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Cardinal Vincent Nichols gave a wide ranging interview to Roger Bolton, as he marked his 80th birthday, and approaches retirement as Archbishop of Westminster. He said the biggest challenge facing society is the way it is fragmenting and atomising, losing a sense of belonging. Read our report and view the interview via links here
On the day tough asylum reforms were announced, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, spoke at Westminster Abbey, sayiing refugees must not be rejected and left to die, and nations have an obligation to those fleeing totalitarian regimes, war and persecution. He was giving the annual “One People Oration”, and made clear that the principle of welcoming and protecting the stranger is key in sacred texts. Read Catherine Pepinster’s report here
Lord Wajid Khan, the former faith minister, said efforts to define Islamophobia had “taken far too long” and people will feel frustrated He has no hard feelings about his removal from office and is “busier than ever” with interfaith initiatives and community cohesion projects. Read Maira Butt’s report here
The UK Supreme Court ruled that Christian-focused religious education taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful, as it is not taught in an “objective, critical, and pluralistic manner”, which amounts to indoctrination. In parallel, an independent review advocated a rethink on the Christian centric approach. And two academics at Queen’s University Belfast are leading a “religion and worldviews for all” project which reports back in December. Report here
More headlines ..
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| Monday 17 November Cardinal Vincent Nichols warns Britain is fragmenting UN High Commissioner for Refugees speaks at Westminster Abbey as MPs debate asylum reforms Pope praises film industry saying cinema ‘awakens the light of the soul’ Jewish students’ campaign to tackle rising antisemitism at universities CofE told to ‘rapidly accelerate’ safeguarding reforms 40 years since ‘Faith in the City’ and the problems are the same Christian conference in India to protest at ‘500 per cent rise’ in hate crimes Almost 1,000 historic places of worship in England are on the heritage at risk register Historian ‘s 200-mile pilgrimage lays ‘foundation for inner peace’ |
| Tuesday 18 November Bishop says asylum reforms have ‘shaken him to the core’ Jesuit Refugee Service says asylum proposals will inflict profound harm UN High Commission for Refugees will review the asylum reforms in detail Pope Leo appeals for COP30 to take action on climate change Freedom of religion and belief school resources Catholic bishop calls for immediate international action on Sudan US Anglican archbishop suspended after sexual misconduct allegations |
| Wednesday 19 November Official statistics show a decline in marriages and steep decline in religious ceremonies Pope criticises disrespectful treatment of migrants in the US Appeal for government to offer safe routes for refugees from Sudan Robust argument over theory of a ‘Quiet Revival’ Holocaust survivor dies aged 95 Statutory inquiry into Christian charity Bishop of Oxford to retire Cardinals due to meet in Rome in January Rare Sikh holy book displayed in Edinburgh Concern after church in Swansea daubed with Swastika 1500 year old floor mosaic points to Christian shrine in Turkey |
| Thursday 20 November Christian focused Religious Education in Northern Ireland judged unlawful Archbishop of York says Israel has committed ‘genocidal acts’ Bishop warns asylum reforms risk ‘deepening division’ in society Lord Khan: Islamophobia definition has taken ‘far too long’ Muslim businesses in $2.4 trillion Halal economy at Excel Centre exhibition UK Pantry network reaches one millionth visit US Episcopal church observes transgender day of remembrance Sandford St Martin Awards open for entries |
| Friday 21 November Third of Catholic priests in England from 1992-2024 were former Anglican clergy British Jews abandon Labour and Tories for the Greens and Reform Chief Rabbi accuses Archbishop of York of ‘irresponsible approach’ to Israel / Gaza conflict Church in Wales bishops set dates to decide on same sex blessings and marriage The Bishop of Leeds Nick Baines gives final sermon this weekend before retiring Live-streamed church attack deepens anger over Nigeria’s security crisis ‘Revival of Christianity’ as clergy protest outside Chicago migrant detention centre Orange hearts on posters, Christmas trees and biscuits to show support for refugees Belarus frees two Catholic priests after Vatican intervention 1974 Birmingham pub bombings anniversary remembered today QR code scheme translating Christmas services live into a phone |
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