CofE “overseers” opposed to same sex blessings will be appointed today
A group of evangelicals in the Church of England are taking unilateral action today, in their continuing opposition to same sex blessings, by creating “overseers”, people who will take over duties of a local bishop in offering spiritual and pastoral oversight to people who agree with them. The service, at 1200 at All Soul’s Church, Langham Place, was heralded by a letter from “The Alliance”, the Church of England Evangelical Council and others, to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York at the end of June. The move was discussed in a Religion Media Centre briefing on how the CofE survives its deep divisions. The Rev Dr Charlie Bell suggested this act broke the CofE canons, church law, by defying obedience to the bishops. The Rev Dr Ian Paul, a member of the CEEC and the Archbishops’ Council, said the oath was obedience “in all things lawful and honest”, but he claimed the bishops had not been honest in their dealings with the church, and in any event this was not a parallel legal jurisdiction, but “stepping into the breach to provide spiritual oversight”. The briefing considered, with an ecclesiastical lawyer, whether allowing same sex blessings amounted to a change of doctrine. It also included a reflection from a conservative church member so distressed that she might leave the church, a gay priest who said homophobia had never been addressed, and parish priest the Rev Jody Stowell, who said her congregation had people with different views but they wanted to stay together, a model she wanted to take “up into the into the structures”. View the briefing again or listen to the podcast – links will soon be on our website here.
Humanists UK say 60 per cent of MPs took a religious oath
Humanists UK say that 60 per cent of MPs took a religious oath when they were sworn in to parliament this week. Their analysis is that of the 650 total, 338 swore on the Bible, 14 on the Quran and 3 on the Bhagavad Gita. The other 40 per cent (249 MPs), including half the cabinet, made an affirmation without reference to God, a higher number than 2019 when 24 per cent of all MPs chose the non-religion option. The report says 47 per cent of Labour and Lib Dem MPs affirmed, compared with only 9 per cent of Conservatives. All the Greens, six out of nine SNP MPs, and one of four Reform MPs, affirmed. The numbers reflect 2021 census results showing 65 per cent across the UK have a religious affiliation. The Eastern Eye reports on the intake of 26 Indian origin MPs, including Sikhs, Hindus and Independents.
Free churches urge government to put the vulnerable first
A joint statement following the General Election from Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Church leaders urges the new government to put the needs of the vulnerable and marginalised at the forefront of its policies. They also encourage the government to work in partnership with local communities to tackle these issues, welcoming the Prime Minister’s commitment to build strong partnerships with faith groups. The statement points to urgent challenges of increasing poverty, refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, climate change, the NHS, the criminal justice system, education, public finances, services and integrity in public life. It says: “It is clear that there is an appetite for change in the country, but also a need to restore faith in the ability of politics to meet these challenges”.
Ampleforth College safeguarding report about to be published
The Charity Commission’s report into safeguarding at Ampleforth College will be published later today. The College is run by the St Laurence Education Trust, and the adjoining monastery by the Ampleforth Abbey Trust. The college has been the subject of a series of reports in recent years over sexual abuse of pupils, safeguarding and the quality of its education. This inquiry was into regulatory standards and how it aimed to restore public trust. The story will be published on our website later this morning here
Pope: Review role of women in the church by looking at what they do
Pope Francis has spoken of women suffering because of the lack of recognition for what they do. Writing in the preface of the book “Women and Ministries in the Synodal Church,” by two cardinals and three female theologians, he said: “We realise that in many places and in many situations women suffer precisely because of the lack of recognition for what they are and what they do, and also for what they could do and be if only they had the space and opportunity. The women who suffer the most are often those who are closest, those who are most available, prepared, and ready to serve God and His Kingdom.” Theology that falls into the trap of clear and distinct ideas transforms “into a Procrustean bed”, sacrificing reality on the altar of the idea. The Rome Synod’s review of the role of women in the church “does not start from the idea, but from listening to reality, from the wise interpretation of the experience of women in the Church.”
Rouen Cathedral spire catches fire
The spire of the Gothic Rouen Cathedral, which dates back to thre 12th century, caught fire during renovation works, catching a plastic sheet over scaffolding. Its spire is made of metal not wood and the fire was quickly extinguished. There were firewalls within the structure to prevent another disaster like Notre Dame, where the spire was destroyed. 28 pieces of art were removed as a precaution, but no works of art were damaged.
Two people stabbed by teenager at Gravesend gurdwara
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two worshippers were reportedly stabbed at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend last night. Kent Police said that two people sustained non life-threatening injuries and are being treated locally. The police are not looking for any other suspects.
