Increasing numbers and environmental concerns at the Hajj
The Religion News Service reports that two million Muslims are expected in Mecca this week for the annual Hajj pilgrimage which starts today, the first without any restrictions since the Covid pandemic. The report says Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed a vision that 30 million pilgrims would take part in the Hajj and Umrah — smaller, year-round pilgrimages – by 2030. But that figure is ten million more than pre-pandemic annual levels. The increases led to a warning from Australian climate scientists who suggested that the five-day Hajj, with flights and living costs, produces over 1.8 million tons of greenhouse gases, roughly the amount New York City emits every two weeks. Another study in 2022 on the environmental sustainability of the Hajj considered how collaborative planning could enable Saudi Arabia to achieve its goal of getting half its energy from renewable resources by 2030. Muslim activists have launched “Ummah for Earth” encouraging people to undertake only one Hajj and adopt other green ways of living. Associated Press Hajj explainer here.
Our weekly briefing includes a discussion of these issues tomorrow at 1200. Details here
Pope tells journalists to use their notebook, pen and “gaze”
Pope Francis has told a group of visiting journalists that their work requires curiosity, openness and passion as they “wear out the soles of their shoes or walk the digital streets” listening to people’s stories. He was speaking at the Vatican to a delegation from the Biagio Agnes International Journalism Prize, named after the former director of the Italian radio and TV public service RAI. He singled out for praise the journalists covering wars. Regarding the trade in general, he said there were three essential elements of journalism – the notebook, pen, and gaze. The notebook was not just an account of history, but an encounter with a story. The pen, though used less now, connected thoughts, checked details and was the tool for creative skill. And the gaze must be directed from the heart, to “dispel the shadows” and “build a better civilization.” He encouraged journalists to support the dissemination of correct information, educating and training the younger generations.
Church of England warned not to rush “re-set” safeguarding process
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell declined the invitation to call the sacking of two members of the Church of England’s Safeguarding Board a mess. Interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme, he said he couldn’t say how sorry he was that the process hadn’t worked, it broke his heart this had happened, he recognised that survivors would be troubled, but there had been a breakdown of communication and trust. The church needed to move towards a fully independent safeguarding board and it was working towards that, described as a ”re-set”. Meanwhile Justin Humphreys, chief executive of the independent Christian safeguarding advice charity Thirtyone:eight, has cautioned the CofE against rushing the “re-set” process. He said time should be taken to properly learn the lessons of what went wrong and why. Thinking Anglicans has collated comment here
Kenya starvation cult accused dies after hunger strike
CNN reports that a Kenyan accused of involvement in the deaths of 337 people who were persuaded to starve to death to see Jesus more quickly, has himself died in prison after a hunger strike. Joseph Buyuka was among 30 people in custody over the deaths and died after going on hunger strike for ten days. Pastor Paul Mackenzie, a former taxi driver who led the Good News International Church, is among those awaiting trial. Police have exhumed hundreds of bodies including many children. There have been reports that a total of 600 people have been declared missing.
Protests as Pride flag banned in US city by all male and Muslim council
A protest was held this weekend in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan, where the all male, all Muslim city council banned the Pride flag from being flown on city property. The city has a multicultural population of 28,000 and in 2015 elected a six strong city council who are all Muslims. The Guardian reports that the resolution also prohibits the display of flags with ethnic, racist and political views. It quotes the mayor, Amer Ghalib, saying LGBTQ+ supporters had stoked tension by “forcing their agendas on others” but now there was an over-reaction. The former Hamtramck mayor Karen Majewski, who is Polish American, told the Guardian that there was a sense of betrayal as a previous white, Christian-majority city council allowed the Muslim call to prayer to be broadcast from the city’s mosques five times daily. It quotes her saying: “We supported you when you were threatened, and now our rights are threatened”.
Rishi Sunak missed vote on Boris Johnson report because he was at Jewish Care event
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has explained that he missed the vote on the Privileges Committee report into Boris Johnson, because he was attending an event organised by the charity Jewish Care. He told Laura Kuenssberg on her BBC TV show yesterday that he had already demonstrated his integrity and commitment to his principles by resigning as Chancellor last year. He fully supported and respected the work of the Committee for their thorough job, and the decision of the House. “It’s right for people, whatever their position, face responsibility and accountability for their actions. That has happened and most importantly, Boris Johnson is no longer an MP.” Jewish News report here
Archbishop interviews Nick Cave for BBC Radio 4
Nick Cave, songwriter, poet and author, has spoken to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the fourth of his series of interviews recorded for BBC radio 4. He reflected on his life, faith and grief, facing the death of two sons aged 15 and 31. “I started to feel the precarious nature of our existence. We could just die at any moment.”
Prayer book owned by priest who saved King Charles II goes on display
A prayer book once owned by a Catholic priest who helped save the life of King Charles II by hiding him in a priest’s hole at Moseley Old Hall, in Staffordshire, will be put on display there after being acquired by the National Trust. The Missale Romanum, published in 1623, contains prayers and liturgy for the ecclesiastical year. It is signed by Father John Huddleston, the priest who received Charles II into the Catholic faith and who protected him after the defeat by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The book was found in a second hand shop and bought for sixpence and it was years before the owner realised its significance and worth. The National Trust bought it at auction and it will take its place in an exhibition at Moseley Old Hall, the house that saved a King.
