More reaction to new anti-Muslim hatred definition – wording of new definition is here.
Imam Qari Asim, senior Imam at Makkah Mosque in Leeds, has welcomed the government’s Anti-Muslim Hatred definition: “For many years Muslim communities across the UK have called for clearer recognition of the discrimination, prejudice and hostility that Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim, can face in their daily lives. This definition may not fully reflect everything that some have advocated for over many years; however, the adoption of a definition of anti-Muslim hostility is an important step in acknowledging the seriousness of the issue and signalling that prejudice and hostility towards Muslims have no place in our society. This recognition is particularly important given that almost half of all religiously motivated hate crime offences in the UK are targeted towards Muslims”.
The Bishop of Bradford, Dr Toby Howarth, welcomed the statement saying it would help people to love their neighbours. The bishop is deeply engaged in interfaith work and has MA in Islamic studies and a PhD on Islamic preaching. He told the Church Times he was glad the definition was published: “It is seeking to protect people – Muslims and those targeted because they are perceived to be Muslims – rather than trying to close down debate or criticism of Islam as a religion. We need to remember that this is not just an academic discussion. Muslims are being attacked, vilified, and intimidated simply for being part of a religious community. The focus now needs to be on delivery.”
The Association of Muslim Schools has written to the Minister for Faith, Miatta Fahnbulleh, welcoming the definition saying: “This represents a significant and timely step in recognising and addressing hostility directed towards Muslim communities across the United Kingdom. A clear definition provides public institutions, including schools and local authorities, with an important framework to identify, record and respond appropriately to anti Muslim hostility, while safeguarding the UK’s longstanding commitment to freedom of expression”.
Hindu and Sikh groups have criticised the anti-Muslim definition and the appointment of an “Islamophobia Tsar” saying it will foster resentment and marginalise other faiths. The Network of Sikh Organisations said it raised serious issues of fairness to include one faith and not others, and believed existing legislation was sufficient to cover all groups. The Times of India reports that the Network of Sikh Organisations and the Free Speech Union are considering challenging the definition in a judicial review. The Hindu council criticised the government for not consulting other faiths.
Other news
Bishop Rob Wickham named faith representative on new Civil Society Council
Leaders from across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors have been appointed to the new Civil Society Council, to oversee partnerships between government and civil society. They will drive the implementation of the Civil Society Covenant at national and local level, “identifying opportunities for civil society to play a greater role in the design and delivery of policies and services”. The Covenant idea was pioneered by Faith Action which has facilitated faith covenants between local authorities and faith groups in 33 areas. These will dovetail with the new Civil Society Covenants. The faith representative on the Civil Society Council is Bishop Rob Wickham, CEO of the Church Urban Fund, and the chair is Kate Lee, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. There were around 600 applications to be on the council and its 13 members “reflect a broad mix of experience, expertise and geographic representation”. The Council will meet quarterly and its first meeting is next month.
Tom Holland designated ‘Bede Librarian’ at Durham Cathedral
Tom Holland, co-host of “The Rest is History” podcast, has been named as Bede Librarian at Durham Cathedral, a newly created role to promote the cathedral’s archives and association with the Venerable Bede. An Anglo-Saxon monk, scholar and historian, Bede was a writer on history, theology, science, and education, best known for Ecclesiastical History of the English People completed in 731. Commenting on his new role, Tom Holland said: “Bede is the father of English history – so what greater honour could there possibly for an English historian than to be appointed the Bede Librarian in the cathedral where he lies buried.” He will be formally inaugurated as Bede Librarian during the Festal Evensong for Bede on Monday 25 May.
Pope pays tribute to Maronite priest killed in southern Lebanon
Father Pierre El-Rahi, the Maronite parish priest of one of the Christian villages in southern Lebanon, was killed on Monday as he sought to help parishioners whose house had been fired upon by an Israeli tank. Vatican News said he had gone to the scene in a mountainous area when the tank fired and died later in hospital. At his general audience yesterday, Pope Leo said Father Pierre was “a true shepherd who always remained beside his people with the love and sacrifice of Jesus the Good Shepherd. May the Lord grant that the blood he shed may be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon.” Pope Leo said he was praying for peace in Iran and throughout the Middle East, “especially for the many civilian victims, including many innocent children”.
Christian Climate Action protest at plans to develop of Rosebank oilfield
Christian Climate Action protesters stood in sackcloth and ashes outside the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero yesterday, calling on the government to stop plans to develop Rosebank, the largest undeveloped oilfield in the North Sea. The Government is expected to announce a decision soon on the oilfield, which lies 80 miles off Shetland. It is said to be the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field and would produce 500 million barrels of oil, which cmapaigners say would create more CO2 annually than the world’s 28 poorest countries combined.
BBC announces sixth ‘Faith & Hope’ season of religious programmes
The BBC has announced the sixth annual “Faith & Hope” season, a collection of multi-faith religious programming across TV and Radio, reflecting a range of faiths and their festivals taking place in the near future. Highlights include the BBC One Easter Morning Service from Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire, Songs of Praise from Redruth Baptist Church in Cornwall, a programme with BBC Traitors winner “Harry Clark Goes to Rome” and on BBC2, “Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island”. On BBC Radio 4, Easter Sunday worship is live from Canterbury Cathedral, and on Radio 3, the world premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s Angels Unawares, will be featured on Palm Sunday. There will be a special episode of Celebration Kitchen on the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, ending the season of Ramadan, on BBC One. And in celebration of Spring faith festivals from other faiths, the Asian Network is marking Ramadan and Vaisakhi with a podcast and curated playlists. Further details of all programming here and here’s a link to “Faith & Hope” on iplayer.
Karen Newman elected vice president of Board of Deputies of British Jews
Karen Newman, who works on development projects managing health and human rights programmes across the world, has been elected as a vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. She is a trustee of The Movement for Progressive Judaism and former Chair of Liberal Judaism and is the only woman and only Progressive Jew in the Board of Deputies’ five-person honorary officer team. She was appointed almost immediately to a role as chair of the Board’s security, resilience and cohesion division, which fights antisemitism, freedom of religion and promotes good relations with other faiths.
Two new CofE bishops
The Rev Dr Michael Leyden, founding Dean of Emmanuel Theological College in north west England, has been named as the new Bishop of Penrith in the diocese of Carlise. And the Rev James Treasure, team rector for four parishes in the Dudley parish and “Top Church” – St Thomas and St Luke’s – has been appointed as the next Bishop of St Germans in Cornwall.
Pittsburgh cathedral dean charged with stealing baseball cards
The Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh, USA, is facing charges for stealing more than $1,000 in baseball trading cards from a Walmart. The Associated Press says the Very Rev Aidan Smith, aged 42, was arrested at the end of February after leaving the store with 27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box. He has been charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft. The Bishop of Pittsburgh says the church will investigate and she has asked for prayers for the Dean and his family. He had been on administrative leave since late January. His lawyers declined to comment.
