Pope Leo progressing well, but diagnosis ‘brings new urgency’ to his papacy
The Holy See Press Office has released a statement saying Pope Leo is progressing well after surgery to remove a cancerous lump on his lung. It says: “The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch”. Later, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists that the Pope concelebrated Mass on Wednesday afternoon in a room specially prepared for the purpose on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. The New York Times suggests the cancer diagnosis has brought a new urgency to Pope Leo’s plans for the church, against expectations that, at the age of 70, he would have decades to come. It says it casts uncertainty over his travel schedule, agenda and efforts to unite the church.
Bishop Anne Dyer suspended again, months before retirement date
The Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, Anne Dyer, has been suspended for a second time, just months before her planned retirement in February. The Bishop, the first woman to hold the office in the Scottish Episcopal Church, was previously suspended from 2022 to 2024 following bullying allegations, which were not pursued as this was “no longer in the public interest”. She returned to work pledging to rebuild trust and relationships. The latest suspension follows a separate complaint concerning an alleged breach of church rules over the temporary designation of a church as a cathedral. The BBC reports a statement on behalf of Bishop Anne saying that she was surprised and confident the complaint would be found “entirely without foundation”. The statement said: “It is disappointing that a small group continue to wage a campaign against Bishop Anne.” The Scottish Episcopal Church said in a statement that suspension was automatic and implied no finding of fault. The matter is now in the hands of church lawyers and there is no fixed timescale for the process.
CofE bishops discuss challenges as Synod elections conclude
Church of England bishops met for a three day meeting this week and discussed safeguarding, interfaith relations, vocations,episcopal appointments, sexuality and gender, Project Spire, global conflict and future diocesan funding. It was an informal meeting held while voting concludes for the next general synod – counting ends today and all results will be announced by Monday 19 October. The bishops did not conduct formal Synod business or approve formal guidance and no conclusions were announced.
MPs to debate bringing Jagtar Singh Johal home from India
An adjournment debate in the Commons, demanding urgent action to bring home the Scottish Sikh activist, Jagtar Singh Johal, from India, is scheduled for today. It is titled “Detention of Jagtar Singh Johal” and will be led by Douglas McAllister, Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire, his local MP. Jagtar Singh Johal was detained in India in November 2017 soon after his wedding there and has spent nearly nine years in custody facing charges relating to an alleged conspiracy linked to targeted killings and attempted killings in Punjab. He denies the allegations and has not been convicted. He was granted bail in seven cases in September, although the proceedings remain outstanding. Mr McAllister has previously said that the Foreign Secretary “must push much harder now to bring a swift conclusion to these cases”.
Dublin Hotel accused of antisemitism after 70 rooms ‘cancelled’
The President of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, Maurice Cohen, has accused a Dublin hotel of antisemitism after he said they cancelled 70 rooms reserved for delegates attending a conference combating antisemitism. Maurice Cohen said that the Herbert Park Hotel in Ballsbridge had last spring accepted a booking for 70 rooms, for those attending the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism Forum. This brings together government appointed officials responsible for tackling antisemitism and was organised by the World Jewish Congress in partnership with the European Commission, to take place during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Mr Cohen says the hotel asked him whether it involved the Israeli Defence Forces, then referred the matter to the owners, and after that the booking was cancelled. The hotel has not commented publicly. The delegates were housed elsewhere and the conference went ahead last weekend. Ireland’s Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder there are more cases of people or businesses being reluctant to be associated with Jewish events, simply because they’re worried about the controversy it might attract. RTE quotes him saying: “If things happened as reported, then it’s a downright disgrace. Although sadly, these stories don’t come as much of a surprise any more.”
University of Edinburgh dispute over antisemitism definition
The Jewish Council of Scotland has urged the University of Edinburgh to retain the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, after academics called for it to be dropped. Adopted by the university in 2020, the definition describes hatred to Jews, their property, institutions and religious buildings. It also gives examples of antisemitism related to Israel “conceived as a Jewish collectivity”; Holocaust denial and “the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy”. Academics say the university “should not be constrained in its consideration and response to antisemitism by a single definition.” They say the definition restricts academic freedom and focuses excessively on Israel, while failing to reflect the full range of antisemitism. The Jewish Council says academic freedom and protection from antisemitism must go hand in hand. The university will decide at a Senate meeting on 21 October. Times report here. Jewish News report here.
Muslim Litfest promoting literary events to boost publishers and authors
The Muslim LitFest annual celebration of Muslim literature, storytelling and creativity, is taking place in venues across London this week. Bookshops, cultural centres and community organisations are putting on literary events, talks and workshops. And this weekend, the festival culminates in a two-day flagship event with a book bazaar at the London Muslim Centre, East London Mosque. The festival is designed to support independent Muslim publishers and self-published authors. Hyphen Online interviewed Jamil Chishti, founder of Beacon Books, the publishing house behind the festival. He said small independent book publishers pay high fees to Amazon and online book sellers, whereas a festival means the public can buy direct and the authors can meet their audience.
Swindon prepares for six days of Durga Puja colourful festival
Swindon is preparing for six days of colourful Hindu celebrations to mark Durga Puja, a major annual Hindu festival honouring the goddess Durga and celebrating her victory over the demon Mahishasura. The story goes that Durga was given weapons by the gods, including a trident, sword and discus. She rode into battle on a lion or tiger, and fought Mahishasura and his forces in a fierce struggle lasting nine days and nights. Her victory restored cosmic order and freed the world from his tyranny. The festival is particularly important in Bengali culture. It combines worship with music, art, food and community celebrations, a sacred religious celebration and a major cultural occasion bringing families and communities together. Durga Puja takes place in Swindon from 16 – 21 October. Community news at The Ink, Swindon, here.
