Religious Studies GCSE among top ten most popular subjects
Entries to Religious Studies GCSE in England rose slightly by 0.5 per cent to 218,602. In Wales the number fell by 6.1 per cent to 8,550. In both nations, Religious Studies was in the top ten subjects chosen for study. GCSE RS is the 7th most widely taken subject out of the 58 offered at GCSE in England, and the 9th in Wales. The number of top grades increased and more girls than boys took the subject. However, the Religious Education Council of England and Wales and the National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE) have warned that the subject is facing a recruitment deficit that will undermine efforts to improve provision across the country. They say that in the last decade, the number of teachers in England with a relevant post A-level qualification has only grown by 120, meaning the current workforce of 6,407 specialist RE teachers is at a similar level to 2014/15. Sarah Lane Cawte, Chair of the Religious Education Council, said: “Restoring the training bursary and the subject knowledge enhancement grant is the only meaningful way to address the issue”.
Faith organisations to join national summit on homelessness
The Prime Minister has announced that a national summit on homelessness will be held in the autumn, bringing together leaders from across society “from business, finance, charities, health, faith communities and more – to ask what role each of them can play in ending rough sleeping”. This is part of Andy Burnham’s initiative to end rough sleeping this Christmas. The government announcement says: “Charities, faith groups and community organisations are at the heart of efforts to end homelessness”. Under a £442 million package, areas with the greatest need will receive the largest share of support to provide accommodation and practical help with housing, health and other needs, enabling people to keep their new home. £8.4 million of the new funding is going specifically to the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, helping small and medium-sized organisations provide life-changing support to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. More here.
Rowan Williams says Farage ‘wants to channel anti-Muslim feeling‘
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Rowan Williams, says he suspects that “Farage and others want to channel anti-Muslim feeling, and it helps to have ‘we’re a Christian society’ to fling back. It gives a sort of ballast”. He was speaking about the use of Christianity in nationalist movements in the UK and US, in an interview for The New Humanist. He said that Christian nationalism is animated in part by “the very simple search for someone to blame” and the idea that any self-respecting nationalist movement “needs a bit of theology injected into them”. Reform UK has appointed Dr James Orr, professor of philosophy of religion at Cambridge University, as its Head of Policy. Lord Williams said: “Although Nigel Farage thought it was worth getting a theologian on board for Reform UK, I don’t think he lies awake at night thinking about his soul. I may be doing the man an injustice, but I don’t believe he cares about profound theological questions.” Christian nationalism has been on show at the Unite the Kingdom marches organised by far right activist Tommy Robinson, where crosses are held aloft, pastors speak and lead prayers. Lord Williams said: “If Tommy Robinson is doing his best to lead a life of Christian discipleship, I’m very glad, but I would really want to ask him some awkward questions”. A Reform UK party source told Premier Christian News that Lord Williams’ comments are “tasteless drivel”. The interview is here.
Another man charged over Heaton Park synagogue attack
A man has been charged in connection with the Heaton Park synagogue attack in Manchester in which two Jewish men were killed. Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, of St James Road, Higher Broughton, Salford, has been charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity. He has been remanded into custody to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court today. A total of eight people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie was shot dead by police at the scene.
Bishop’s ‘despair, sadness, shock and fear’ after Jason Arday’s death
The Bishop of Croydon, Dr Rosemarie Mallett, said the circumstances of Jason Arday’s final weeks and his death “have understandably prompted despair, sadness, shock and fear”. In a statement issued on the Diocese of Southwark’s website, she said that “as a Christian leader and a person of colour” she felt compelled to respond. She feared for a Britain lowering its standards of basic human decency. “May we give thanks for Jason and for all that was good in his work and his legacy. May we continue to pray for his family and friends, for those he mentored and inspired”. Statement is here
Pope warns war leaves social and ecological destruction – ‘wounds beyond the battlefield‘
Pope Leo has issued a message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, linking war with protection of the environment. He said the world is witnessing many crises alongside the accelerating disruption of creation. “These phenomena are not unrelated; they are a single plea for healing and peace arising from a wounded world. War leaves wounds that extend far beyond the battlefield. War also leaves behind social and ecological destruction that endures for generations”. He said this creates a vicious cycle destroying resources and creating inequality and social tensions, and Christians are called to safeguard the ecosystems of creation, of human relationships and of the human heart itself. “The true tools for building peace are not weapons of destruction; instead, they are truth, dialogue, patience, goodness, justice, mercy, understanding, care and love”. His message is here
Church welcomes £1million fund for listed building repairs in Scotland
Church leaders in Scotland have welcomed the news that a £1 million fund is being made available to cover the cost of repairs to listed buildings. The Scotland Places of Worship Fund will open this autumn to help faith groups worshipping in listed buildings recover VAT costs associated with repair works. It follows the UK government’s decision to close the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which gave VAT relief on repair work. The Scottish Churches Leaders’ Forum and the Scottish Churches Committee, along with other faith groups, expressed disappointment to the UK Government about the lack of consultation before the closure of the scheme, saying it would result in financial pressure on congregations raising funds for essential work. The £1million fund will be made available through the existing Historic Environment Scotland grants budget and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.
Bishop of Dudley describes ‘horrifying sight’ of wildfires near his home
The Church Times has interviewed the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick, who gave a dramatic account of how he and his wife had to flee their home in Stourbridge as wildfires raged and the neighbourhood went up in flames. He said it was a horrifying sight. He described driving home from a meeting and seeing flames higher than the houses devouring hedges and trees in its path, and smoke in the sky. His wife bundled together essential items and they evacuated, with neighbours helping each other to leave, gathering in a café a mile away. Around 500 people sheltered at Stourbridge Town Hall as wildfires tore through the region, and many houses were destroyed, but his house was saved. He has been visiting local people since and praying with them, saying the experience is “like losing someone you love unexpectedly”. He thanked the emergency services and reflected that the experience had brought the whole community together.
