Awe and wonder at the solar eclipse: how religions interpret the sun going dark
Millions gathered to watch the solar eclipse last night, with commentators describing excitement and awe, silence as the moon covered the sun, and applause as the sunshine re-appeared. The same physical phenomenon and emotional response have been written about in sacred scriptures and interpreted across the world’s religious traditions over thousands of years, as a divine warning, cosmic disorder, a time of intensified prayer, spiritual opportunity, or simply a powerful symbol of humanity’s place in the universe. In ancient religion, from Egypt to south America, solar eclipses were more than astronomical events. They were signs of supernatural power with an impact on agriculture, rituals and rulers. In Hinduism, there are stories of the god Rahu swallowing the sun, or the sun being overcome by a demon, leading to rituals of purification and prayer. For Tibetan Buddhists, this is a time when spiritual practices are intensified. In Islam, the eclipse is not an omen, but a sign of the power of Allah requiring respect. In Judaism, it is a sign with a reason, sometimes a moral judgment, requiring repentance and reflection. In Christianity, the sun being darkened is spoken of in apocalyptic literature as a sign of the end times, but elsewhere a sign of judgment, divine intervention and the power of God. Associated Press backgrounder here; “Eclipse and Revelation” book here.
Private Requiem Mass for Anne Widdecombe
A private Requiem Mass was held at Buckfast Abbey, for Anne Widdecombe, the former MP, broadcaster and author, who died on 8 July following an attack at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor. Around 100 mourners, family and friends gathered to pay their last respects. She was a regular member of the congregation there and the sermon was given by the Abbot of Buckfast, David Charlesworth OSB. He said: “In her long career in the public eye, Ann was more lampooned, insulted and sniggered at than almost any other politician, certainly any male politician. She was called many cruel names – but she not only turned the other cheek, she laughed at every new jibe. In this regard, Ann took Christ as her model.” Anne Widdecombe, who was 78 when she died, was known for her firm political convictions as a conservative, then member of Reform, but she will be remembered also for her strongly held Christian views and her committed faith, moving from Anglicanism to Catholicism after women were allowed to be ordained as priests. The Abbot said: “There is no doubt that Ann fearlessly upheld the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church. Her voice regarding these issues certainly upset some.… In the midst of the shock, clamour and sometimes unwarranted comment surrounding her death, our response is to pray for the repose of her soul, to give thanks for her fortitude, and offer Holy Mass in this abbey church, which Ann called her safe haven.” The published order of service shows a wide selection of readings and music, and the congregational hymns “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”. A public memorial service is expected to take place later this year. A 28 year old man has been charged with her murder.
Muslim and Christian leaders agree plan to tackle extremism in West Africa
Muslim and Christian leaders from across West Africa have adopted a framework to tackle extremist ideologies and prevent conflict in the region. “The Abuja Declaration” was launched by the Muslim World League (MWL) in Nigeria and agreed at an international conference there. Politicians and civil society leaders joined faith leaders to agree a plan promoting inclusion, moderation and co-existence. Educational, training and media programmes will involve working across religious divides towards common goals, addressing ideological and social factors that contribute to extremism and instability. A new co-ordinating organisation will monitor the work to ensure progress.
Two child evangelists in Brazil and the impact of fame and fortune
A film about child evangelists in Brazil has opened to critical acclaim, revealing a story about two boys aged 12 and 17 who take to the stage, microphone in hand, styled to perfection, preaching of the power of prayer and need to convert. “The Voice of God / A Voz De Deus” followed the two child preachers over five years – 17-year-old Daniel Pentecoste, who was once Brazil’s most renowned child preacher and, now reaching adulthood, has the status of a rock star but an uncertain future; and 12-year-old João Vitor Ota, who started out aged seven and who is now reaching millions of followers in live streams on social media. The film is non-judgmental and simply observes and tells the story, following them to see how their work progresses and the impact it has on their lives. The trailer is here. The film, directed by Miguel Antunes Ramos and produced by Nick Bernstein, is said to “uncover the childhoods concealed behind the public personas”. It has been selected for seven Brazilian film festivals and won Best Documentary at the Malaga Film Festival. The film makers are seeking opportunities to show the film in Europe. More on Instagram here and review (in Spanish) here.
Bishop ‘deeply alarmed’ at Taybeh becoming a closed military zone
Bishop James Curry, lead Catholic bishop for the Holy Land, says he is deeply alarmed at the news that the Christian village of Taybeh on the West Bank, has been declared a closed military zone prohibiting Israelis, foreign nationals, and journalists from entering. He said: “It is claimed that this is designed to prevent attacks on residents by Israeli settlers, but it is far from clear that this move will achieve that objective”. The Bishop, who speaks on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for England and Wales, believes the move will lead to a loss of income from tourism and pilgrimages, and the Israeli government must protect legitimate communities from settler violence whilst allowing citizens to go about their normal business. He accused the UK government of not acting with sufficient urgency in responding to grave human rights abuses taking place in the West Bank and urged Catholics to write to their MPs.
Unregistered church leader in China detained by police
Christian Solidarity Worldwide is reporting that the founder and senior pastor of the “Purpose Driven Church”, an unregistered house church, together with six other Christians, were detained by police in Wenzhou, a coastal city in China, on 5 August. No reasons have been given and the whereabouts of Pastor David Tang is unknown. The news emerged in a social media account “Day of Prayer and Fasting for Persecuted Churches in China”. CSW says Wenzhou has a large Christian population and is a centre of Protestant Christianity in China. It says that church leaders have been restricted, threatened and held for questioning in the past year on allegations relating to fraud or other financial, business or online activities. It says: “Enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention are serious violations of international human rights standards”.
Britain’s new ambassador to Rome takes up appointment this month
Britain’s new ambassador to the Holy See, Tammy Sandhu, takes up her appointment this month, replacing Chris Trott who served there for five years. She grew up in Leicester and spent her sixth form at the United World College school in Hong Kong, among young people from 60 nationalities. After a degree in English from Warwick and then an MSc from UCL, she joined the FCO in 2005 and has served in Morocco, Brussels, India, Iraq, Kenya and most recently as Consul General in San Francisco. She speaks Italian, French, Hindi and Punjabi and in 2020 became chair of the FCO’s BAME Committee. She is the first ethnic minority woman to serve as a British Ambassador to Rome. This week, the FCDO published a film of her trying on the diplomatic uniform, with tailcoat, gilt braiding and black velvet gauntlet cuffs, before taking up her role.
