Security minister: It would not be Britain without its Jewish community
The UK’s security minster has assured Jews in Britain that their culture and heritage is valued and that they will continue to be protected from antisemitic attacks. Writing in Jewish News, Dan Jarvis says contributions by Jews in arts, business, politics, media and medicine, as well as “a widespread affection for Jewish culture, comedy and food” means “Britain would not be Britain without its Jewish community”. However, he acknowledges that being Jewish in the UK today might feel difficult and even dangerous, especially since the events of 7 October last year. In the first six months of 2024 almost 2,000 reports of antisemitism were reported — an increase the minister says is “utterly shocking”. He promises the Home Office will continue to fund the Jewish community protective security grant and “will always ensure our police and security services have the tools and measures they need to keep our country and its citizens safe”.
Lawyers criticise sacking of vicar who called female priests ‘witches’
The dismissal of the vicar within the Free Church of England (FCE) for posting “anti-woke” YouTube videos — one of which called progressive female priests “witches” — has been criticised by lawyers. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said removing the Rev Brett Murphy, whose congregation has grown from two to 50 in just over a year, was “cruel” and harmful to his wife and young family. She added: “The mark of a passionate vibrant Christian faith is the ability of a man to grow a church. Brett has done this, and his community loves him.” Murphy claimed his remarks were sarcastic and aimed at what he saw as militant feminism within the church, not the female clergy. He described being “sacked by email” and said the proceedings were “a kangaroo court”. The FCE said it recognised his right to free speech, but there were limits to this when it came to protecting the church’s reputation. Murphy was also accused of failing to comply with his bishop’s orders and to mishandling church accounts, which he is appealing. Christian Post report here
‘Higher segregation’ in areas with more faith schools
Socio-economic segregation in schools is higher in areas with greater numbers of faith schools, according to a report published by the Sutton Trust, which assessed segregation by using eligibility for free school meals as an indicator. The report found that in areas with more faith schools — in particular, more Catholic schools — levels of segregation in education were higher. Jack Rivington of the National Secular Society said: “The perception that faith schools perform better is down to their exclusion of children who need the greatest support, who then experience worse outcomes as a result.”
Lib Dem bill to scrap school assemblies
A parliamentary bill to scrap requirement for daily school assemblies has returned to the House of Lords for further consideration. The private member’s bill from the Liberal Democrat Baroness Burt, aims is to “amend the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to make provision regarding assemblies at state schools without a designated religious character in England; [and] to repeal the requirement for those schools to hold collective worship”. Lady Burt’s previous attempt failed three years ago. Church Times report here
Pope chooses exiled Nicaraguan bishop
An exiled Nicaraguan bishop has been selected by Pope Francis to take part in the Synod of Synodality at the Vatican next month. Bishop Rolando Alvarez, 57, was deported to Rome in January by the Ortega regime and has made few public appearances since. He became known in Nicaragua for his fierce criticism of the abuse of human rights by the country’s dictator and in February last year, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison accused of being a traitor. The Vatican intervened and arranged for his exile to Rome. Catholic News Agency report here
Man, 87, ‘kidnapped’ walking home from mosque
Greater Manchester Police have launched an appeal after a man of 87 was allegedly kidnapped and blindfolded as he walked home from Oldham Central Mosque. Two young men forced him into a car and took him across West Yorkshire before abandoning him. Detective Inspector Emma Hulston said: “The victim, who suffered serious injuries, endured a terrifying ordeal.” Report here
Muslim women: how we stay safe in Liverpool
After the summer riots, prompted by misinformation about the Southport stabbings, Muslim women in Liverpool say they are staying safe by filming everything. Lila Tamea was one of the worshippers inside Abdullah Quilliam Society mosque in the city when it was targeted by far-right rioters and has taken a leading role in trying to rebuild her community. Guardian report here
Wanted: architects to preserve kirks
Architects with a passion for churches are invited to apply for three new jobs aimed at assessing and monitoring the condition of ecclesiastical buildings in Scotland. The buildings officers will advise congregations on how to protect, preserve and — in some cases — agree to sell Church of Scotland property. The jobs are in Lothian and Borders, the southwest of Scotland, and in the Highlands and Hebrides, including Mull of Kintyre.
Christian comedian Steve Legg dies
The Christian comedian and author Steve Legg has died from cancer. Legg, 57, who published about 20 books and was a popular evangelist, was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer in 2021. Gavin Calver, chief executive of the Evangelical Alliance said Legg was “a hilarious communicator and passionate follower of Jesus” and Mark Greenwood, director of evangelism at Elim Churches, said Legg was “one of the funniest, most creative and risk-taking evangelists I knew”. Premier Christian News report here
Mass on beach marks 800th anniversary of Franciscans in UK
A Catholic mass was celebrated on Dover Beach to mark the 800th anniversary of the first Franciscan monks landing in Britain. About 100 worshippers gathered to remember the arrival of friars sent by Francis of Assisi in September 1224 and to mark the occasion with mass at a makeshift altar, made from a picnic table with a linen cloth held in place with pebbles from the beach. Afterwards, several of the faithful walked the 19 miles to Canterbury to join other events organised by Catholic and Anglican Franciscans. Catholic Herald report here
