Faith leaders mark St George’s day with call for inclusive English pride
Faith leaders across England are taking part in events today, St George’s Day, and the rest of this week, to show unity, demonstrate pride in the country and its communities, and declare that the English flag belongs to all. There is a parade in Gravesend, interfaith walks in London and Birmingham, a garden party in Slough, a “football for all” event and the launch of a “pocket museum” with the story of England in 50 objects. British Future has produced a toolkit for people who want to speak up for a united England.
Organiser Maurice Ostro OBE, founder patron of the Faiths Forum for London, and Vice President of The Council of Christians and Jews, said: “St George’s Day is a day to celebrate and be proud of what unites our country. England belongs to us all .. these events underline what polls show – the vast majority of people in this country of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs want to be part of an inclusive English patriotism for everyone who calls this land home. Those who seek to divide us aren’t just wrong, they are small minority.”
St George’s Church on the Harold Hill estate in Romford is hosting the first Church of England’s national online service for St George’s Day. The Vicar, the Rev Nathan Joss-Pothen, is leading the service that explores the history and real life of St George and says: “For us St George’s Day is a celebration of our varied community, inspiring them to fight the ‘dragons’ in their lives!”
Trump takes part in marathon Bible reading event
Donald Trump read a passage from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 in a week-long public Bible reading event this week called “America Reads the Bible”. It described God’s appearance to Solomon, when he promised: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”. The verse has been adopted by conservative evangelical Christians as a call for citizens to repent and for God to bless the nation.
MCB ‘encouraging grass roots campaigning’ in upcoming elections
Dr Wajid Akhter, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has told the Guardian that he believes the government will eventually engage with them “because they have no other choice.” The report says the MCB is trying to replicate the model of grassroots campaigning adopted by Zohran Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, registering Muslims to vote and drawing them into civic action. It remains non-partisan and has recruited 200 voter champions across more than 30 areas in the run-up to the local elections, hoping to expand nationwide. Article is here
Council to stop street preachers telling shoppers they are ‘going to hell’
Colchester city council is seeking a community protection notice against the Bread of Life Community Church that would prevent its ministers and members using loudspeakers when preaching in public. It is accused of having caused “significant disturbance” by amplifying its preachers as they tell shoppers they are “going to Hell”. The church denies the accusation and is appealing against the notice, set to be heard at Colchester magistrates’ court on 1 May.
Pope’s visit to Africa draws to an end
Pope Leo’s last full day in Africa ended with an event in a football stadium in Equatorial Guinea, when young people sang and danced under an intense tropical rainstorm. He told the audience that they should “always set an example of harmony among yourselves”. Earlier he visited a prison and celebrated Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, Africa’s second largest church.
Paleontologist wins Templeton prize
The winner of 2026 Templeton Prize is Professor Simon Conway Morris, paleontologist at the University of Cambridge, who shed light on evolutionary pathways. He is internationally recognized for research on the Cambrian explosion, the emergence of organisms, and analysis of the Burgess Shale fauna, soft-bodied organisms. The Foundation said his work had “significantly reshaped our understanding of the early evolution of animal body plans”.
