Faith leaders plan parallel G20 meeting next month
Plans have been announced for the IF20, the interfaith gathering that runs alongside the G20 meeting of heads of state, which takes place at the World Peace Dome, Pune, India, next month. Called “Shaping World Peace and Sustainable Development through Interfaith Harmony”, faith leaders from all over the world will meet from 5 – 7 September, to discuss faith perspectives on issues pre-occupying political leaders, such as climate change, human trafficking, refugees and women’s rights. At the last G20 in Indonesia, the main faith event at the conference was the R20, a newly constituted organisation led by Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim al-Issa, Saudi Arabian politician and secretary-general of the Muslim World League. The IF20 held its meeting two months after the G20. But this year, it is back as the central faith event round the G20. Its President is Prof W Cole Durham, professor of law at Brigham Young University, which is founded, supported, and guided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Churches and homes of Christians in Pakistan vandalised after blasphemy accusation
Eight churches and several homes have been vandalised in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a Christian man was accused of making blasphemous comments against Islam. The National Commission for Human Rights said the situation was “sad and shameful” and the UK’s envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Fiona Bruce MP, said she was horrified. The violence followed the arrest of two men accused of “desecrating the holy Quran and abusing the Prophet Mohammed.” The home of one of the men was set on fire. The churches targeted in Faisalabad were Catholic, Salvation Army and Pentecostal. CNN story here
Family defend portrayal of Bernstein in film about his life
The family of the famous composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein, has defended the decision of the actor playing him in the film “Maestro”, to wear a large prosthetic nose. Critics have likened it to nonblack performers playing black characters. But Bernstein’s family say it’s fine to use makeup to amplify his resemblance. Bernstein was the son of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants and died in 1990. The actor playing him in Maestro is Bradley Cooper, who also co-wrote and directed the film.
Jesuit university seized by government in Nicaragua
The Jesuits say that their University of Central America in Nicaragua has been confiscated by the government, with all its property, buildings and bank account seized. The Associated Press reports that this is the latest in a series of expulsions, closures and confiscations by the regime, targeting the Roman Catholic Church and opposition. The Vatican closed its embassy in Nicaragua in April, after the government proposed suspending diplomatic relations.
Judge’s religious freedom training order for Texas lawyers challenged in court
“Fix The Court!”, a group which monitors US courts, has filed a complaint against the federal judge in Texas, who ordered “religious-liberty training” for three Southwest Airlines lawyers, after they failed to comply with a court order in a case about abortion. They were involved in the story of an airline attendant who was sacked after posting anti-abortion posts on social media. Fix the Court said the training order was “strange and unprecedented.”
Netflix series launches about a boy who performs miracles like Jesus
A series about a 12-year-old boy who thinks he has the abilities of Jesus, launched on Netflix last night. “The Chosen One” is based on the comic book series “American Jesus”, following the story of a boy who can turn water into wine, make the disabled walk and even raise the dead, but is conflicted over how to use his powers to confront the anti-Christ. The comic books were written by Mark Miller, who also produced the film. He has dismissed criticism that the films mock Jesus, saying he is a devout Catholic and he tells the story straight, adding he would never do anything to harm a person’s faith.
Methodists in Edinburgh offer festival goers a moment of calm reflection
The city of Edinburgh Methodist church in Edinburgh and the Methodist project “Hope & Anchor” are putting on their own show at the Edinburgh festival this month. They are offering “an immersive storytelling experience, offering a micro-Sabbath experience with moments of silence and reflection, and moments of creative participation”. It is intended to be a moment of calm reflection while Edinburgh buzzes with activity. Called “Lost in Wonder”, it portrays something mysterious and inexplicable, whose essence is love.
