Closure of Oasis Restore secure school is a ‘tragedy’, says founder
Britain’s first “secure school”, Oasis Restore, has been temporarily closed less than a year after opening, a decision its founder, the Rev Steve Chalke, described as a “tragedy”. The facility near Rochester, designed as an alternative to youth custody, opened in 2024 after a £40-million refurbishment. It aimed to provide a therapeutic environment for young offenders aged 12 to 18, combining education, health care and rehabilitation. The closure followed a series of Ofsted inspections which raised safety concerns after several internal doors were damaged, undermining security and leaving staff and children feeling unsafe. Ofsted cited “serious safety and security issues”, while also praising staff for providing “nurturing care”. Steve Chalke said delays by the Ministry of Justice in replacing broken doors had caused staff morale to collapse. He insisted Oasis Restore was progressing well but had been undermined by practical failings. The Ministry said children have been moved elsewhere while repairs are carried out. Church Times report here. Channel 4 interview here
Churches need to counter far right’s ‘pseudo Christian posturing’
An editorial in The Guardian says church leaders in Britain must stand up to the far right which has co-opted Christian identity “to incite racial intolerance and Islamophobia”. It says Christian nationalism, a force in the US, has played “a defining role in European culture wars in countries such as Poland and Hungary” and last weekend’s Unite the Kingdom march where crosses were held high and the crowd chanted Christ is King, “suggest an ominous and rising influence on the British far right”. Once a “relatively fringe pursuit”, the rise of Reform “suggests that we are in new territory”, and the Church of England “must explore ways to assert itself against such perversions of the gospel message of inclusion and compassion for the stranger”. The editorial, suggests that “by embodying an ecumenical sense of neighbourliness, local churches can help counter the far right’s pseudo-Christian posturing” and the next archbishop of Canterbury “will need to be loud and clear in their defence of basic Christian principles”.
Jesus Army survivors condemn payout plan to ‘loyal’ members
The BBC reports that survivors of abuse within the Jesus Army have criticised plans that could see former members accused of child abuse receive larger payments than victims. It says that the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (JFCT), which is winding up the sect’s affairs, has £25 million left to distribute among 172 “listed beneficiaries” who remained loyal until its closure in 2020. The Jesus Army, founded in 1969, was disbanded after widespread allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. A redress scheme run last year shared £7.7 million among 601 survivors, most of them abused as children. Critics say this was “ungenerous” given the movement’s estimated £58 million in assets including businesses and 55 large houses. A survivor who received £14,000, described the plans as “massively insulting”. Trustees said they had acted “in accordance with the trust deed”.
Pope expresses ‘deepest sympathy’ to Palestinians in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a diplomatic solution to the crisis, and full respect for international humanitarian law. At the end of his Wednesday audience he said: “I express my deepest sympathy to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who continue to live in fear and survive in unacceptable conditions, forced – once again – from their lands.. Every person always has an inviolable dignity, to be respected and protected.” He invited people to join his prayer that a dawn of peace and justice may soon rise.
Sikh Federation urges government action on anti-Sikh hate crime
The Sikh Federation has called on the government to take urgent action against anti-Sikh hate crime, warning of the growing threat posed by the far right. In a letter to the Prime Minister, sent by the UK Gurdwara Alliance representing more than 250 Gurdwaras, community leaders urged ministers to work with Sikh organisations to address rising racism and violence. The appeal follows the recent racially motivated sex assault of a young Sikh woman in Oldbury, Birmingham, and unprovoked attacks on elderly Sikh taxi drivers in Wolverhampton. The letter described the Unite the Kingdom rally in London last weekend, as a pivotal moment for Britain to confront far-right extremism. Sikh leaders say many victims are reluctant to report abuse to police, fearing little action will be taken. They urged the government to adopt recommendations made by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs in 2020, including defining anti Sikh hate crime and funding measures to help with reporting, advocacy, and victim support.
Unification Church leader questioned over South Korea bribery probe
Reuters reports that Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja has been questioned by prosecutors over allegations she was involved in bribing the wife of South Korea’s ousted president. Han, known to followers as “True Mother” and widow of church founder Moon Sun-myung, denies the accusations, calling them “false information.” Prosecutors allege that former First Lady Kim Keon-hee received bribes worth nearly $58,000, including two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, from a Unification Church official in exchange for political favours. Kim denies receiving the gifts. Her husband, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, is currently on trial on insurrection charges linked to a failed attempt to impose martial law. The church official accused of arranging the bribes has been arrested and charged under corruption laws.
Modest fashion goes mainstream as demand surges
As London Fashion week gets underway, Maira Butt reports on the burgeoning European modest fashion market, which is expected to reach £62.8 billion by 2025. Flowing skirts, long sleeves and headscarves have moved from religious communities into mainstream fashion, appealing to consumers seeking comfort, practicality or alternatives to revealing styles. Customers include both Muslims and non-Muslims, drawn to lined dresses, abaya robes and coordinated outfits. Some describe modest fashion as part of a personal and spiritual journey, inspired by bloggers and online communities. Major brands have begun to respond, with Nike, Dolce & Gabbana and H&M offering modest lines. Social media has fuelled the boom, while younger generations see modest dress as both empowering and fashionable, blending faith, culture and identity. Read Maira Butt’s report here
