Religion on the Minneapolis front line – RNS briefing with reporter Jack Jenkins
A phone call between President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on the escalating violence against ICE immigration agents in the state of Minnesota, is said to have signalled a new tone. The men in charge of ICE operations in Minneapolis are pulling out and a replacement has been called in. Protests had reached boiling point after ICE agents shot dead a second person, nurse Alex Pretti. Hundreds of clergy and leaders from all faiths and all parts of America, gathered in Minneapolis over the weekend and were on the frontline of protests against the action of ICE agents rounding up immigrants for deportation. Leaders from across denominations called for Trump to de-escalate ICE activities and are campaigning for Congress to block new Homeland Security spending being debated this week. Religion News Service reporter Jack Jenkins has been reporting from Minneapolis throughout and witnessed raids, clergy and church response, and interfaith networks offering worship and practical support. He will be speaking about what he has seen, in a Religion News Service zoom briefing today, Tuesday 27 January, at 5pm London time. Other speakers include local faith leaders Imam Mowlid Ali and the Rev Ingrid C. Arneson. To sign up for the briefing click this link >>
‘Light the Darkness’ to remember Holocaust victims and survivors
It’s International Holocaust Memorial Day today, as people across the world remember the victims of the Holocaust in the Second World War and other genocides since then, for example in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Ceremonies involving national and community leaders, include prayer, the lighting of candles and words of remembrance. This year the theme is “Bridging Generations”, with a message that the responsibility of remembrance passes to new generations, as the years roll by. There are said to be 196,000 Holocaust survivors remaining, living across 90 countries. This evening, the public are being asked to mark the day by lighting candles in their homes, as public buildings are lit in purple, a collective moment of remembrance called “Light the Darkness”. Commemorative events have already taken place in City Hall, London, and in the Houses of Parliament. Many cathedrals are hosting services with civic and religious groups today.
Remains of last Israeli hostage returned to his family
The remains of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili, were recovered yesterday after a search lasting months. He was a police officer, aged 24, who fought the militants trying to enter a kibbutz on 7 October 2023. He was injured and his body taken to Gaza where he died. The ceasefire agreement with Hamas was stalled until his remains were found and returned. His sister told the Associated Press that the family are relieved and can now move on with their lives.
Muslim Council of Britain’s vision for 2050 – transformation for positive change
The Muslim Council of Britain has published a vision for 2050 which aims “to unite British Muslims for effective action, empower our communities with the tools to excel, and serve Muslims and our country so we may have a just, cohesive and successful British society”. The statement says: “By 2050, we envision British Muslims leading positive change across every sphere of life – from healthcare to technology, from education to civic engagement. This isn’t just an aspiration; it’s a commitment to meaningful transformation”. The MCB says it will undertake a root and branch review of the organisation, create a professional operational backbone and launch a nationwide consultation toa chieve its aims. This vision statement follows an ambitious series of “town hall meetings” in 30 cities and towns, where Muslims shared their challenges and hopes, compiled in a report here. Maira Butt has been looking at its findings and reports here
Two senior Catholic bishops deeply concerned at prospect of assisted dying bill in Wales
Two senior Catholic bishops in Wales have expressed “deep concern” about the Assisted Dying Bill, which is going before the Senedd today for members to debate and vote on whether it can be approved. The bill is going through the House of Lords at present and would legalise assisted dying for someone given six months to live. The Senedd could withhold consent preventing Westminster from legislating on the issue in Wales. In a joint statement, Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff-Menevia and Bishop Peter Brignall of Wrexham wrote that the bill would “place many vulnerable people at greater risk.”
Safeguarding investigation at St Andrews Chorleywood, where New Wine and Soul Survivor launched
The Diocese of St Albans has launched a safeguarding consultation over allegations of abuse at St Andrews Chorleywood, the church that launched New Wine and Soul Survivor. In a press release, it says: “The Diocese of St Albans has launched a voluntary call for information and listening exercise regarding possible allegations of abuse and harmful behaviour connected to St Andrew’s Chorleywood during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. This initiative follows recent safeguarding disclosures which indicate there may be others who have been harmed and not yet heard during that period. The Diocese is working closely with St Andrew’s, which is fully supportive of the process.” The statement says the process will ensure transparency and accountability and manage any outstanding safeguarding risks. Church Times story here
Christian resurgence among young adults in Britain ‘may be misleading’
An article by Conrad Hackett, the senior demographer and associate director of research at Pew Research Center, investigates recent surveys which point to a Christian resurgence among young adults in the United Kingdom, while other surveys suggest Christianity is in decline, and says “the narrative may be misleading”. The upward trend was picked up by a YouGov survey commissioned by the Bible Society, which published a report named “The Quiet Revival”. It found that the number of 18-24 year olds attending church had risen from four to 16 per cent in six years up to 2024. Conrad Hackett explains: “These surveys canvass members of opt-in panels who have signed up to participate, often in response to website ads or email campaigns. Surveys using random samples of the population do not show clear evidence of a Christian resurgence”. The article quotes other “opt in” surveys for Tearfund and the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer among others, also indicating religious sentiment rising. It then cites the Labour Force survey and British Social Attitudes survey, which show Christian identity declining. The article says that the Bible Society stands by its results and has published its responses to methodological questions in a public document.
Police ban ‘Walk with Jesus’ UKIP march in Whitechapel
The police have banned a UKIP “Walk with Jesus” march in Whitechapel this Saturday, 31 January. UKIP leader Nick Tenconi, also Chief Operating Officer of the group “Turning Point UK” announced the march accompanied by Calvin Robinson, who is now a minister of Christ Church Harlesden, an Anglican parish in the Free Church of England. In a film on Facebook, they say they are Christian nationalists and want to turn the nation back to Christianity. But the police say the march could lead to “serious disorder” and it would be reckless to allow it to go ahead.
Justin Humphreys resigns from Christian safeguarding charity ‘Thirtyone:eight’
Justin Humphreys, one of the joint chief executives of the safeguarding charity “Thirtyone:eight” has resigned after ten years in the role and 16 years with the charity. It is regarded as a leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, offering advice and guidance to 12,000 organisations across the UK. In a statement he said it was one of the hardest decisions, but he departs on good terms and aims to continue working with leaders to promote and foster safer cultures and communities. The charity celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027.
Premier Christian Media Centre opens in heart of City of London
The new Premier Christian Media Centre has been opened in a modern state of the art office building in Tudor Street, near Blackfriars, in the city of London. The new building houses Premier Christian News, Premier Christian Radio, Premier Praise and Premier Gospel, and the magazines Premier Christianity and Premier Woman Alive. Its journalists produce editorial and digital output, websites, podcasts and video content. It has 13 recording and production spaces which will be made available to the wider Christian community and organisations. Two of the flagship studios have been named in honour of men who helped the station develop – former CEO Peter Kerridge, and former chairman David Heron. The company is in the process of opening a new Premier Gospel studio in Birmingham, in partnership with a local church there.
