King meets survivors of Manchester synagogue attack
King Charles has met survivors of the attack at Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue where two people were killed. Wearing a kippah, the King spoke to survivors, including volunteer guard Andrew Franks, who returned to the synagogue for the first time, Yoni Finlay, who was shot mistakenly by police and Bernard Agyemang, who attended in a wheelchair. He told them: “I can’t tell you how sad I am”. Later he met Rabbi Daniel Walker and other members of the congregation who barricaded the doors to prevent the attacker from entering the synagogue, saying that it was a “terrible thing to come out of the blue”. He also met members of the emergency services whom he thanked for their “fantastic response”. After the visit, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King wanted to focus on duty and service, to bring communities together in challenging times, and hoped people would not be distracted by other matters, regarded as a reference to stories about his brother, Prince Andrew.
Maccabi Tel Aviv halts ticket sales for Aston Villa match amid safety fears
Maccabi Tel Aviv will not sell tickets to supporters for next month’s Europa League match at Aston Villa, citing fears that fans’ safety cannot be guaranteed. The Israeli club’s leadership made the decision following “interventions from extremist figures who do not represent our values”, believed to be a reference to far-right activist Tommy Robinson urging his followers to attend the game and pictured wearing a Maccabi shirt. The club has acted after the government failed to persuade Birmingham authorities to overturn the police ban on away fans, a decision which has met universal opposition in parliament. Local authorities banned away fans on grounds of security, but the ban’s effect has led Ed Miliband to say: “We can’t make any set of people from any race, religion or background feel unwelcome in Britain.”
Former FM Humza Yousaf given conditions on new Muslim Impact Forum advisory role
Former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has been given conditions by the UK Government over his new paid role as strategic adviser to the Muslim Impact Forum. The forum, which he helped launch in London last month, aims to encourage more British Muslims into politics. The UK Government’s business appointments committee said restrictions were needed to “mitigate potential risks” linked to Yousaf’s former ministerial role. For two years, he must not use privileged information, contacts or influence gained in office to benefit the Forum or personally lobby governments on its behalf. Yousaf, who resigned in 2024 ahead of a no-confidence vote and will stand down as an MSP next year, said his role involves advising on strategy, sponsorship and reach. The committee noted limited overlap with his time as First Minister but warned of possible risks from his network of contacts. Scottish Daily Express story here. Read Maira Butt’s report on the Muslim Impact Forum on our website here
Lords table amendments on abortion clauses in Crime and Policing Bill
Baroness Monckton has tabled an amendment in the House of Lords to remove Clause 191 — the provision allowing abortion up to birth — from the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill. She raised the issue during a Lords debate last Thursday. The bill now moves to the committee stage, where all clauses, including those on abortion, will be examined in detail. Baroness Stroud has also submitted an amendment seeking to reinstate mandatory in-person consultations before home abortions can take place. The campaign group Right to Life has launched an online tool encouraging supporters to contact members of the House of Lords to back the two proposals. The organisation described the changes as “vital, life-saving amendments.” A group on the other side oof the debate, Abortion Rights, said the Lords amendments were a “dangerous and cynical move to turn back the clock”, forcing women back into the courts for making a choice. The bill’s committee stage is due to begin in the coming weeks.
Christian charity with 100 bank accounts criticised for poor financial oversight
The Charity Commission has criticised current and former trustees of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International for failing to properly oversee its finances. An inquiry found more than 100 bank accounts linked to the organisation, putting charitable funds at risk across its UK network. The Nigerian-founded church, which has more than 90 UK branches, came under investigation in 2018 following allegations of financial mismanagement. In 2019, the Commission appointed an Interim Manager to help impose financial controls, with assets temporarily frozen to prevent further losses. The inquiry concluded that the charity’s rapid expansion had outpaced its governance, with local branches operating autonomously, opening bank accounts, and purchasing property without trustee approval. The charity was registered on 30 October 2003. In its last submitted accounts for the financial year ending 31 December 2023, it recorded an income of £2,710,006 and expenditure of £2,198,198. The Commission has now ordered the charity to follow a regulatory action plan to strengthen oversight and financial management. The Interim Manager was discharged in September 2024 after implementing reforms
Charity explains baptising asylum seekers in hotel bathtubs
A charity linked to the Christadelphian movement has defended baptising asylum seekers in hotel bathtubs after criticism that some migrants may convert to Christianity to strengthen asylum claims. The Telegraph reported that Carelinks Ministries, a registered charity, had conducted baptisms in asylum accommodation across the UK. The group’s volunteer, Duncan Heaster, confirmed he had carried out such ceremonies but said only “a tiny number” involved asylum seekers. He stressed that neither he nor the charity assist with immigration claims, adding: “We simply baptise anyone who wishes to be baptised.” A Carelinks spokesperson said the organisation “takes no part” in asylum applications, which are “a private matter between the claimant and the state.” The Christadelphian-linked charity said it was for tribunals to assess whether any conversion was genuine. Critics, including politicians, have called for tighter rules on religious conversions in asylum cases. Christadelphians started in America in 1848 and beliefs include a rejection of the idea of the Trinity, belief that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that baptism is necessary for salvation.
Two people arrested in connection with rape of Sikh woman, have been bailed
A 49-year-old man and 65-year-old woman, arrested in connection with the racially aggravated rape of a Sikh woman in Oldbury, Birmingham, have been bailed. The BBC reports that they were also held in connection another rape in Hurst Green Park in Halesowen, but have been bailed for that too, in both cases pending further inquiries. The local Sikh community has said community confidence in the police was at an “all time low”. Another man, arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with the Oldbury attack, was released on bail last month.
More Americans say religion is gaining influence in public life
A growing number of Americans believe religion is gaining influence in society, according to a new Pew Research Centre survey. In February 2025, 31 per cent of U.S. adults said religion’s influence in American life is increasing – up from 18 per cent a year earlier and the highest level in 15 years. The new survey also finds that in recent years, a growing share of the public takes a positive view of religion’s role in society – 59 per cent of Americans now view religion’s role as positive, compared with 20 per cent who see it negatively. The vast majority (68 per cent) say religion’s role is declining, but this is considerably down from the 80 per cent figure in 2024. 58 per cent feel their religious beliefs conflict with mainstream culture, 48 per cent say many religions may be true and 25 percent believe only one religion is true. The survey findings are here
Faith leaders join ‘No Kings’ democracy march in New York
The Religion News Service explains the vital role of the Interfaith Alliance in the “No Kings” marches across the country, which saw millions take part in a protest movement against authoritarianism and defending democracy. In Manhattan, faith leaders led an interfaith prayer vigil before the march set off. Clergy from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist communities led prayers and songs calling for compassion, justice and unity. Episcopal priest Rev. Chloe Breyer said the movement rejects the politicisation of faith, while Hindu leader Sunita Viswanath urged Americans to “be the light” against rising authoritarianism. The “No Kings” rallies were held in 2,600 locations across the country, organised by “Indivisible” and other advocacy groups. The Interfaith Alliance said the marches reflected a moral call to defend democracy: “Across our many faith traditions, we are united in our defense of a pluralistic democracy… We are partnering with a wide range of religious and civic organizations to expose the authoritarian threat of Project 2025 and the Trump-Vance administration’s attempt to implement the policies within it. Authoritarians use religion to justify trampling on the rule of law. Christian nationalism draws on centuries of exclusionary rhetoric and violence, but we refuse to cede religious or moral ground to extremists who would privilege a small segment of Christians above all other Americans.”
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