Historic churches destroyed in Maui wildfire zone as clergy are “overwhelmed”
The Episcopalian News Service reports that the vicar in the middle of the scenes of wildfire devastation in Maui, has spoken of the overwhelming task of locating people and ensuring their safety and survival. Three episcopal churches on the island that escaped the fire, are gathering donations of food and essential supplies to people without homes. ENS story and pics here The wildfires have killed at least 90 people, led to 11,000 people being evacuated from the area, and destroyed at least one thousand buildings, including the 200 year old Waiola mission church, a centre for community meetings and the burial site of early members of the Hawaiian royal family. Fire also destroyed the historic Holy Innocents Episcopal church. Its vicar, the Rev Bruce DeGooyer, said: “It is overwhelming here… even the kupuna — elders — have never experienced anything like it.” Holy Innocents is in Lahaina, the worst affected area on the island and the capital of Hawaii until 1845. The church is of historical significance with a Native Hawaiian Kanaka Madonna above the altar, and names on the pews of Native Hawaiians. But the nearby Maria Lanakila Catholic Church has miraculously escaped. A film on CNA’s website shows every other building around it destroyed by fire, but it stands unscathed.
Catholic archbishop in Manipur appeals for help to stop the violence
The Catholic archbishop in Manipur, north east India, has spoken of continuing suspicion and animosity between the largely Hindu Meitei and mainly Christian Kuki tribes. Archbishop Dominic Lumon has contacted Aid to the Church In Need, to appeal for prayers, help and support. The area has been without internet for three months as authorities seek to quell the unrest, which has resulted in more than 180 deaths, more than 300 wounded and around 55,000 people displaced. Three hundred churches and church buildings have been destroyed. He writes: “the situation is still grim and tense. So far, no lasting political solutions have been found and the apathy and the silence of the authorities continues.”
Russian Orthodox priests cancelled for opposing the war in Ukraine
The human rights group “Christians Against War” has found that at least 30 Russian Orthodox priests have “faced pressure by the religious or state authorities” for failing to support the war in Ukraine. The Associated Press reports that new legislation outlaws “discrediting the Russian army”, including social media posts or prayers in church. AP cites one example of a priest, Ioann Koval, who had his priestly rank removed by the church after refusing to pray for victory early on in the war. He has since been re-instated by the Orthodox Church in Constantinople, which has asserted a right to receive petitions of appeal from other Orthodox churches’ clergy. Another, Ioann Burdin, was fined for discrediting the army, declined to make a public apology, and is publishing his sermons on Telegram. AP says that of more than 40,000 clergymen in the Russian Orthodox Church, only 300 have signed a public letter calling for peace in Ukraine. Full report on AP here
The vicar of St Andrews Moscow returns to a village church in England
The Rev Malcolm Rogers and his wife Alison have returned to the UK after ten years at St Andrew’s Church in Moscow, close to the Kremlin. Now serving in a village church, they have been speaking to reporter Bob Walker for the Heart and Soul programme on BBC Radio 4. They were in Russia during the Ukraine war and the Salisbury poisonings, but now they are back in the UK, they can speak more freely. Mr Rogers said he was against sanctions taken out against Patriarch Kirill, who supported the war, as this was interpreted as an attack on the Orthodox church. He believes “there is no justification for what is clearly an illegal war, which has caused devastation in Ukraine and has also caused devastation to so many Russian people”. He has spoken warmly of the kindness of the people of Moscow, and looks back fondly on his congregation which was a curious mix, with MI5 and the FBI officers in the pews, alongside FSB minders.
Church sex abuse survivor says CofE’s response made him feel “re-abused”
The only report completed by the now disbanded Independent Safeguarding Board of the Church of England, was into the case of a man sexually abused 40 years ago at Chichester Cathedral. He has spoken to the Sunday Times about the church’s investigation and its effect on him, saying his treatment by the church felt like he had been re-abused. His offer of compensation was dramatically reduced, he has suffered from mental health issues and spent time at The Priory, he fell into debt and drank heavily. The inquiry into his case took ten years to complete and revealed people in the church knew about the abuse of boys but did nothing. The ISB took up the case in 2018 and published a highly critical report – the only one achieved before its members were sacked. His abuser was sentenced in 2001, to 16 years in prison for offences against 12 boys.
Democracy “essential to realise humanist principles“
The World Humanist Congress meeting in Denmark has issued the “Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy: a humanist value”. It says democracy is a universal fundamental value that is essential to the realisation of humanist principles worldwide. “Norms, laws and regulations” need to be open and updated with ethical conversation and rational debate: “Democracy, which is founded on the principle of the equal value, dignity, and right to participate of every individual, is a humanist way of organising that conversation and debate”. It says democracy should be a fundamental value protected by all societies and is a powerful tool for social justice, human dignity, and the common good. Declaration is here
Oklahoma court case to stop state funding Catholic school
The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil organisations, are taking legal action against Oklahoma state for its decision to fund St Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The decision would create America’s first religious public charter school, which opponents claim would violate law ensuring church and state are separate. They say it would allow evangelisation, indoctrination and a religious education; further it would discriminate in admissions, discipline, and employment, and would be overseen by the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, which they say is against regulations. The Guardian quotes Oklahoma’s Republican governor Kevin Stitt, saying the decision is a win for religious liberty. And state superintendent Ryan Walters, who is named in the lawsuit, condemned the legal action as “religious persecution”. Full story is here
Worship at Harlow mosque continues in spite of latest arson attack
Prayers and services have continued as normal at Northbrooks mosque in Harlow, Essex, days after a suspected arson attack damaged curtains and carpets. The BBC reports that the mosque has been a frequent target for vandalism with windows smashed, dog faeces on the doorstep and CCTV cameras damaged. Around 600 people attend the mosque each week and after the attack, its Friday Prayers were packed out with people crowded outside. The Imam said neighbours were welcoming, but there have been issues with young people. Two teenage boys have been released on bail under investigation over what police are treating as “racially aggravated” arson.
Cathedral organists drawn into heavy metal
The pipe organ could soon attract a whole new audience after a heavy metal band seized on the idea of incorporating its sound. The leader of the Doom Band, “Ard”, Mark Deeks, told BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme: “The pipe organ is a very vast and epic sounding instrument. It’s got a huge dynamic range. And it just screams powerful and epic in its qualities”. A composer, conductor, pianist and music director, Mark’s songs are known for telling stories of Northumbrian myth and legend, so his music has been labelled his “monastic duty”. The band’s gig at the 300 Club in Huddersfield last week included cathedral organist David Pipe, who had melodies and chords and then improvised: “I tried to be quite wide ranging, but I’ve not played in a band like that before”. The event was an astonishing success with 400 people attending and now Ard is after more bookings in cathedrals and churches across Britain.
