Rishi Sunak’s British Asian heritage more significant than his Hindu faith
Rishi Sunak’s frequent reference to integrity and service, the morals underpinning his politics, stem from his commitment to the Hindu religion, according to panellists at a Religion Media Centre briefing yesterday. They said the call to be fair, compassionate and treat everyone equally should also be included. But Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad, from Lancaster University, suggested it was Sunak’s Asian heritage that was of more significance in his political fortune than his Hindu faith and people should be careful as to what was being celebrated. Sunder Katwala said Sunak would not want to be seen through the prism of Hinduism, but to work across communities. It was an historical coincidence that Sunak, the first Hindu Prime Minister, would be present at the coronation of King Charles III, who has been such an advocate for multiculturalism. A full report and film of the briefing will go up later today.
Churches in Northern Ireland challenge government over abortion provision
Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic churches have appealed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, to slow the pace of change over abortion legislation. He announced this week that the UK Government will direct the health service in Northern Ireland to provide full abortion facilities – at present many women travel to England. The church leaders have asked the government not to add unnecessarily to the democratic deficit by imposing new laws while the power-sharing government at Stormont is suspended.
Christian Aid urges government to re-set approach to the aid budget
Christian Aid is urging the new Prime Minister to show leadership on the climate crisis “by supporting a swift just transition to net zero while also urgently helping the millions of people on the brink of famine in East Africa by restoring the aid budget”. In a statement, the Chief Executive of Christian Aid, Patrick Watt said: “In the face of the worst global cost of living crisis in a generation, the new Prime Minister must re-set the UK government’s approach. We need a commitment that he will not balance the books on the back of the poorest people, either at home or abroad.”
Church Society criticises Living in Love and Faith documents
A report from the conservative Church Society criticises documents which are meant to guide Church of England bishops as they take decisions about same sex marriage. The publications summarise responses from the consultation exercise “Living in Love and Faith” and document a survey. The Church Society criticises methodology, the relationship between the survey and the consultation, lack of clarity over who filled out the forms and the bias of the researchers. A rebuttal takes issue with various points including the percentage of people who are LGBT and the representation of people who gave their comments. The matter comes up for a vote at the General Synod in February.
Franklin Graham wins damages after Glasgow event cancelled
Franklin Graham, the son of the late Dr Billy Graham, has been awarded £97,000 in damages after his event in Glasgow was cancelled in May 2020. He had been due to appear at the Hydro, but the event was cancelled after a meeting with Glasgow City Council. They were afraid about security after opposition on social media. Graham has conservative views on same sex relationships, which has caused anger among LGBT campaigning groups.
Japan’s economy minister quits over links with the Moonies
The Times reports that Japan’s economy minister has resigned after failing to tell the truth about attending meetings of the Unification Church, otherwise known as the Moonies. He had initially claimed he could not remember the meetings then confessed they had happened. Links between the Moonies and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have emerged since the former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, was assassinated by a gunman with a grievance against the church’s links with the government.
