Government proposes conversion therapy ban
The government has announced plans to ban conversion therapy, making it a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine. The practice of conversion therapy, to pressure LGBT+ people into changing their sexual orientation, can include coercive prayer, aversion therapy, physical violence, forced marriages, exorcisms, and even taking people abroad against their will to undergo the practice, according to LGBT+ charity Galop. The proposed law would formally define abusive conversion practices. A new protection order would also be available to safeguard people believed to be at risk.
The Evangelical Alliance says the proposals are deeply concerning: “They risk criminalising parents, church leaders and all who live out a biblically orthodox view of sexuality and gender”. It supports protections against coercive, abusive and harmful practices but says it is concerned that it “goes much further than addressing abuse and could have significant implications for parents, churches and freedom of religion and belief”. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, told the BBC that the legislation would have a “chilling impact” on therapists and religious leaders attempting to support people with questions around their sex or gender. The ban has, however, been supported by Nesil Caliskan, appointed Faith Minister in May, who posted on X: “Conversion therapy is abuse. The @UKLabour government will introduce a law to protect LGBTQ+ people. I’m proud to support this ban.”
Church of England’s role in modelling ‘healthy sense of patriotism’
The Church of England has an important role to play in society by modelling “a healthy sense of patriotism.” A paper presented by the Bishop of Leicester Martyn Snow, to be debated at the General Synod in July, says parish churches can play a very significant role in hosting community celebrations, but pride in our nation should be done “in a way which includes everybody, is honest about our history, and does not seek to be triumphalist”. He says some churches have been reluctant to fly the St George’s flag in the current climate, but others have taken the opportunity to explain why the flag can still be a sign of unity. The paper was produced by a working group of bishops who examined polarisation in society and suggested ways in which the CofE can help work towards national identity and belonging. One suggestion is to help people to be active citizens in voluntary groups, listening to disagreement charitably, and arriving at shared decisions. Other synod debates include the environmental crisis, digital communications, standing in solidarity with Palestinian Christians, same sex relationships among Christians and an update on safeguarding work.
Archbishops fear for the future of Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, and the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, have written a pastoral letter warning that they “fear for the long-term future of the indigenous Christian Palestinian presence in the Holy Land that stretches back to the time when our Lord walked this land”. The letter is published at the end of Sarah Mullally’s visit to the region to meet Palestinian Christians, and says there is an existential challenge and “the time to act is now”. They describe meeting people displaced and traumatised across Palestine and Israel and urge the international community not to look away from the “agony” in Gaza. They pay tribute to the resilience of the Palestinian Christian population, their steadfastness to choose love over hate and refusal to let despair have the final word.
Catholic archbishops issue statement after Bishop of Northampton is charged with rape
The President and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Archbishops Richard Moth and Bernard Longley, have issued a statement on the news that the Bishop of Northampton has been charged with rape. They say this is deeply distressing for all: “We are profoundly aware that the report of this allegation may reawaken painful memories for many people and again offer an unreserved apology to those who have been hurt by abuse in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. In this moment we would like to provide pastoral reassurance on the commitment of the Church to safeguarding”. The statement says the church is cooperating fully with the authorities and it is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding, to ensure that “all our communities are places of safety and sanctuary for all.”
300 attend Progressive Judaism’s first national conference
More than 300 people attended The Movement for Progressive Judaism’s first national conference, a four day event held in Northamptonshire last weekend. Hineinu, which means ‘Here we are’ in Hebrew, was held alongside the Shirei Chagigah, ‘Songs of Celebration’, conference, featuring music and prayer. Panel discussions explored topics such as liturgy, Israel, LGBTQI+, social justice, community building and the future of Jewish life. Hineinu’s keynote address was given by Rabbi Gilad Kariv, the first Progressive rabbi elected to Israel’s Knesset. He said the new movement, a merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism, is at the heart of the global Jewish Progressive Movement and he hoped one Progressive Jewish force will help “guard our fundamental values, both in Israel and around the world.” Jewish News report here.
Simon Jenkins: Local councils should help maintain English cathedrals
Simon Jenkins, writing in The Times, suggests that local councils should help to maintain the Church of England’s 42 cathedrals, after a report suggested 80 per cent of them are in financial peril. He points out their popularity, attracting 10 million visitors a year, with 70 per cent of English adults visiting at least once a year. He says: “I believe cathedrals should recognise their ‘public and civic purpose’ in the round. In this sense they equate to a local museum, library or art gallery. These are usually the responsibility of county or borough authorities. So should be cathedrals.” Article is here
