King praises ‘vital contribution’ of London’s faith and belief communities
The tenth anniversary of the London Dangoor Awards, which recognise the community work of charities and voluntary groups, was celebrated at a reception last night with a message from the King. Organisations were honoured for their work tackling poverty, addressing inequality in education, promoting interfaith relations, addressing climate change, offering health and wellbeing, inspiring young people, supporting women and promoting inclusion. The King said he “much appreciated the importance of the initiative in highlighting the vital contribution made by London’s diverse faith and belief communities”. Over ten years, 1132 projects have been recognised for their “quiet acts of care that hold London together”. The Awards were created by Greater London Council of Faiths in partnership with the Faith and Belief Forum and have, according to their sponsor Dr David Dangoor, become a cornerstone of a vision for a more connected and cohesive London. The Lord Lieutenant of Greater London Sir Kenneth Olisa, who retires this year, said the awards demonstrated the “indispensable contribution that faith makes to the life of our capital”. He told the audience that when they hear people say Britain is broken, they should go out and tell their stories. The positive contributions and stories of hope are often drowned out by negative press coverage, he said. But faith, he argued, is the antidote to many of the problems facing society and an asset that should be “understood, respected and realised for the benefit of all”. The list of 2026 Dangoor Award winners will be posted on the Faith & Belief Forum’s website >>
Two men arrested over suspected terrorist plot against Jews in Manchester
Police have revealed that two men have been arrested over a suspected terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, one year after the attack on Heaton Park synagogue when two Jewish men died. The arrests were made in the northern quarter area of Manchester on Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur, on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The BBC quotes sources saying the plot was “fairly imminent” and in the later stages of planning. Counter terrorism officers in Manchester and London are said to be working closely together, and the two men, both in their 20s, have been taken to a London police station where they can be held until 27 September.
Lib Dems launch review into treatment of members with religious views
The Guardian reports that the Liberal Democrats have commissioned a review into the treatment of members who hold religious views, after David Campanale, a parliamentary candidate and evangelical Christian, was removed over his views on LGBTQ+ issues. He took legal action and is claiming £790,000 in damages after the party admitted direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, and failures in dealing with complaints about his treatment. The inquiry will be led by Richard Newby, former Lib Dem leader in the House of Lords. Simon Hughes, former deputy leader and practising Christian, told The Guardian that he would pursue a separate investigation once Campanale’s case was resolved. The report says that the Newby review was announced via email to party members last week, just before the party conference in Brighton. The party has said previously said it is “home to people of all faiths and none, including many Christians”.
Fifteen men found guilty of Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bomb attacks
Fifteen men have received jail sentences of between 220 – 260 years, after being found guilty of plotting the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka. They were among 24 people who were charged, and they faced 23,270 charges. The blasts at three churches and three luxury hotels were the deadliest in Sri Lanka since the end of its civil war ten years before. 270 people died, more than 500 were injured, and all the suicide bombers who carried out the attacks died in the blasts. Investigators have blamed the bombings on Islamist extremists, and the men found guilty were from Sri Lanka’s Muslim minority. The majority of people who died were Christians attending worship at St Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, Negombo; St Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade, Colombo; and Zion Church, Batticalo.
Church in Wales bishops pause Bill on same sex marriage
Bishops in the Church in Wales have delayed plans to introduce a Bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in church. This pauses a process which began last year, leading to a decision by the church’s Governing Body in April, to make provision for same-sex blessings permanent, and this passed by large majorities. The plan was to introduce a Bill to allow same sex marriage in April 2027, but in a report to the Governing Body earlier this month, the bishops said the pause followed “a period of positive but yet frank interaction and the bishops believe that a longer period of time is now needed to assess the best way forward”. They have instead proposed an “exploration of the doctrine of marriage from a theological perspective” at the Governing Body meeting in April 2027, alongside a doctrinal paper on the potential forms of any legislation. Opponents of same-sex marriage generally base their position on traditional interpretations of the Bible and traditional Christian teaching on marriage. The Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann, is openly gay and in a civil partnership.
First woman Bishop of Bangor calls for Church to be a ‘connector’
The first woman to become Bishop of Bangor, Dr Manon Ceridwen James, has called on the Church to work together through difficult decisions about ministry, church buildings and priorities, saying her role is “not being a boss but being a connector”. Bishop Manon became Dean of Bangor Cathedral in October 2025 and was elected bishop in June, finally being installed at Bangor Cathedral last weekend. Her appointment follows a turbulent period for the diocese and cathedral, after reports criticised governance, safeguarding and financial management. Bishop Manon is local to the area. She grew up in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula and was ordained at Bangor Cathedral. The bilingual service reflected her commitment to Welsh. She preached in both Welsh and English, and pupils from Ysgol Llandwrog sang a new Welsh hymn celebrating the language, culture, history and landscape of Wales. Her new episcopal ring and pectoral cross made for her installation, drew on Celtic tradition, incorporating symbols from Nefyn, Llŷn and Ynys Enlli. Story here.
‘Priests Against Genocide’ march to the Vatican and pray for end to war in Gaza
The Associated Press reports that around 150 Catholic priests, friars, a bishop and nuns from around the world in the “Priests Against Genocide” network, marched to the Vatican and prayed for an end to the “genocide” in Gaza. They carried a banner with the names of 300 children who have died in Gaza and southern Lebanon. The network was launched in August 2025 and has more than 2,500 members in five continents. After praying near the Vatican, the protesters moved to the Palestinian and Lebanese embassies, and then onto the Rome headquarters of Italian defence manufacturer Leonardo SpA. AP story here.
New Moderator for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
The Rev Dr Adrian Burdon, superintendent minister of the Methodist Telford circuit, has been appointed as the Moderator of the board of trustees at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The role involves chairing Trustees meetings, representing the organisation at public meetings and encouraging churches to liaise with each other. It’s a three year term and he has said that his priorities include migration, racial justice and positive relationships between diverse cultural groups.
