PM’s call for renewal of British values is lost amid Mandelson row
The Prime Minister’s speech in Hastings dominated the headlines because of what he said about Peter Mandelson’s “lies” and his appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the US. Yet almost entirely overlooked was the speech’s original purpose: a call to renew British values of tolerance, decency and respect, and to rebuild a sense of community for the common good.
He said: “The social contract is currently nowhere near strong enough to weather the storms of this world”, and society must be strengthened. There was a need to be more vigilant in asserting British values and to call out “those who want to divide us .. whether that is extreme right ideologies and their hatred of Muslims, or Islamist ideologies and their hatred of Britain and Jews”. Marches with racist banners and antisemitic hate had left Jews feeling scared and intimidated: “How can that be right for a country with values like ours?”, he asked.
But he said that hope lives in Britain in communities, and the ferocious pride in place found in sport and local identity, which is “completely ignored by politics”, is the “social glue that holds together a community and a country”. Text of speech here
Trump: ‘I’ve done more for religion than any other president’
President Donald Trump, his cabinet, members of Congress and the presidents of El Salvador and DRC, attended the National Prayer Breakfast at the Hilton hotel in Washington yesterday, an event which goes back to 1953.
Trump spoke for 77 minutes, often at tangents, claiming he had brought Christianity back to the centre of American life. There were memorable quotes including: “I’ve done more for religion than any other president”. Picking up his past reflection that he might not go to heaven, he said: “I really think I probably should make it (to heaven). I mean I’m not a perfect candidate, but I did a hell of a lot of good for perfect people”. He also criticised Republicans opposed to him and said: “I don’t know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat”.
In 2020, there was controversy over the group that ran the breakfasts called The Fellowship, and a parallel event was organised by members of Congress. This year the two were meant to be united as one, but the Religion News Service reports that there was another “reset” prayer breakfast at the US Capitol, which included a keynote address from Senate Chaplain Barry Black. Guardian commentary here
Prince of Wales to attend installation of Archbishop of Canterbury
The Prince of Wales will represent the King at the installation of Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury, at Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March. The news was announced yesterday as the Prince and Princess of Wales met the new Archbishop at Lambeth Palace. In a statement, the church said they discussed the contribution of churches around the country to their communities, and the Prince and Princess’s work through The Royal Foundation.
Sarah Mullally sees role as advocate for equity, justice and hope
Also yesterday, Dame Sarah was reintroduced to the House of Lords as Archbishop, one of 26 Lords Spiritual. Afterwards she committed to “bringing a compassionate voice to my role as an advocate for equity, justice and hope. I will draw on my faith and my practical and pastoral experience as a nurse and a priest, to help scrutinise and finesse legislation that improves the lives of all those who live and work in our country – of all faiths and none.”
Hertfordshire synagogues merge in boost for Progressive Judaism Movement
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree and Radlett Reform Synagogue have voted to merge, creating one of the largest Jewish hubs in the UK and a boost for the new Progressive Judaism movement. Their members, from 1100 households, will continue to have two locations, with a long term aim of establishing a single site. Co-leaders of The Movement for Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, said the vote was “a real expression of what Progressive Judaism makes possible” adding that the decision “to build something new together in Hertfordshire, without asking anyone to give up who they are, is exactly the kind of confident, generous leadership our Movement exists to support.”
US court action against immigration enforcement in places of worship
The US Episcopal Church and 26 other religious organisations have argued in a US appeals court that changes to federal immigration policy are interfering with their ability to practise their faith. The interfaith coalition is challenging the Trump administration’s decision to end protections that treated houses of worship as “sensitive locations” for immigration enforcement. Lawyers said that fear of immigration raids has led to falling attendance at services and disrupted ministries. Government lawyers say there is no credible or imminent threat to worshippers, and therefore no basis for court action. The appeal focuses on whether the religious organisations can show real harm. Episcopal News Service report here
CofE announces £600,000 for children with additional needs
The Church of England is awarding £600,000 to 800 churches to provide special facilities for children with special needs. Accessible features include visual schedules, multi-sensory activities and movement breaks, sensory tents, fidget toys and ear defenders to help children who find lighting, signage and sound distressing. The money is going to the charity Growing Hope, which specialises in this work and is welcomed as a way of the church becoming a diverse and welcoming church for all.
Pagan prison chaplain needed in Norwich
The Daily Telegraph reports that HMP Norwich is advertising for a pagan chaplain to offer faith based and pastoral care as part of the jail’s multi-faith chaplaincy team. There were 79 pagans in prisons in England and Wales in 2000, compared with 1,172 now, making them the fourth most common religion among prisoners. The Pagan Federation says faith groups meet on a weekly basis and chaplains are required to prepare educational worksheets, seasonal rituals and guided meditations as part of their worship.
Italian priest and social media influencer leaves priesthood
A 32 year old “influencer” Italian priest, with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, is leaving the priesthood. Father Alberto Ravagnani has millions of views on YouTube, nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram, and 150,000 on TikTok, but his posts have been controversial. While serving at a church in Milan, he started posting on social media and wore civilian clothes, was blocked by pop artist Fedez, advised on skincare, posted pictures of him dancing and at the gym, took photos of food and wrote about a visit to the London Oratory and Holy Trinity Brompton. But the Catholic Herald reports that attitudes changed last September when he announced a paid partnership with Bondsupplements. The diocese expressed concern, and now months later he has resigned. He thanked his followers for the love and said he would talk to them soon.
