Reform councillor says people voted for return of Christian values
Religious affiliation of newly elected councillors is beginning to emerge. For Reform UK, Stephen Reed, deputy leader of Derbyshire County Council, told Premier Christian News that many Christians had been motivated to stand for the party “because they want their country back, they want Christian values back”. Muslim News calculates there were 162 Muslim candidates across Britain. Its own research indicates that “an estimated 45 Muslim councillors were elected in England (24), Scotland (9) and Wales (12). The breakdown for parties is: 28 Muslim Labour councillors, 11 Conservative Muslims and three Muslim Liberal Democrats. In Scotland, two Muslim Scottish National Party candidates were elected both in North Lanarkshire. The Jewish Chronicle charts candidates who have posted comments alleged to be antisemitic, and reports that the country’s largest Jewish constituency, Barnet, has swung to no overall control, as Labour lost seats and the Tories gained.
Politicians using cross ‘as a cudgel to beat opponents’
Fraser Nelson, once Editor of the Spectator and now a columnist with The Times, considers the conversion of the US Vice President JD Vance and the rise of the religious right, commenting that: “Politicians are finding God, picking up the cross, and then properly using it as a cudgel to beat their opponents with”. He says this started with Victor Orban in Hungary, promoting the idea that Christian civilisation is being undermined by immigration. High profile conversions followed including the US Vice President JD Vance to Catholicism, six years ago, whose soon to be published book “Communion” explains what led to his conversion. Fraser Nelson argues that the new religious right has a message not about love, forgiveness or community, but about Judaeo-Christian values under threat from Muslims, which he says is “a very powerful and toxic story”. However, he says Pope Leo and King Charles are two steps ahead, speaking of all Abrahamic faiths leading to the same God, and he concludes: “This isn’t just about politics, this is about who we are as a country, who we are as a nation. It’s Christian nationalists versus the Pope and the King. My money is on them”.
The ‘potent force’ of religion in political systems across the world
The Sunday Times carries an article by the former Ireland Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, on the influence of religion in governments across the world, making it a “potent force in politics”. He charts the way religion is used by leaders in America, Russia, India and Brazil to justify policy; the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in once secular states such as Iran, Turkey and Syria; and the historical association between Christianity in the United States, Europe and Britain which has enmeshed religion in moral decisions and political choices. He sees hope in James Talarico, standing for election to the Senate in Texas, and in the Pope, whose strong voice for peace has upset Trump. He concludes: “Across the world, religion plays an important part in the hearts and minds of billions of people. It has a huge influence on politics and world events. For this reason, it should be respected and understood.”
Protest against rising antisemitism, as leaders pledge support for Jewish people
Thousands of people assembled in Whitehall yesterday to protest against rising antisemitism in society, following a spate of recent arson attacks, stabbings and the murder of two people in Manchester. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Progressive Judaism co-leaders Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, and leaders from all main political parties, took to the stage. Police are investigating whether Iran backed any of these attacks, and there were renewed demands for the Iran backed IRGC to be banned and for the Iranian ambassador to be expelled. Before the demonstration, leaders from faith communities, businesses, charities, the media and sport signed an open letter, describing antisemitism as “a problem for all of us to fix”, and pledging support for Jewish people to protect them from extremists who threaten them. The letter says: “Along with the vast majority of British people we share a vision of our country where people of different faiths, races and beliefs come together to build communities and a country that we can all be proud of.” PA story here.
Fundraising about relationships for the common good, not just transactions
Catholics in Fundraising has hosted a seminar exploring how Catholic teaching can shape a more integrated approach to wealth, philanthropy and stewardship. Fundraisers and charity leaders gathered in the City of London, where speakers argued that wealth is not morally neutral but should serve the common good. Opening the evening, John Green, chairman of Catholics in Fundraising, said fundraising should move beyond transactional giving and be understood within a broader vision of wealth as vocation and responsibility. Contributors emphasised that generosity cannot be separated from how wealth is created, invested and used, with discussion ranging from ethical investment to taxation and civic duty. A central theme was the shift from transactions to relationships, rooted in stewardship and a holistic view of the person, where resources are entrusted to be used in ways that reflect faith, responsibility and care for others.
Jesus March planned for London a week after Unite the Kingdom take to the streets
The March for Jesus returns to London on Saturday 23 May with a new name “Jesus March”, organised by Henry George at the Icthus Christian Fellowship. The March for Jesus began in London in 1987, organised by singer songwriter Graham Kendrick and Icthus founder, Roger Forster, and became a worldwide phenomenon. The last march in London was in 2020, but recently they have re-started across Europe, and organisers believe the time is right for a replay in the capital. The new name was decided upon in response to marches in the UK which claim Christian support on the extreme right and left. For the Jesus march, organisers are not allowing political or national flags and they are hoping that stewards will ensure it’s not hijacked for political purposes. Up to 10,000 people are expected to take part in the procession which will be constantly singing, praying and marching, ending with an act of worship in Trafalgar Square. Premier Christianity magazine article here.
Channel 4 series on John Smyth story wins Bafta
“See No Evil”, a Channel 4 two part series on the abuser John Smyth, and how he was not stopped by the Church of England, has won a Bafta in the factual series category. Andrew Graystone, who researched and brought the story to the attention of Channel 4, and was a key interviewee in the series, was on the stage. Accepting the award, director Benedict Sanderson gave thanks “to the extraordinary victims, some who are here tonight, and to survivors of John Smythe, and to his family for their brave and brilliant testimony in the film, and for trusting us to tell this strange, disturbing, haunting, but hugely important story”. Bafta recording in iplayer here (1’23’00’’)
Pastor dedicates gold statue of Donald Trump and says it is not ‘idol worship’
Pastor Mark Burns, a US televangelist, has led a service of dedication to a gold statue of Donald Trump placed at the president’s golf course in Doral, Florida. Standing 22‑foot high, the statue depicts Trump raising his fist pumping the air, and the plaque is inscripted: “Fight, Fight, Fight. In honour of President Donald J Trump and his unrelenting fight to make America great again”. Around 50 guests sat in front of the statue as the Pastor led the ceremony. Writing on social media he said he was amazed that people had compared the dedication to a golden calf or idol worship.: “Let me be clear: this is not a golden calf. This statue is a celebration of life. It is a symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, strength, and the will power to keep fighting for the future of America. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone…. Honor is not worship. Respect is not idolatry. Celebration is not bowing down to a false god.”
Christian Aid says taste of a British cuppa is at risk from climate change
Christian Aid is warning that the taste of the British cuppa is under threat from climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme weather in Kenya, India and Sri Lanka, threatening the chemistry of tea leaves. A report out today says that “tea quality depends on a delicate balance of compounds such as catechins, amino acids and polyphenols, which determine flavour, aroma and mouthfeel. Studies find that higher temperatures tend to increase the production of more astringent compounds while reducing those associated with sweetness and balance. The result is a shift towards harsher, more bitter profiles.” Dr Neha Mittal, senior climate services scientist at the Met Office and visiting scientist at the University of Leeds, says the changing climate “is likely to increase variation in leaf quality between harvests, making it harder for producers to maintain consistent flavour profiles over time, with potential implications for brand trust and consumer confidence.”
