Failure to allow women deacons “negates the whole idea” of the synod in Rome
The Times considers the fallout from the Vatican decision to rule out women deacons, announced at the start of the synod meeting in Rome. It quotes Prof Tina Beattie, emeritus professor of Catholic studies at the University of Roehampton, saying the move “negates the whole idea of this synod which is listening and not shying away from difficult questions.” The synod follows a process started by Pope Francis to consult the global church on issues of concern, including the role of women. But at the start of the gathering, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, announced that “while still exploring other forms of women’s involvement in the Church, they will not become deacons”. Instead, there will be further discussion in a study group. Prof Beattie told The Times she expected many women involved in the synod would be angry. The US based Religion News Service picks up on the dismay, but quotes Ellie Hidalgo, co-director of Discerning Deacons, saying the prospect of continuing discussion in a study group is a hopeful sign.
Bishop challenges CofE growth strategy
“Save the Parish” has reproduced the text of an address given by Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani in which she says: “We are, as a Church, I want to suggest, so caught up in a whirlpool of fear and anxiety that we’re in danger of being sucked down a plughole of our own making”. The bishop says she is not comfortable with the CofE’s strategic response to increase numbers by thousands more young people and tens of thousands additional worshipping communities, as it risks “putting too much emphasis on our human powers”. She describes the feelings of despair and desperation among congregations with targets not met. She rejoices when numbers increase but appeals for a return to “our basic vocation, which is to love God through prayer and worship and love of neighbour through devoted service”. The strategic language risks “missing the blessings” of the small and vulnerable and marginal. Her comments were delivered in a plenary lecture at the Church Times Festival of Preaching, on Monday 16 September 2024 at Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge. The transcript is here
Holocaust survivor dies aged 100
Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert MBE has died aged 100 at her home in northwest London. She was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944, aged 20, with her mother, younger brother and three sisters. Only Lily and two of her sisters survived. She since made her home in London and brought up a family here, sharing her story of the Holocaust worldwide, speaking of the need to end prejudice. King Charles said he was proud that Ms Ebert had found a home in Britain and had become “an integral part of the fabric of our nation”. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said she was “a beacon of resilience, courage, and unwavering faith in difficult times.”
Muslim health care professionals in Scotland oppose assisted dying
A survey of Muslim health care professionals conducted by The British Islamic Medical Association has found a vast majority against the proposed assisted dying bill in Scotland. It was undertaken as part of a consultation into a bill presented in August and now being considered by a parliamentary committee. 88 people replied to the survey and of these, 90 per cent disagreed it should be legal for doctors to administer life ending medication. Their key concerns were risks to vulnerable people and lack of provision of end-of-life care.
Our briefing today (Thursday 10 October) at 1100 is on the place of religion in the assisted dying debate. A bill to introduce it in England and Wales is to be presented in parliament next week. Details: [email protected]
Faith leaders in Scotland call for minimum income guarantee
Representatives of Christians, Muslims and Sikhs in Scotland, have called for a minimum income guarantee to allow people a “decent, dignified, and healthy” life. The joint statement was released to mark Challenge Poverty Week, highlighting statistics showing 23 per cent of children live in absolute poverty and 12 per cent in deprivation, going without household basics. It says: “We share a view that the values of community, solidarity, neighbourliness, hospitality and kindness should be the cornerstones of our society, and that everyone should have enough to be able to live life without the fear of not having enough or exclusion which poverty brings”.
Christian schools intend to mount legal challenge to VAT on school fees
Three private Christian schools intend to sue the government over the imposition of VAT on school fees. Emmanuel School in Derby, Branch Christian School in Yorkshire, and King’s School in Hampshire say it is oppressive and unlawfully discriminates against Christian schools and families by threatening closures. They argue that the policy is disproportionate and unfair, failing to take account of a parent’s ability to pay. The tax is due to be introduced in January 2024.
Legal action over US campaign’s use of Billy Graham sermon
Lawyers for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are taking action against “Evangelicals for Harris”, after they used a film of Billy Graham quoting a Bible passage about self-centred, greedy and abusive men in “the last days”, interspersed with film of Donald Trump’s answers from various interviews. The Association sent a cease-and-desist letter and alleges copyright infringement. It said Billy Graham would have been offended that his sermon was used to attack a presidential candidate.
“Shine Your Light” campaign to take Christmas services out into the community
A campaign has been launched to encourage 1,000 churches in the UK to stage carol services, nativity plays and other Christmas events, outside church walls, taking the story into shopping centres, village greens and community centres. “Shine Your Light” campaign organisers have named the weekend of 13-15 December as the time to put on events. Last year, 700 churches from 68 denominations took part. This year’s goal is to involve 1,000 churches and to reach one million people. Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England says Christmas can be over commercialised and the campaign reminds the public of the true meaning of the season.
