Panels on British Muslims; Community Relations and the Media; British Media and British Jews; and Millenials, Faith and the Digital Space.
Interviews with Cathy Newman, Channel 4 news; Lord Russell Rook, adviser to the Faith Minister; and Sir Mark Thompson CEO of CNN and former BBC Director General.
Met police raided a Quaker meeting house in Westminster, breaking down the door and arresting six young women campaigners who had booked a meeting room there. Faith groups were ‘horrified’ at the violation of a place of worship. 300 people held a silent vigil at Scotland Yard against the raid >>
Justin Welby gave an interview to BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg after the Makin review – said he should have done more to stop the serial abuser John Smyth. He apologised again and said he would forgive John Smyth, if he were alive. Comments on social media suggested it was his “Andrew moment”. Story here >>
Ramadan ended this week with the sighting of the crescent moon, heralding the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. But disputes over who had seen the moon and where led to Eid being celebrated on different days. The confusion can cause deep divisions and Maira Butt reports on attempts by the New Crescent Society to resolve the issue in Britain.
The BBC broadcast the first Eid-ul-Fitr live from Bradford. Maira Butt reported on the rituals – prayer, readings, feasts and parties. The research group Equi said Ramadan ‘generates £1.3 billion to UK economy‘. Islam Channel reported record £1.5m charity appeal on 27th night of Ramadan >>
Sir Simon Schama told a London conference that there has been a “toxic” spread of antisemitism in popular culture since 7 October 2023. Hatred had spread like an “infection” and there was a “trivialisation and debasement” of Holocaust memory on social media. Read Lianne Kolirin’s report >>
| Church of England RMC Briefing: Tuesday 8 April 1200: “The Quiet Revival” On a Bible society report about church engagement and spirituality, to be published that day. Panellists include report authors and academics researching affiliation and belonging. Email us to join: [email protected] |
In Brief…
| Church of England Newcastle Cathedral withdraws from hosting Archbishop of York on his ‘Lord’s Prayer tour’ >> Safeguarding review into disgraced priest David Tudor >> CofE awards grants of over £40 million for mission and ministry >> Peterborough Cathedral rescued from financial crisis >> Campaign for equality of women in the Church of England >> |
| In America US Catholics and evangelicals write ‘theological refutation’ of Trump’s deportation policy >> Trump’s press secretary on spiritual warfare and evil forces >> US public opinion against arresting illegal immigrants in church >> Washington interfaith vigil on immigration raids >> Southern Baptist ethnic churches’ statement against immigration policy >> In search of Christians with a “Biblical world view” >> |
| Global Faith-based agencies launch emergency appeals for Myanmar >> Cardinal speaks of ‘churning despair’ of the suffering people of Myanmar >> British Methodist donations for children with disabilities in Gaza >> CAFOD ‘strongly condemns’ Israel’s proposed military expansion in Gaza >> Bishop calls for courageous leadership to bring peace in Gaza >> “Pope is following doctors’ orders and taking a complete rest >> Catholic Spain no longer exists, says archbishop >> Jagtar Singh Johal, jailed in India for seven years, now in solitary confinement >> India proposals for governing Muslim owned land and property >> Jerusalem Post editor held under house arrest after story on Qatar >> “Miracle” survival of toddler credited to Cardinal George Pell >> |
| UK Cardinal urges Catholics to persuade their MP to vote against assisted dying bill >> Livia Tossici-Bolt, 64, found guilty at Poole Magistrates Court after holding up a sign near abortion clinic, breaching buffer zone. The US State department earlier said it was ‘monitoring’ the case >> Hybrid church, online and in person, here to stay >> Nishkam charities in Birmingham celebrate 50th anniversary >> Two-tier sentencing policy abandoned after government complaints >> Tate Britain returns painting looted by Nazis >> British Hindus say suggestions of far right links are ‘completely untrue’ >> Man charged with 64 offences after search of funeral premises in Hull >> Oldest Kiddush cup in existence to be auctioned by Sotheby’s >> ‘Adolescence’ shows that Yeshiva are ahead of their time >> Meeting in Leicester to campaign against caste discrimination >> |
Work is expected to start this summer on a giant white prayer loop sculpture, “The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer”, at a site near Birmingham, visible from the M6, M42 and Birmingham airport >>
