King’s message of love at the heart of Easter
The King has delivered an Easter message pointing to the paradox of human life, with people capable of both great cruelty and great kindness, as seen in the Easter story, But he said the abiding message of Easter was love. He reflected on the images that daily come before our eyes: “at one moment terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others”. He had felt a profound sense of admiration when meeting people recently at a Buckingham Palace reception, for their resilience, courage and compassion. Later today, he will distribute Maundy money at Durham Cathedral, honouring community volunteers, in a ritual based on the story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper, a symbol of service. King Charles said this humble action was a token of love, a deep instinct found in Judaism, Islam and other religions. Quoting scripture, he said: “There are three virtues that the world still needs – faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love”. He wished all a blessed and peaceful Easter.
King to give Maundy money to community volunteers in Durham
The Royal Maundy Service comes from Durham Cathedral today, when the King will give specially-minted Maundy money to thank local community volunteers for their Christian service and for “making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities”. Durham Cathedral explains that the tradition dates back to medieval times. Gifts will be presented in two small leather purses to 152 recipients, 76 men and 76 women, signifying the age of the King. The last Royal Maundy Service to take place at Durham Cathedral was in 1967, with the Queen and then King Charles, choosing to visit different cathedrals outside London each year. Article on Maundy Thursday by Prof Michael Snape, Durham University, here.
LGB Christians ‘thrilled’ at Supreme Court ruling on definition of women
LGB Christians, a network of lesbian, gay and bi-Christians and friends, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. In a tweet, it said: “We’re thrilled, relieved and grateful to @ForWomenScot and all those involved in this fantastic result. We’re now wondering how the @churchofengland will reconcile this judgment with their recognition of certificated sex for purposes of marriage!” LGB Christians was launched in October 2023. On its website, it says: “LGB Christians will defend the rights of same-sex attracted people in the face of increasing backlash, confusion, and risks caused by ideas which replace the biological reality of the two sexes with self-defined, gender identities. We are ecumenical and non-party political.”
Supreme Court decision ‘used as a cover for transphobic abuse’
Together for the Church of England, which promotes equality for all, has issued a statement on the Supreme Court decision. It says: “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court will have come as a shock, and trans people will understandably fear its ramifications. Already it is being used as a cover for transphobic abuse and as an excuse to encourage hate in the public sphere”. It says trans people are “beloved, held, and rejoiced over by the God” and it stands in solidarity with trans people. The organisation was formed in early 2024 to advance Christian faith by promoting greater inclusion in the life of the CofE “regardless of ethnicity, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexuality, mental health, neurodiversity, marital status, socio-economic background or economic power”.
36 members of the Board of Deputies condemn war in Gaza
Thirty-six members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews have condemned Israel’s government for the war in Gaza. In an open letter published in the Financial Times,they said they “cannot turn a blind eye or remain silent” at the “renewed loss of life and livelihoods” after Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza. The letter says “Israel’s soul is being ripped out and we, members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, fear for the future of the Israel we love and have such close ties to”. Jewish News reports that this is the first show of opposition to the Gaza war by some members of the board, which has more than 300 deputies. In reply, the Board said there was a diversity of opinion within the board, which was “not unlike the politics of Israel itself” where there is a fierce exchange of views. Other members would “no doubt put more emphasis on the fundamental responsibility of Hamas for this ghastly situation”. Lawyer Philip Goldenberg, told BBC Radio 4’s World at One (30’ 20’’) that the Israeli government had “absolutely adopted the Trump playbook”, including demonising those who disagreed with it. What was happening in Gaza was “a betrayal Jewish ethical values”. More damage was being done to the Zionist project by Netanyahu than Hamas could ever achieve. He said some believed they should not have written the letter. Others agreed but did not want to go public.
Palestine motive probed in US Governor Shapiro arson attack
Police investigating the arson attack on US Governor Josh Shapiro’s home, are investigating whether the motivation was connected to Palestine sympathies. They say that Cody Balmer, the 38-year-old suspect, harboured hatred toward Shapiro. It’s reported that he made a 911 call saying Shapiro needed to know that he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people” and that “he needs to stop having my friends killed. Our people have been put through too much by that monster”. Balmer is accused of setting fire to US Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in Pennsylvania hours after a Passover Seder was held for family and friends. Homemade explosives were thrown into the mansion in the middle of the night, creating a fire which caused severe damage and forcing the Shapiro family, including four children, to flee. Shapiro is considered a rising star in the Democrat party and said afterwards nothing Balmer could do would deter him from doing his job as governor. Balmer faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated assault and aggravated arson. Associated Press report here
Record number of new Catholics will join the church this Easter
The Catholic News Agency reports that the Catholic Church in England is experiencing a “decade-high surge of new entrants to the faith”. It contacted a number of English dioceses and found almost all reported a significant increase in people coming into the church. The Diocese of Westminster has 252 catechumens, unbaptised people, and more than 250 candidates, from other denominations, to be received into the Catholic Church at Easter — the most seen since 2018. Arundel and Brighton’s numbers are up from 150 to 210, Birmingham rose from 130 to 210, Liverpool is up from 110 to 140. The Archdiocese of Southwark saw more than 450 adults complete the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults this year, more than the year before. The report quotes Mark Nash from Southwark, saying he has noticed a significant number of young men, inspired by US online evangelists, and increasing numbers of Chinese.
Young people crying out for ‘escape from the world’
Parliamentary sketch writer Madeleine Grant writes in The Telegraph about the phenomenon of rising church attendance, especially among young people, as suggested in various recent surveys. She says “What these findings suggest is that young people are crying out for, if anything, an escape from the world; hence Pentecostalism and Roman Catholicism’s greater success among younger age groups. Pockets of CofE worship that succeed are those that seem to follow this model”. Her article is here
English Heritage accused of ‘erasing Christianity from Easter’
An English Heritage booklet for children about a fun Easter trail, has caused a lively debate, reported by The Telegraph, about the origin of the name, the customs associated with it and the integral story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The booklet “Our Easter Adventure Quest” features colourful pictures of rabbits, children and flowers and is a guide for children on a trail around heritage properties, where the clues lead to a chocolate treat. But it failed to mention Jesus and said “long ago people welcomed warmer days and new life by honouring the goddess Eostre, who gave Easter its name”. Eostre was the Germanic goddess of Spring mentioned by Bede in the 8th century. Outraged comments on Twitter / X accused English Heritage of rewriting history to erase Christianity from Easter. English Heritage replied that the booklet is “a trail for children which references a range of fun facts about seasonal traditions, cultures and religions, including Christianity.” Now George Lapshynov, from the Theos thinktank, has replied saying the pagan origin idea is a myth and Easter has more to do with Passover than any pagan rite. He said: “In an increasingly secularised society, where traditional religious narrative is often met with suspicion or scepticism, the appeal of pagan origin stories lies partly in their ability to diminish or relativise the distinctiveness of Christianity”. He added that Easter imagery – eggs, bunnies, springtime – is easier to market when disconnected from its core religious message.
Taking a short break – this is the last daily bulletin til Tuesday 22 April.
