Historic merger unites Britain’s progressive Jewish movements
In a landmark decision, two of Britain’s Jewish denominations, the Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism, have voted to merge, creating a unified body now known as the Movement for Progressive Judaism. Both held extraordinary general meetings yesterday and each exceeded the required 75 per cent approval threshold. In a statement, Reform Judaism explains that the new Movement marks the culmination of 250 years of progressive Jewish history. It will encompass 80 congregations and represent around one-third of all synagogue-affiliated Jews in the UK, with a strategic goal of reaching a similar proportion of non-affiliated Jews who share progressive values. In practice, this means men and women sit together for services, 50 per cent of clergy are women, 20 per cent are LGBTQI+, mixed-faith families are welcome, dual-heritage wedding blessings are performed, and Jewish status can be passed on by either parent. Dr Ed Kessler, chair of the advisory board that led the unification process, called the vote “the most significant development in British Judaism since the Second World War.”
“Island of strangers” – faith leaders tell PM to change his language on migrants
Fourteen Church of England bishops are among 30 faith leaders who have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to reconsider his language when discussing migrants. The letter follows his recent speech on migration that said rules were important: “Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together”. In the letter the faith leaders say: “Our concern is that the current narrative, which presents only one side of the debate, will only drive public anxiety and entrench polarization. When you refer to the “incalculable” damage done by uncontrolled migration, you are in danger of harming migrant members of our communities and strengthening those who would divide us”. It goes on to say that concern about migration must be addressed “in a way which is principled and lowers the temperature of the debate” and suggests the government fosters good integration and affirm things that bring people together. The letter was coordinated by the UK Jewish refugee charity HIAS+JCORE and signed by the Bishops of Bristol, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, London, Manchester, St Albans, Sheffield, Southwark and Winchester. Other signatories include church leaders, Rabbis and Muslim leaders Imam Qari Asim and Iftikhar Ali, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society. Press release, letter and signatories here
Pope Leo pledges to govern as a servant and not an autocrat
Pope Leo XIV has held an inaugural mass in St Peter’s Square, attended by world dignitaries with an estimated 200,000 people lining the square and surrounding streets. He said he would lead as a servant and would not yield to the temptation of being an autocrat: “I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy”. He called for unity in the church, “a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world”, and he criticised the current global order that “exploits the earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest”. He spoke of discord in the world, with “too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice”, saying “the martyred Ukraine” was waiting for a just and lasting peace. Later in the day he held an audience with President Zelensky, who thanked him for his support. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Emotions ran high as he was presented with the papal Fisherman’s Ring, while excitement swept through the crowd as he toured the square in his open-top popemobile.
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani is bookies’ favourite for Archbishop
The Times is reporting that that Ladbrokes and Star Sports are naming Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani as the favourite to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. She is the daughter of the Anglican bishop in Iran, whose family fled after the Islamic Revolution, and she is now Bishop of Chelmsford, speaking out on housing and refugee issues. For Ladbrokes, her odds are even at 1/1, followed by the Bishops of Leicester, Bath and Wells, Newcastle and Dover. For Star Sports Bishop Guli’s odds are 2/1, followed by all the above and London, Gloucester and Cape Town. The Times notes that none of the previously tipped favourites for Archbishop have ever been appointed to the role. Story is here
Assisted Dying Bill to return to the Commons on 13 June
MPs continued to debate the Assisted Dying Bill in the Commons on Friday, but ran out of time, so the debate will continue on 13 June. There are 44 amendments to the bill and MPs approved one, saying no staff would be forced to help with the process of assisted dying against their wishes.The original bill stated that no registered medical practitioner or other health professional would be under any obligation to participate in the process, but the amendment expands the reach to any staff such as social care workers and pharmacists. BBC report here
London and Jerusalem service to mark 1700 years since Nicaea
A joint ecumenical service is being held in London and Jerusalem tomorrow to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This was the first ecumenical council of the early Christian church and was held to settle a theological dispute over the divinity of Jesus. The council rejected the teaching of the priest, Arius, who said that Jesus was a created being. Instead, the council decided that Jesus was “the same substance” as God, which led to the formal articulation of the Trinity – one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s said that the tensions in understanding eventually led to the East West split in the church 700 years later. The service at Temple Church, is being organised by Friends of the Holy Land, a charity supporting Christians in the West Bank, Gaza, Israel and Jordan. It will feature a live stream broadcast led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from the Latin Patriarchate Cathedral. And in London, Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem will participate alongside Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
How the horse racing industry secured its chaplain’s future
British horse racing has its own chaplain, the Rev Simon Bailey, and The Times tells the story of how his work is so valued that donations came flooding in when his job was under threat due to financial pressure. Donors, including trainers connected to Newmarket, came up with £120,000 to secure his job, which is much needed. The story pulls together information about mental health issues especially for young stable lads, with cases of suicide devastating entire teams. Simon Bailey tells The Times that his work is comforting families and work colleagues, but there are no easy answers as to the causes of such tragedies. Article is here
