Sir Keir Starmer vows to keep British Muslims safe after Southport attack
In the aftermath of the mob violence in Southport when a mosque was targeted, Sir Keir Starmer has told British Muslims: “Let me be very clear: I will take every step that’s necessary to keep you safe.” Leaders inside Southport mosque when it was attacked with bricks, bottles and other missiles, said afterwards that they feared for their lives. The Muslim Council of Britain has urged mosques to strengthen security during Friday prayers. Sir Keir has also announced that a new national violent disorder programme would allow police forces to share intelligence across boundaries, and he vowed action to tackle social media, saying violent disorder was clearly whipped up online.
Diocese of London warns evangelicals over commissioning parallel leaders
The diocese of London has warned clergy in charge of All Souls Langham Place and St Helen’s Bishopsgate that the services of commissioning of lay leaders and spiritual “overseers” , by opponents of same sex blessings, must abide by the laws of the Church of England. “Overseers” will give spiritual advice to clergy and congregations opposed to same sex relationships who cannot accept the authority of their bishop. Lay leaders will lead congregations, be trained by orthodox clergy and lead “informal church family meals”, whose description sounds like Holy Communion. The Diocese says it is aware of questions raised, wants to ensure that church law is upheld and re-affirms the CofE is trying to work out a way for people divided on this issue to remain united. Francis Martin, writing in The Church Times, reports on the repercussions from the services. He says the seven lay leaders commissioned at St Helen’s Bishopsgate, have not been named because they fear sanctions by their bishop.
Dr Aaron Edwards loses case against Cliff College for dismissal over a tweet
Dr Aaron Edwards has lost his employment tribunal case against his former employer, the Methodist Cliff College in Derbyshire. He had taken legal action on the grounds of harassment, discrimination and unfair dismissal. Dr Edwards was a lecturer in Christian theology and was sacked for bringing the college into disrepute after he posted a tweet saying “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true. This *is* a “Gospel issue”, by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.” Cliff College asked him to take it down, he refused, there was a disciplinary hearing and he was sacked. Cliff College said in a statement that it was pleased with the outcome: “Cliff College is proud to be an institution where those with differing convictions are welcomed and challenged to live together as faithful disciples of Christ”. Dr Edwards, who was supported by Christian Concern, said the decision was evidence of “how entrenched LGBT+ ideology is, even with the legal system”. He said justice had not been done and he will appeal.
London rabbi performing circumcisions in Dublin is arrested
The Irish Times reports that a London-based rabbi has been remanded in custody by Dublin District Court, accused of travelling to Ireland to perform an illegal circumcision on a young child. The report says that Jonathan Abraham, 47, was arrested in Dublin on Tuesday and is charged with carrying out a surgical procedure, male circumcision on a child, without being a registered medical practitioner at an address in Dublin 15. The offence is contrary to the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 and, in a higher court, can result in a maximum fine of €130,000 and five years’ imprisonment. The Dublin court was told that Rabbi Abraham is a “Mohel”, a person qualified to carry out circumcisions and had done so for 13 years. He has yet to enter a plea and will appear in court again on 6 August. Philip Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, has tweeted that he has been in contact with his counterpart from the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, which has made clear that the case at the centre of the story did not involve Jewish babies or the Jewish community. The statement says they want to ensure that Jewish circumcisions can continue to be performed legally in Ireland.
200 people in the TV and film industry tell the BBC board “Jews Don’t Count” in the corporation
Jewish News reports that more than 200 people from the TV and film industry have called for an urgent investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the BBC. In an open letter to the BBC board, they say represent BBC staff, contractors, suppliers and contributors from across the television and film industries, who are in “anguish and disbelief” that previous complaints about coverage and social media breaches amid the Israel-Hamas war have not been dealt with. They say there is a widespread opinion that “when it comes to racism and discrimination at the BBC, ‘Jews don’t count’.”
Church Times new editor is Sarah Meyrick
The Church Times has announced that its new editor is Sarah Meyrick, currently assistant editor with a brief for public engagement. She was previously a reporter, web editor and features editor with the publication from 1995 – 2003, before taking up a role as director of communications for the Diocese of Oxford and public engagement manager at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. She returned to the Church Times in 2022 and will start her new job in September, succeeding Paul Handley who is retiring after nearly 30 years.
