Archbishop for US Military says talk on Greenland “tarnishes” United States
The United States Archbishop for the Military Services, Timothy Broglio, has said that the rhetoric used by the White House on taking possession of Greenland “tarnishes the image of the United States”. He told BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme that he could not see any circumstances in which taking over Greenland would be a “just war”. He said international law and moral principles are there to guide us and “some of the rhetoric is more concerning than some of the actions – though even these have left room for concern”. He explained that Greenland is a territory of Denmark, an ally and part of NATO: “Taking it by force when we already have treaties that allow for a military installation in Greenland, it doesn’t seem necessary, it doesn’t seem acceptable to invade a friendly nation”. He was concerned at the impact on service personnel: “I am obviously worried because they could be put in a situation where they’re being ordered to do something which is morally questionable”. It would be a matter of conscience as to whether it was morally acceptable to disobey that order, “but that’s perhaps putting that individual in an untenable situation, and that’s my concern”. Last month, he criticised US attacks on alleged drug running boats off the coast of Venezuela, which killed more than 100 people on board. He said the proper, moral way would be to stop the ships, investigate, arrest and try people concerned. Sunday interview here (37 minutes in).
UN 80th anniversary celebrated at Methodist Central Hall
One thousand people from across the world gathered at Methodist Central Hall in London at the weekend, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first UN General Assembly, held there on 10 January 1946, five months after World War Two ended. The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, warned that the global multilateral system is under threat after a year in which: “Aid was slashed. Inequalities widened. Climate chaos accelerated. International law was trampled. Crackdowns on civil society intensified. Journalists were killed with impunity. And United Nations staff were repeatedly threatened — or killed — in the line of duty…At the same time, we see powerful forces lining up to undermine global cooperation….In this moment when the values of multilateralism are being chipped away, it is up to us to take a stand. More than ever, the world needs civil society movements that are fearless and persistent — that make it impossible for leaders to look away.” Methodist Central Hall was chosen for the inaugural meeting by the then Foreign Minister, Ernest Bevin, who said “there could be no better place than a House of God, with the atmosphere of prayer already there”.
US bishop tells clergy to prepare for martyrdom
The Associated Press reports on comments by Bishop Rob Hirschfeld, of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, who has warned clergy to finalise their wills and get their affairs in order to prepare for a “new era of martyrdom.” He was speaking at a vigil for Renee Good, who was shot dead by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, while she was driving her car. Citing historical precedents for clergy to be killed on peaceful protests in America, he said: “It may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies, to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable. Those of us who are ready to build a new world, we also have to be prepared. If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself, my friends.” In Minnesota, protesters disrupted the service at Cities Southern Baptist church in St. Paul, where one of the pastors, David Easterwood, is acting director for an ICE field office. They blew whistles, shouted at the pastors and talked to congregants for more than 20 minutes before taking their protest outside. Report from “A Public Witness” here
Vatican Secretary of State says force cannot be used in Greenland
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has told journalists that he hopes multilateralism will resolve the Greenland issue. He said: “Solutions by force cannot be used”, as this is both “unacceptable” and will bring the world ever closer to “a war within international politics.” He also expressed great concern at the “endless tragedy” of so many deaths in Iran and hoped for a peaceful solution. Speaking of Venezuela, he hoped that the uncertain present might evolve toward stability, democracy and economic recovery.
Conference on springtime growth in the Church of England
The Church Times is promoting a one day conference on the “Quiet Revival”, a phenomenon identified in a survey commissioned by the Bible Society, which suggested a steep rise in church attendance especially among Gen Z, young people aged 18-24. The survey was conducted by YouGov among 13,146 people in England and Wales, but the results have not been matched by polling within the Church of England. The conference at St John’s Waterloo on 31 January will start with a talk on “Springtime for the Church of England: where are we seeing growth?”, by the Rev Dr David Goodhew, Vicar of St Barnabas Church, Middlesbrough, visiting fellow of St John’s College, Durham University, and the former director of the Centre for Church Growth Research. Other speakers include Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury; and clergy from across the church traditions. The host is Church Times senior writer, Madeleine Davies. Details here
‘Herd immunity’ to Christianity in Britain in decline?
Kaya Burgess, in The Times, reports on an increased presence of Christianity in the public square, with young footballers praying and reading the Bible, young men said to be flocking to Orthodox churches, Christian nationalism blazoned on the streets with crosses and flags, and continuing talk of a “Quiet Revival” especially among young people. Prof Stephen Bullivant, from St Mary’s University, quotes research suggesting young people see religion as a lifestyle choice and are more willing to discuss faith openly: “There’s a sense in which herd immunity to Christianity is probably wearing off in Britain”. Times report here. BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme is also covering this story, with a series on young people enthusiastic about faith, and the vast audiences young Christian influencers have attracted on social media. The writer Lamorna Ash, who wrote a book on a new generation searching for religion, told the programme that young people growing up in non-religious households and alongside people of different religions in school, are attracted to exploring spiritual practices and engaging in faith. She said young people are looking for authority through reading the Bible and has found many who are talking about this on Instagram.
Official warning over handling of John Perumbalath safeguarding case
The Charity Commission has issued an official warning to the trustees of the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance over failures in the handling of safeguarding allegations in connection with the former Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath. He was Bishop of Bradwell, in the Chelmsford diocese, from 2018-2023 and Bishop of Liverpool 2023-2025. He stepped down after two women accused him of sexual harassment, which he denies. The Commission has found that in both charities there was a failure to properly handle safeguarding allegations and to maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding by the trustees. It said there were insufficient processes and procedures in place and mismanagement in administration. In a statement, Chelmsford says they “respectfully disagree with some of the Charity Commission’s conclusions and are disappointed by the decision to issue an Official Warning”. A statement from Liverpool says they accept the Commission’s findings and apologise for the shortcomings. Both dioceses say action has been taken to strengthen processes.
Holocaust survivor Harry Olmer dies aged 98
Holocaust survivor Harry Olmer, who was sent into forced labour and concentration camps by the Nazis, has died aged 98. Born in Poland, he was first taken to a labour camp working on the railway line, then to a chemical weapons factory and then a concentration camp. He survived and was liberated in 1945, arriving in Britain aged 18, where he settled by Windermere in the Lake District. He qualified as a dentist, became a British citizen and was known for his work in Holocaust education, speaking at schools, synagogues and community groups. In 2023, he was appointed the MBE. Harry Olmer is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren. His rabbi in Mill Hill, Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, paid tribute to his resilience and said Mr Olmer’s last words to him were “a shainem dank” – a Yiddish word for “thank you very much”. Jewish News report here
Thousands gather for Magh Mela Hindu festival in India
Hindu devotees have gathered for the Magh Mela, a month long religious festival held in India at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. They stay in makeshift tent cities and meet for teaching, bathing, prayer and practices to honour ancestors. AP has captured the festival in pictures here
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ banned at Polish weddings
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wroclaw in Poland, has banned Ed Sheeran’s song “Perfect” from wedding ceremonies. Other banned singles are Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the Beatles’ “All You Need is Love”. The announcement came in a statement “Musical abuses in Churches”, following an increase in couples asking to include secular songs. The church made clear that the choice of music is at the discretion of the priest in charge and the main point of a wedding service is to “sanctify and bless the sacrament of the couple”.
