Ukrainian Orthodox leader denounces ‘satanic nature of Russian aggression’
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, has denounced “the satanic nature of Russian aggression and the dangerous ideology of the Russian world that justifies evil”. He was speaking during a visit to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul, where they worshipped together and reaffirmed links. Metropolitan Epifany said: “Today, in this time of great suffering, as Russia continues its unjust, godless, and malevolent war against our people – killing and destroying daily – we have come here to offer prayers and renew our testimony of unity in Christ through the ministry of the Eucharist.” Patriarch Bartholomew voiced his hopes for an end to the war and the beginning of reconstruction: “We hope that the arduous war will soon come to an end, and peace will return. May the reconstruction of Ukraine, a country devastated by the unjust attacks from the North, begin”. Orthodox Times report here
Temporary Syria constitution promises no discrimination on grounds of religion
A temporary constitution for Syria makes clear that the state is “committed to combatting all forms of violent extremism while respecting rights and freedoms” and that “citizens are equal before the law in rights and duties, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender or lineage.” The document maintains some previsions from the previous one, including the stipulation that the head of state has to be a Muslim, and Islamic law is the main source of jurisprudence. More here. The three patriarchs of the biggest churches in Syria have called for an end to the recent outbreak of violence which killed 1000 people and for the “creation of conditions conducive to achieving national reconciliation among the Syrian people”.
Pope marks 12th anniversary of his election with cake and candles
The Pope has marked the 12th anniversary of his election to the papacy in his hospital room, with a cake and candles provided by medical staff. The latest Vatican bulletin on the Pope’s condition says: “The Pope also followed the Spiritual Exercises for the Roman Curia via video link with the Paul VI Hall, and resumed respiratory therapy. He continues to alternate between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas during the day. His clinical situation remains stable within a complex condition. A new medical bulletin is expected on Friday evening”. Pope Francis is 88 and has been treated in hospital since 14 February for double pneumonia.
National plan needed to protect Britain’s heritage of church buildings
Sir Philip Rutnam, chairman of the National Churches Trust, is calling on the Government to bring together Christian denominations and the tourism and heritage sectors, to come up with a national plan to protect church buildings. He told the Daily Mail that the future of church buildings is the biggest heritage challenge facing the UK and the government’s changes to the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme have made this worse. The scheme used to allow listed places of worship to reclaim VAT on essential repairs, but the government has imposed a cap of £25,000 that can be claimed and renewed the whole scheme for just one year. The Trust says it is disappointed with the changes and warns that nearly 1000 historic churches in England need urgent repairs. Sir Philip is quoted in a lengthy feature on churches that have been turned into spas, community centres, homes, libraries, museums, arts centres, theatres, offices, pubs or even nightclubs.
‘The Arts are now terrified of God’
Ben Lawrence, writing in the Telegraph, says the arts are now terrified of God, citing moves to remove religion from The Golden Compass film adaptation of the Northern Lights, or timidity in portraying anti-Catholicism in Brideshead Revisited. He says “the marginalisation of public faith in Britain has a lot to do with it” soi that it seems irrelevant. He believes “many people in the arts have become reluctant to engage in anything that’s likely to prove controversial – and religion has always been so”, especially as he recounts the recent controversies over blasphemy. Religion, he argues, should constantly be scrutinised and fears the prospect that the anxiety is leading to “a less rich and less complex artistic landscape”. Article is here
Apprenticeship for potential ministers in Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland is offering an apprenticeship scheme for potential ministers. On a salary of £21,000, candidates aged 18-40 will undertake a two-year programme as part of a small-team of apprentices with experienced mentors, on-the-job experience and an introduction to some biblical and theological learning. This is, the church says, a tremendous opportunity for people ready for the adventure.
Complaints at The Archers’ Ramadan storyline
Fans of the BBC Radio long running drama “The Archers” have been shouting at the radio and writing to complain about a storyline where village stalwart, Lynda Snell, joined the Muslim family in the village as they broke their Ramadan fast. “Feedback”, another Radio 4 programme, summarised the outcry: an Orthodox Christian complained she also fasted for Lent but there was no mention of this; “Where is the vicar”, one complainant asked; another said the programme is side stepping Lent with no mention of it; and a concerned listener said the BBC is imposing its woke policy on Ambridge. Dr Cara Courage, who runs “Academic Archers” where the public discuss issues raised in the drama programme, said there is a lot more diversity in the countryside nowadays and The Archers might be a bit late introducing a Muslim family and storyline. A BBC statement said The Archers regularly features Christian festivals and this year it included a discussion about pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
The worm moon heralding spiritual renewal
The worm moon, a full moon indicating the end of winter, crossed with a lunar eclipse last night, in which the moon turns into a deep red hue and is then known as the blood moon. The unusual sights feature in mythology and spiritual practices connected with native Americans, a time of change and renewal, leaving the past for the new life of spring. It is said to be a time of thinning of the veil between worlds, and a connection to the cycles of wild, untamed nature.
