 'Morning Keys' feature, frames the medieval saint's mission as a restoration of the Church itself, a theme with obvious resonance for current debates about renewal and reform in Catholic life.

Canadian Catholic bishops, meeting for their plenary assembly, heard presentations on progress toward creating a more 'listening' Church, an effort tied to the global synodal process emphasizing consultation and discernment among clergy and laity. The reports outlined how dioceses across Canada are working to foster greater dialogue and participation in church decision-making.

A debate over the future of Catholic Church governance is unfolding in France, centred on calls for greater lay participation and synodality — decision-making shared between clergy and laity — under Pope Leo. Commentators are weighing whether this constitutes a genuine revolution in church structures or a continuation of existing reform efforts, with France often seen as a testing ground for such changes.

Christ Reformed Baptist Church is being scrutinised over its ties to International Reformed Baptist Seminary, with critics asking whether the congregation's harsh theological approach is linked to its seminary connections. The discussion, appearing on a religious watchdog blog, centres on whether strict Reformed Baptist teaching is shaping the church's culture and practices, though no independent reporting has yet substantiated specific allegations.

The Catholic Church's Synod has put forward proposals to reform canon law that would give greater decision-making weight to laypeople and women within the Church. The measures would change the legal framework governing how authority is exercised, moving beyond a solely clerical structure. The proposals are drawing attention as a significant step in the Church's ongoing debate over governance and the role of non-ordained members.

The Reformed Church of New Paltz in New York's Hudson Valley is hosting Applestock on Saturday. Details about the event's program, schedule and organizers have not yet been widely reported, and it is not yet clear what activities the gathering will include or who is expected to attend.

The Vatican's nuncio to Germany has told the German bishops that fidelity to the Pope and the Eucharist are what keep the Church from becoming a 'Christian-flavored NGO'. The warning, reported by EWTN News, appears directed at the direction of Catholicism in Germany amid ongoing debates over reform and the Church's role.