COP28 Faith Pavilion opens its doors today
The first ever Faith Pavilion at a World Climate Conference opens its doors today (Friday 1 December) at COP28 Dubai with a 12-day programme of events featuring more than 50 faith organisations and partners. It is aimed at encouraging multi-faith collaboration to address the climate emergency, facilitate intergenerational dialogue, further the role of religion and spirituality in the climate movement and advocate for long-term, holistic solutions to protect the earth and its climate. Many of the 65 plus sessions can be watched via live streaming and it is hoped the platforms will provide faith organisations and other spiritual and religious people with increased visibility of their environmental advocacy work, particularly those on the frontline of the climate crisis. It will also promote multi-faith understanding and create a space for spiritual reflection, artistic expression, contemplation and prayer.
Climate change protesters interrupt BBC Evensong broadcast
Thursday’s BBC Radio 3 Evensong at Chichester Cathedral was disrupted by activists holding “Chichester Diocese funds climate chaos” signs. The activists, who were mostly members of Christian Climate Action, stood up during the service and held up signs before reading out a statement, then praying. One protestor, the Rev Hilary Bond, told the BBC she took issue with the diocese’s investment in fossil fuels, when most dioceses had divested. A spokesman for Chichester diocese said they shared the concern of the protesters and “acknowledge that achieving freedom from fossil fuels depends on the urgent need to develop alternative energy supplies and reduce the demand for energy.” Chichester Cathedral said it is an independent charity from the diocese and that the cathedral itself holds no investment in oil, gas or coal companies.
FA celebrates how Christianity plays with the beautiful game
This Sunday, the Football Association is celebrating the contribution of Christians to the beautiful game. It is part of the FA’s Faith and Football series, where events are put on in stadiums to celebrate the way faith traditions are part of the sport — for players, supporters and staff. This year at Wembley stadium, the FA has celebrated Ramadan, with an open itfar meal, and a ceremony for Vaisakhi. This weekend’s Christian celebration is taking place in the Bobby Moore suite at Wembley from 2pm to 5pm. The compere is Adrian Chiles, the broadcaster who converted to Catholicism just before he was 40 years old. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster — and a Liverpool fan — will lend his support and a service at the pitch side will be led by Libby Lane, the Bishop of Derby and the Church of England’s designated bishop for sport. Article on our website here
Pope values preventative medicine to ensure good health
The Pope has been reflecting on the importance of caring for one’s health after doctors advised him not to travel to Dubai for Cop 28 as he was suffering from an acute infectious bronchitis. His remarks came during an audience with healthcare professionals at The Vatican on Thursday. “As you can see, I am alive,” he joked, adding that going from heat to air conditioning was not convenient for his condition. He stated that poorly cared for health succumbs to fragility and there was value in preventative medicine. He concluded that people should seek medical solutions when they are ill and preserve their health when they are well.
Anger over cancellation of Hanukkah menorah installation in London borough
Jewish community leaders in London are angry with Havering Borough Council over its decision not to put up its annual Hanukkah menorah installation because of “escalating tensions from the conflict in the Middle East.” The council normally installs a nine-branched lit candelabrum outside Havering Town Hall in Romford for the duration of the Hanukkah festival, the festival of lights, which this year starts on 7 December. The Jewish Chronicle says the London Jewish Forum has written to council bosses expressing its “deep dismay” at the decision, which “shows a distinct lack of understanding of the celebration of the festival and the Jewish community’s place in the city”. Conservative MP, Andrew Rosindell, has also warned the council that not lighting the candles “would be a grave insult to Jewish communities in Romford.” The council has defended its decision, issuing a statement accusing Jewish groups and campaigners of “politicising this and making accusations of antisemitism.” It says it is concerned about vandalism amidst a rise in hate crimes in the borough.
Black survivors of US Catholic Church abuse are “nearly invisible”
Black survivors have been nearly invisible in the US Catholic Church sexual abuse crisis — even in Baltimore, home to a historic black Catholic community that plays an integral role in the nation’s oldest archdiocese,, according to recent academic research. The US Catholic Church generally does not publicly track the race or ethnicity of clergy abuse victims. The Associated Press reports on experts who argue that the lack of attention adds to the trauma of an already vulnerable population. Without that data, the full scope of clergy sex abuse and its effects on communities of colour is unknown. The Rev Bryan Massingale, a black Catholic priest and Fordham University professor whose research has focused on the issue, said: “Persons of colour have suffered a long legacy of neglect and marginalisation in the Catholic church… We need to correct the idea that all or most of the victims of this abuse have been white and male.”
Church in Bristol supporting people evicted from tower block over safety concerns
Church leaders in Bristol have expressed growing concern for the welfare of hundreds of Bristol council tenants forcibly evacuated from a tower block more than two weeks ago. Premier Christian News reports that the Diocese of Bristol says it’s deeply concerned about the short and long-term impact on the lives of the residents who were temporarily evacuated from Barton House in Barton Hill after a building survey found a risk to the structure of the block. The nearby St Luke’s Church has been supporting people through its weekly food bank and is looking at using the church crypt for cooking facilities. The church is working with other community and faith leaders to support those living in temporary accommodation as a result of the evacuation. Bristol Council has acknowledged it is a really worrying time for everyone affected and that those who have been displaced are staying with friends or family or at a nearby hotel. It says it has provided for any residents for whom those options are unsuitable.
BBC announces religious programme line-up for Christmas 2023
The BBC is marking the 100th anniversary of the first religious broadcast on BBC radio with a selection of religious programming. The schedule will include carols to gospel music, opportunities for worship and reflection and moments to come together and celebrate the festive season. Midnight mass will come from Portsmouth Cathedral, and Christmas morning from Manchester Cathedral as well as the traditional Carols From King’s College, Cambridge, and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year’s Message. In a second series of My Life at Christmas, journalist and broadcaster, Adrian Chiles, meets dancer, Oti Mabuse, veteran BBC news reporter and World Affairs Editor John Simpson, and popstars, Martin and Shirlie Kemp, to find out how their festive memories reflect their lives, careers, family and faith. Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics, BBC Television, says: “This Christmas we have a wide variety of programming to get viewers in the festive spirit. I hope that our selection of carols, live worship, faith-inspired music, in-depth interviews and spiritual contemplation will bring viewers together at Christmas as we look forward to the year ahead.”
Seek the Advent cathedral door and it will be opened for you
The Association of English Cathedrals is marking the Christian Advent season by inviting people to join them as they open a door into a cathedral each morning to showcase their history and heritage and all that they offer in their communities. Leicester Cathedral’s north porch launches the season today (Friday 1 December), having only just re-opened its doors to worshippers and visitors after being closed for almost two years in a renovation project. The Dean of St Albans, Jo Kelly-Moore, who chairs the Association of English Cathedrals, said: “Every day of the year the doors of your cathedrals are open to welcome worshippers, visitors and pilgrims. In this holy season, I invite you to come and discover your cathedrals and find out what is behind their doors for yourself.” You can find the door campaign @engcathedrals on X, Facebook and Instagram.
