Drive-by ashes in signs of the cross on Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, churches offered shoppers, drivers and bystanders ashes in the signs of the cross on their foreheads in a new popular ritual called “Ashes to Go”. In England, churches posted pics of clergy placing ashes on babies, passers by, parents and people in shopping centres. In the US, clergy are pictured offering drive-by ashes on the foreheads of people who have too little time to stop for a service and pull up in their car for a blessing. Ashes to Go started in the US in 2010, when clergy and lay people in three states signed ashes on people at train platforms, coffee shops, grocery stores and launderettes, and the idea caught on. Episcopal News Service report here
Research on how The Jesus Prayer affects mental health
A Harvard scientist and the Neurospirituality Lab are launching a project exploring the psychological, behavioural, and spiritual effects of The Jesus Prayer, a meditative prayer tradition developed by the Desert Mothers and Fathers of ancient Christianity. The Religion News Service reports that the project will look at how the practice influences well-being, cognition, and spiritual experience.
Chief Rabbi rates synagogues according to how they treat women
The Jewish Chronicle reports that the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, rates synagogues according to how they treat women. He was addressing the congregation at South Hampstead Synagogue, whom he praised as an example, where “the men and women’s sections are side by side, on the same level, separated by a screen (mechitzah) with a wooden base and a perspex upper section, which can be lowered during sermons”. Girls and women give talks in front of the congregations, and readings at certain times of the year. He told the congregation: “You know what inclusion really means.” Article is here
Collaboration and community action key concerns at British Muslim Network consultation
The first consultation by the British Muslim Network heard concerns on social mobility, fundraising for small charities and community building. Participants spoke of the need for mentorship, and the issue of lower-paid work. Others added that the community “can’t keep blaming Islamophobia”. Discussing the importance of collaboration, one said: “It’s often people within your own community that will bring you down”. Another said there needs to be a better partnership between the private, public, and charity sector. Read Maira Butt’s report on the discussions here
Pope Francis well enough to call Gaza parish priest
Pope Francis is said to be stable and able to call the parish priest in Gaza, on his 18th day at the Gemelli hospital in Rome. The latest Vatican bulletin says: “The Holy Father remained stable today as well, without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency. As planned, he utilized supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight. The Holy Father increased his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy. He spent the day in his armchair. Given the complexity of the clinical situation, the prognosis remains guarded. This morning, in the private apartment located on the 10th floor, the Holy Father participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. He then received the Eucharist. Afterwards, he engaged in several work activities. During the morning, he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza. In the afternoon, he alternated between rest and work.”
Church Army restructure with significant reduction in workforce
The Church Army is proposing a major restructure with significant reductions in workforce and budget by April 2026. In a statement, it says that after a number of years of operational deficits being covered by reserves, our operational reserves will likely be exhausted in around 12 months if no action is taken. Matt Barlow, the Church Army’s recently appointed CEO, said: “We’ve had to make incredibly tough decisions to ensure a financially sustainable future for Church Army, while delivering more broadly on our mission and charitable objectives”. Statement is here
Wembley Arena Catholic youth event sells out
The gathering of young Catholics called “Flame”, which is due to be held at the Wembley arena on 15 March, has sold out as youngsters flock to hear star speaker, Bear Grylls. The arena seats 10,000 people and the event includes music, performances and a talk Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Bear Grylls will be speaking as his new book is published , The Greatest Story Ever Told, a series of eye-witness accounts of Jesus’ life.
Employment tribunal case of Christian teacher sacked over male pronouns
Nottingham Employment Tribunal is hearing the case of a Christian teacher allegedly sacked after refusing to use male pronouns for an eight-year-old girl. The teacher, who has not been named, was dismissed for gross misconduct after raising concerns about the safeguarding of the girl who wanted to “socially transition” and use male pronouns. Her case against Nottinghamshire County Council, which runs the school, is on the grounds of victimisation for whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and discrimination because of her beliefs. Christian Concern is representing her. BBC report here
New Jewish community in Huddersfield
A new Jewish community could be forming in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire more than 60 years after the town last had an organised Jewish group. The Jewish Chronicle reports that a meeting will be held this month to bring together around 200 people who identified as Jewish in the recent census.
First Catholic High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland
Lady Elish Angiolini KC has become the first Catholic Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland, and will be able to represent the King at the Church of Scotland’s general assembly in May, after MPs overturned the 1689 Claim of Right Act. The law barred any Catholic from becoming King or Queen, or holding other offices. And much of it has now been repealed. Lady Angiolini was born in Glasgow and has Irish heritage.
