Archbishop “extremely concerned” at impact of cost of living on the poorest in society
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said he is “deeply sceptical” of trickle-down economics and could see no moral case for budgets that disproportionately affect the poor. Speaking to the Guardian from Australia, where he is on a two week visit, he said he did not wish to be party political, but he could not see why the rich should be given more money and there should be a way of distributing wealth sufficiently. He was extremely concerned at the impact of the cost of living crisis on the poorest this winter, which was coming at us “like a monstrous wave”. During his visit, he saw the work of Anglicare SA, South Australia’s largest social services provider. Guardian interview here >>
The late Sir David Amess MP nominated for sainthood by Muslim constituent
A Muslim constituent of the late Sir David Amess MP in Southend, is leading a campaign for him to be made a saint. Karim Annabi, an American, British and Algerian national, who now lives in Southend, told the local paper that he was “blown away” by Sir David’s devout service to the people. He wanted to nominate him as a gesture of unity and to promote faith and peace. Sir David, a devout Catholic known for his strong faith, was stabbed to death a year ago while conducting a constituency surgery, in an act of terrorism which shocked the country. Bishop Alan Williams, of the Diocese of Brentwood, told the paper that Sir David was a ‘shining example’ to people of all faiths, but canonisation would be difficult as it would require proof of miracles performed. He said the usual procedure is that the church writes to the local diocese and the case is considered in Rome. This doesn’t deter Mr Annabi, who says that a Muslim nominating a Catholic may be unprecedented, but “we must always endeavour to think of, and support, new ways to foster a more peaceful coexistence”. Factsheet here >>
LSE opens research unit on religion and global society
A research unit looking at religion and global society has opened at the LSE, the London School of Economics and Political Science, thanks to a £1.25 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust. It is led by the Rev James Walters, professor in practice at the LSE’s department of international relations, director of the LSE Faith Centre, chaplain to the university and member of the general synod of the Church of England. The unit aims to understand how faith influences the public sphere, and will provide online resources, conferences, workshops and courses. The Church Times reports that the unit will focus on three themes: creating plural spaces; women of faith and peace-building; and climate change and interfaith relations.
Pope says global synod consultation will last one more year
Pope Francis has announced that the bishops’ meeting to discuss the global consultation on the future of the church, will last for one more year than first anticipated. Speaking at the Vatican yesterday he said more time was needed for “discernment”, to gather more views and consider the response. The gathering of bishops will now take place in two stages, first in October 2023 and second in October 2024. The “synodical” consultation involves every Catholic member, lay and clerical, giving their view on the church’s response to issues in society and its own organisation and authority. AP reports that participation in some countries has been below 10 per cent and the process has received negative reaction from traditionalists.
Dabinderjit Singh not included on list of Labour life peers
Dabinderjit Singh, a former Director at the National Audit Office and the principal adviser of the Sikh Federation, has not been included on a list of Labour life peers. The political peerages, advised by the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he left office, lists 22 people from all parties and cross benchers. The Sikh Federation (UK) says Dabinderjit Singh has been denied a peerage, has been subject to appalling treatment over the last two years and is considering legal action against the Labour Party for the impact on his career, reputation and health. It says the decision shows that a foreign government has been successful in blocking a peerage and the Sikh Federation (UK) has raised the matter with Buckingham Palace. Full Sikh Federation statement is here >>
Tension in India fuelling division in American diaspora
The Associated Press carries a report on tensions between Hindus and Muslims in America, which is compared to the violence in Leicester last month. The article “Religious polarization in India seeping into US diaspora” quotes a university dean saying that Hindu nationalism has split the Indian expatriate community. The report says communities who have lived peaceably until now, experience fear and retaliation if they express any views about the Indian government. It says interfaith community groups have been set up for people of all faiths from India, in efforts to ease tensions. AP article is here >>
Thousands of Jews migrate to Israel from Ukraine and Russia
A report in the Observer says 13,000 Ukrainians with Jewish heritage have emigrated to Israel, and an unexpectedly high number – 26,000 – have migrated from Russia, which represents one in eight of the Russian Jewish population. A further 35,000 are said to have applied and are waiting for paperwork to be completed. The report quotes one Russian saying he didn’t want to be part of the call up against Ukraine. The Israeli government has brought departments together to work on accommodation, flights and budgets for the people arriving.
