Census results on religion in England and Wales out today
The 2021 National Census results for England and Wales, indicating religious affiliation, will be published this morning (Tuesday 29 Nov) at 0930 on the ONS website here. It is widely predicted that they will show a continuing decline in Christian affiliation, a rise in those ticking the box “non-religion” and a rise in the numbers of people in minority religions to the UK. Humanists UK have issued a statement in advance of the figures, arguing with the wording of the census question “What is your religion”, and taking issue with research suggesting people who tick “non religion” are in fact religious. The RMC is holding a media briefing on the results and what they mean, at 1200 today, Tuesday 29 November. Sign up here
Rowan Williams says the rich and powerful must compensate the poor affected by climate change
The former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has urged rich countries and wealthy individuals to provide the money for poor countries affected by climate change disasters. In an interview for The Guardian, he welcomed Cop 27’s agreement to set up a loss and damage fund but said this was only a hope at this stage and needed concrete offers of help to succeed. He thought a windfall tax on oil and gas producers was a good thought and to be welcomed. And he said countries should consider excluding fossil fuel companies from future Cop meetings, as these were not the places for that kind of lobbying.
Church leaders discuss with the President unfinished business of peace in Ireland
Church leaders from all main denominations in Ireland have met the President, Michael D Higgins, to re-affirm commitment to reconciliation and peace building on the island of Ireland, which they acknowledged was unfinished business. They also discussed the economic crisis, climate change and famine in the Horn of Africa. Leaders included the Irish Council of Churches, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Church of Ireland, the Catholic church in all Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland.
China seeks friendly consensus with the Vatican after bishop appointment row
The Associated Press reports comments from China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, that the country is willing to expand the “friendly consensus” achieved with the Vatican over bishop nominations. This follows an outspoken attack by the Vatican at the weekend, saying Beijing had installed Bishop John Peng Weizhao as an auxiliary bishop in the province of Jiangxi, which the Vatican doesn’t recognise as a diocese. This flew in the face of a 2018 accord allowing the Pope to appoint and veto bishops approved by the Chinese Communist Party. Zhao told a press briefing that he was unaware of the specific situation involving Bishop Peng, but there had been good relations and “harmonious development” of Chinese Catholicism in recent years and China was willing to jointly maintain the spirit of the interim agreement.
Cardinal Becciu secret recordings allegation
A new investigation into former high ranking Vatican official Cardinal Angelo Becciu, is underway in Rome, after allegations that he secretly recorded a conversation with Pope Francis. Becciu once held a top rank as the Pope’s chief of staff, but he is on trial for financial mismanagement and corruption, and the new allegations, together with a recording, were presented to judges in the court. The Vatican prosecutor said it was evidence that Becciu was trying to coerce the pope to say something that could have redeemed him at the trial, a case of criminal conspiracy. Religion News Service report here
Islamic seminary in Dewsbury closes after poor Ofsted report
Darul Uloom Dewsbury, an Islamic seminary and independent boarding school for boys and young men, which has produced thousands of Islamic scholars in its 43 year history, is to close in December. A letter is reported to have been sent by the headmaster to parents explaining challenging conditions following a new inspection framework and financial difficulties. Ofsted rated the school inadequate at its last inspection and said it did not meet required standards in several respects. The letter said the school prepared to appeal Oftsed’s decision, but rather than receiving a court order for closure, they agreed it would be better to completely close the Institute before restrictions were imposed.
Methodist minister resigns in disagreement over same sex marriage
A Methodist minister has said several lay preachers in Yorkshire are not able to continue because they disagree with the church’s ruling on allowing same-sex marriage. Speaking in a vlog, Steve Clark, who has been a minister for 30 years, said he too disagreed, but he was able to continue preaching while his lay colleagues were not. He felt this was unjust so he resigned. Premier Christian News says Methodist Evangelicals Together is aware of several lay preachers in this situation, which was “heart-breaking”. It quotes the Methodist Church in Britain’s response that it recognises two definitions of marriage, between a man and woman and between any two people. This is a change to church practice but not to doctrinal standards.
Bishop of Sheffield diagnosed with cancer five days after nomination
The Church Times reports on an address by the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, to his diocesan synod, where he spoke candidly of his diagnosis of colon cancer and five years of treatment which have led to him being no longer at risk. The diagnosis came five days after his nomination as bishop and triggered a change: “This illness was not raising the question whether I would be the Bishop of Sheffield; it was raising the question, what sort of bishop I would be.”
Trump condemned for meeting men known for antisemitic views
The Jewish Chronicle reports that Donald Trump held a dinner party at Mar-a-Lago with Kanye West, whose antisemitic tweets and comments have caused a storm of protest, and Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist, antisemite, holocaust denier and racist. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said that West unexpectedly showed up with three friends including Fuentes. Democrats, anti-racist groups and some Republicans have condemned Trump for holding the meeting. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said Fuentes is among the most prominent and unapologetic antisemites in the country.
