Grenfell fire tragedy showed essential role of faith groups in the community
The essential role of faith organisations in the story of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, where they offered immediate help to survivors and a base for communication and support, was highlighted in the public inquiry report published this week as displaying “the best of humanity”. And some of the faith leaders described in the report, who worked on the front line in aftermath of the fire, reflected on the story in a Religion Media Centre briefing yesterday. They said that the story illustrated the importance and value of faith communities in society, a role often not recognised and undervalued, but now regarded by government as essential especially in a crisis. Abdurahman Sayed, CEO of the Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, said faith buildings around the neighbourhood became a bridge between the authorities, the emergency services and the community. The Rev Alan Everett, former vicar at St. Clement’s Church, Notting Hill, explained it was all about trust: “We’re trusted agencies in these very stressful situations. They turn to us because we have that relationship, we’re living among people, alongside people. If these faith communities weren’t there, what would the process have been?”. Bishop Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington at the time, spoke of the value of the parish system and the importance of buildings providing a practical and sacred space where “grief could be held”. He said the report’s findings showed what happened when dishonesty, incompetence and greed were more important than actively seeking the welfare of your neighbour, which raised the question as to whether we want this kind of culture in our society. View the briefing again and listen to the podcast via links here
Pope signs joint faiths declaration for peace and protection of the environment
Pope Francis ended his visit to Indonesia by signing a Joint Declaration with the Grand Imam Dr Nasaruddin Umar, committing all religious traditions to promote reconciliation and peace, fight religiously inspired violence and protect the environment. The Associated Press reports that the Pope has made improving Catholic-Muslim ties a hallmark of his papacy and has travelled extensively to Muslim majority countries. After the signing ceremony in the presence of representatives of many faiths, he went to Jakarta’s main Gelora Bung Karno football stadium, where more than 100,000 people had gathered for the Mass. He urged the crowd to “tread the path of dialogue” for unity and peace.. Today the Pope, who is 87, continues his 12-day visit to southeast Asia by travelling to Papua New Guinea.
Plans for Holocaust Memorial next to Parliament progress to next stage in the Lords
Proposals to build a Holocaust Memorial and education centre on Victoria Tower gardens, next to the Houses of Parliament, have gone to the next stage of consideration in the Lords. The plans are controversial due to their design, which includes 23 tall bronze fin-shaped structures, and its location in a park which has a clause preventing any construction upon it. The Appeals court blocked the proposal in July 2022 on planning grounds, but the then government re-introduced the bill and it has passed from the last government to this. In a debate in the Lords on Wednesday afternoon, the Faith Minister Lord Khan of Burnley proposed it again, saying it would be a reminder of the holocaust and a challenge to continue to combat racism, hatred and prejudice. Once more there were vigorous speeches against the proposal. Baroness Ruth Deech said the government needed to put forward a beautiful design for a memorial in the gardens and a Jewish museum or learning centre elsewhere, one suggestion being the Imperial War Museum which already has Holocaust galleries. She put forward an amendment saying the Bill failed to allow for a full appraisal and consultation on any preferred site, failed to establish the true cost of the project and failed to deal with issues of security around the memorial. Her amendment was lost and the bill goes through to a committee stage in the Lords. Parliament TV link here
“Truly shocking” disclosure of child sex abuse in Ireland’s Catholic schools
An inquiry into child sex abuse in Ireland’s Catholic schools has revealed that 2,395 allegations were found relating to 308 schools, involving 884 alleged abusers, over half of whom are now dead. The inquiry called on the Irish Government to set up a redress scheme and that religious orders should contribute. The inquiry was set up after the RTÉ documentary Blackrock Boys on abuse at Blackrock College, a private Dublin school. The Catholic Herald reports Ireland’s Minister for Education, Norma Foley, saying the level of abuse disclosed was “truly shocking”.
Archbishop says church has role in changing attitudes after race riots
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, says the Church of England must be part of the way forward in changing attitudes which led to the riots across England last month. He addressed the issue at a CofE Racial Justice meeting attended by Global Majority Heritage church leaders and ordinands from across the UK. Premier Christian News reports an interview with him, where he said the church had been involved in clearing up towns where riots had taken place and it had a role to be the protector for faith and support integration.
Church of England Cathedral attendance and visitor numbers increase
The Church of England’s latest cathedral attendance statistics reveal continued recovery in 2023, with a five per cent increase in weekly service attendance compared to the previous year. Attendance at Christmas services was up 20 per cent and Easter service attendance was up by 10 per cent. There was a 17 per cent rise in the number of visitors, with 9.35 million people visiting in 2023, perhaps explained by celebrations of King Charles III’s coronation, but also reflecting a programme of exhibitions and civic events. However, overall numbers remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels. Statistics report is here
Free Church of England vicar has licence revoked
The Church Times reports that the Rev Brett Murphy, who left the Church of England to join the Free Church of England has had his licence revoked. Prolific on social media, he was sacked in August and in a video on YouTube he defended his record saying that he grew his Morecombe church from two people in their 80’s to a thriving congregation of 50. The Free Church of England has suspended those services. The denomination was set up in the 19th century but has recently been the place where opponents of same sex marriage have moved, in protest at the decision by the Church of England general synod to allow same sex blessings. There are only 18 congregations in England. He has set up a donations page which has already achieved £143,000.
Ed Kessler and Ibrahim Mogra charity walk for St John of Jerusalem eye hospital
Dr Edward Kessler, founder of the Woolf Institute in Cambridge and Imam Ibrahim Mogra, have walked blindfolded through London, to raise money for the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. It offers services in many locations in the region, but the hospital in Gaza sustained heavy damage in the war. Basic eye care services have been resumed in Gaza, treating over 800 people every week, while continuing full services in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The men walked accompanied by young people guiding them, from East London Mosque to St John’s Church in Clerkenwell via the Bevis Marks Synagogue. They have so far raised £6,000.
