Catholic bishop says treat refugees as people not problems
MPs voted through the government’s Illegal Migration Bill, by a majority of 63, despite opposition from some of their backbenchers and in preceding days, Gary Lineker and faith leaders. The lead Catholic bishop for migrants and refugees, Bishop Paul McAleenan, appealed for refugees to be treated as people not problems to be solved. In a statement he said those choosing to come to the UK are fleeing persecution, conflict and poverty and choose danger because there are no safe routes: “Everyone who makes a dangerous journey across the Channel to build a better life here has a name, a face, and a story… While we all wish to end dangerous Channel crossings, this new legislation treats migrants and refugees as a problem to be solved rather than brothers and sisters towards whom we have responsibilities” .
Conservative peers criticise Board of Deputies for stand against bill
Jewish News reports that conservative peers Lords Polak and Leigh have criticised the Board of Deputies for its statement that it has significant concerns over the immigration bill. Lord Stuart Polak wrote that it as outrageous that the Board of Deputies appeared to have been hijacked as a vehicle to push a left leaning agenda. Lord Howard Leigh said the Board’s statement was outside its scope. Allies of Board president Marie van der Zyl are quoted saying the Board was reflecting genuine concern from within the community.
Fire which destroyed Rohingya refugee shelters started deliberately
A fire in a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh, leaving more than 12,000 without shelter, was a planned act of sabotage, according to a government investigation. Reuters reports that the inquiry found the fire started in several places at the same time, proving it was planned possibly by rival groups within the camp. The blaze destroyed shelters, hospitals and learning centres. The Rohingya have been in the camps for six years since fleeing Myanmar.
Pope Francis: ‘For my anniversary I would like peace‘
Pope Francis has given an interview to “The Popecast”, a Vatican podcast, published today his tenth anniversary in office. He says he never imagined he would be the Pope to lead the church at the time of the Third World War. He said: “Behind the wars, there is the arms industry. This is diabolical”. He said he suffered to see young men dying and if he were to receive a gift on his anniversary, it would be peace. He said the most beautiful moment was when he met elderly grandparents in St Peter’s Square in 2014: “Old people are wisdom and they help me so much. I too am old, am I not?”. The Popecast is here
Pope says celibacy is a temporary measure
In an interview with Argentine publication Infobae, Pope Francis said: “There is no contradiction for a priest to marry. Celibacy in the western Church is a temporary prescription. It is not eternal like priestly ordination, which is for ever, whether you like it or not. On the other hand, celibacy is a discipline.” Catholics in Germany have requested that celibacy is ended.
Faith leaders ask PM to raise taxes on the rich
41 faith leaders have written an open letter to the Prime Minister, calling for higher taxes on highest income earners to tackle the cost of living crisis. The signatories include 16 bishops and the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Rowan Williams. The letter was co-ordinated by the campaign group “Stop The Squeeze” and calls for a “moral re-evaluation” of the tax system and a compassionate response to the financial crisis affecting families. It says tomorrow’s Spring Budget is an opportunity to find solutions.
Spanish church sex abuse investigation hears from 445 people
The Associated Press reports that an independent commission in Spain into historic sex abuse by the Catholic church has collected testimonies from 445 people in its first year of investigations. It says the government was forced to act after allegations of abuse involving more than 1,200 victims were published in El País, provoking public outrage. AP charts similar investigations in Ireland, Portugal, France and Australia.
Hillsong announces financial review
Hillsong’s new global leader, Phil Dooley, has announced a review into financial structures after an Australian MP accused leaders of using church money to “do the kind of shopping that would embarrass a Kardashian”, with business class flights and using “private jets like Ubers”. He said leaked documents alleged that the church was breaking laws relating to fraud, money laundering and tax evasion. Dooley and the chair of the Hillsong Global Board, Stephen Crouch, issued a statement on Sunday announcing that a third party would begin a review of the church’s financial structure and systems. Hillsong reported an income of $76 million in 2021, down from previous years.
