Faith groups lobby parliament on climate change
Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and Jewish leaders and campaigners, have taken part in a mass lobby of parliament, for action on climate and nature. They met their local MPs from across the UK, urging them to tackle the climate crisis and protect the natural world in line with moral responsibility, human dignity and the stewardship of creation. They want the government to commit to delivering funds to communities hit hardest by climate change, restore nature and back UK jobs for a greener, fairer future. The lobby was organised by The Climate Coalition, which represents more than 120 leading UK organisations, secular and faith based. Shanon Shah, director of Faith for Climate, said his faith tradition as a Muslim told him that climate change and social justice issues are interconnected and “we’re also called to correct any kind of systemic or structural corruption.” Church Times story here
Last Christian majority town on the West Bank ‘threatened by settler attacks’
The priests of Taybeh, the last Christian majority town in the West Bank, are appealing to international leaders to stop the recent arson and attacks by Israeli settlers, which threaten the Christian community. The priests from the Latin, Greek Catholic, and Greek Orthodox traditions, have issued a statement on social media saying that the “Christian presence, rooted for two thousand years and carefully preserved through generations, is today facing the danger of being emptied due to multi-front targeting: sacred land, holy sites, and people”. One of the most recent incidents was a series of fires started deliberately near the town’s cemetery and the ancient Church of the Greens, which dates back to the 5th century AD and is one of the oldest religious landmarks in Palestine. The statement says attacks are happening on a daily basis and they are seeking justice: “The displacement of farmers from their land, the threat to their churches, and the siege of their town is a stab to the heart of this nation. Yet, our hope remains firm: that right and justice will ultimately prevail”. Independent Catholic News story here
UK targets 10 countries to protect their religious freedom
The government has re-affirmed its commitment to freedom of religion and belief and announced its intention to focus overseas efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief in 10 countries where “the need is greatest and where the UK, specifically, has the relationships and partnerships to help achieve this”. They are; Vietnam, Algeria, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq. Read Lianne Kolirin’s report on the story here
‘Sins of the Church’ in Wales investigated by the BBC
“Sins of the Church”, a programme by BBC Wales Investigates, reports that police are investigating new historical sex abuse allegations against the former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, Anthony Pierce, and a former vicar in the Church in Wales. The BBC quotes victims of alleged assaults over decades, and reports lack of action when complaints were made. Professor Sir Malcolm Evans, part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, told the BBC that he believes there should be an external review into the Church. He is quoted saying: “There doesn’t seem to have been a broad-ranging discussion as to the future in Wales as there has been in the Church of England. What we now need is that level of discussion, reflection, and action.” The Church in Wales said it was profoundly sorry and “there is no place in the Church for abuse, misconduct or concealment …We are determined that the issues identified will be fully addressed”. Story is here
US Catholic diocese lifts obligation to attend Mass for fear of immigration raids
The US diocese of San Bernardino has lifted the obligation for Catholics to attend Mass, in response to immigration raids on church property. The Diocese of Nashville said in May that Catholics aren’t obligated to go to Mass if it puts their safety at risk, but San Bernardino is the first to issue a special dispensation. Bishop Alberto Rojas issued an open letter saying that immigration enforcement raids have taken place on church properties and have created “fear, confusion and anxiety”. He said: “Authorities are now seizing brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respect for their right to due process and their dignity as children of God”, and he urged public officials to “reconsider and cease these tactics immediately”. Religion News Service article here. Jack Jenkins also reports on the split among Catholic bishops over how to respond to Trump’s immigration policies, breaking the bishops’ tendency to speak uniformly on major policy issues – article is here.
Final service for disused historic synagogue in York
An historic synagogue in York has been formally de-consecrated before being converted into a residential building. Jewish News reports that the building in Aldwark, near York Minster, once was a joiner’s shop until becoming a synagogue in 1886. But it has been out of use for 50 years and a member of York’s Liberal Jewish community called on the services of Rabbi Alby Chait, from Leeds, to lead the final service with a Sefer Torah, scroll, which will now remain in York.
Jewish Chronicle poll suggests drop in Labour support
The Jewish Chronicle reports on a poll of 505 British Jews over the age of 18, conducted by Survation between 16 June 16 and 1 July 1, which says 56 per cent think that Labour’s actions in government have made the Jewish community less secure. The poll also found that 20 per cent backed Reform, 41 per cent the Tories, 15 per cent Labour, 7 per cent Liberal Democrats and 6 per cent Greens. A spokesperson for the Jewish Leadership Council said that “regrettably” the government had taken a series of decisions which weakened its relationship with the Jewish community. A Labour party spokesperson said it recognised that many in the Jewish community remain affected by the conflicts in Israel and Gaza. But it remained “steadfast in advocating for a peaceful settlement, return of all hostages, and humanitarian aid into Gaza. Story is here
Author of books on women, faith and migration wins PEN Pinter prize
Leila Aboulela has won this year’s PEN Pinter prize for her writing on migration, faith and the lives of women. She grew up in Khartoum, Sudan, has lived in Aberdeen since 1990 and written six novels and two short story collections. She is said to offer rich perspectives on faith, migration, and displacement, and is committed to make the lives and decisions of Muslim women central to her fiction. Guardian story here.
English Cathedral cycle relay ends after 42 days
The Cathedrals Cycle Relay has concluded after more than 100 cyclists took part in cycle rides between cathedrals across England, raising funds for individual causes and creating connections between cities. The event started in as a response to Covid lockdowns and this year the route began and ended at Bradford Cathedral celebrating its year as the UK City of Culture. A total of 2,000 miles was covered over 42 days with cyclists including the cellist Kenneth Wilson, and the man who thought of the idea, Dr Shaun Cutler.
Religion Media festival: British Media and British Jews
A panel discussion at the Religion Media Festival considered how the war in Gaza, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, had impacted coverage of the Jewish community in Britain. There have been reports of rising antisemitism and divisions within the community itself, with 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews objecting to its stance on Gaza and making this public. A survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found high community support for Israel but far less so for Binyamin Netanyahu’s government. The discussion was chaired by Richard Allen Greene, CNN’s Jerusalem Bureau chief at the time of the 7 October attack, and now in London training to be a rabbi. Panellists were: Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director, Institute for Jewish Policy Research; Rabbi Charley Baginsky, co-lead of Progressive Judaism; Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews; and Jenni Frazer, journalist and commentator. View the discussion on our YouTube channel here
