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Faith groups petitioned for the abolition of the two-child benefit cap and warmly welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to lift it. But there was criticism of half measures, warning of gaps in welfare provision and concerns over the impact of taxation by stealth. Reaction round-up here.
Disappointment as COP30 ended with an appeal for countries to voluntarily reduce their use of fossil fuels, rather than ending the use of oil, coal and gas at a faster pace. Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, lead Catholic bishop on the environment, said political will is failing to protect the planet >>
Pope Leo XIV warned the future of humanity is at stake with a heightened level of global conflict and a ‘third world war being fought piecemeal’. He was speaking at the start of his apostolic visit to Turkey and Lebanon. A highlight is this afternoon’s service marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea which produced the Nicene creed >>
More than 40 leaders and representatives from diverse faith and belief organisations and interfaith bodies across England have met to discuss establishing a new national structure for interfaith engagement >>
The lead up to Christmas Day, the season of Advent, starts this Sunday and is famous for its carols, decorations and lights – but what is its significance to Christians? Tim Wyatt reports >>
More headlines ..
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| Monday 24 November The nation’s favourite school assembly hymn – Shine Jesus Shine Pope urges swift action after 315 children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Nigeria Archbishop of Canterbury’s ‘impossible job’ with inhumane expectations Bishop criticises asylum reforms for ‘lumping all asylum seekers together’ Archbishop urges government to make permanent the grant scheme for church repairs US clerical revolt could ‘shame and tame’ Trump Moonsighting academic course launched to help British Muslims agree lunar dates Two Muslim MPs leave ‘Your party’ due to infighting and attitude towards Muslim men Prime Minister and Mayor of London back Mitzvah Day 2025 |
| Tuesday 25 November Faith organisations urge Chancellor to tax the super-rich Catholic bishop ‘disappointed’ with outcome of COP30 Protests outside Jewish synagogue in London anger the local community Record Bible sales in USA 2025 Christian street preacher cleared of hate crime against Muslims Pope urges return to basics of Christian faith in Nicene Creed US fascination with British stone circles Drunk priest crashed bishop’s car into Archers actress’s partner’s vehicle |
| Wednesday 26 November Jewish Labour peer says Nigel Farage should come clean and apologise National Trust ‘denies film-maker permission’ to use St Cuthbert’s Cave US Christian right ‘sees Britain as fertile ground for its movement’ London faith-based volunteers ‘creating a city where everyone belongs’ 38 church members abducted in Nigeria are freed Ancient rite to confirm Dame Sarah Mullaly as next Archbishop of Canterbury CofE’s education chief to step down in the new year CofE tribunal upholds complaints of serious sexual abuse against David Tudor Vatican promotes virtues of monogamy Baroness Gohir reported to parliamentary standards watchdog Christmas and New Year services scheduled on TV and radio |
| Thursday 27 November Faith response to the budget: More time allocated in the Lords for debate on assisted dying bill Pope Leo starts first international visit today in Turkey Caritas Ukraine leads efforts to reintegrate children taken by Russia in war Hare Krishna buy back their original base in London Archbishop and BBC DG vie for title of Britain’s most impossible job ‘Light the World’ charity vending gift machines launch in London and Birmingham |
| Friday 28 November Pope starts visit to Turkey with warning of third world war UK interfaith leaders chart the future of multi-faith collaboration Police arrest a man on suspicion of involvement in the Manchester synagogue attack Bishop of Chelmsford ‘bitterly regrets’ that LGBTQ+ people have been failed by the church Government reviewing new Charity Commission powers to take action on hate crimes John Cleese apologises for inadvertently sharing antisemitic posts Diocese of Bristol launches Advent calendar with an appeal |
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