Life, the universe … something: search for spirituality increases in an uncertain world
The global growth in the practice and experience of spirituality has led to a growth in academic research. An international conference on spirituality held in Ireland, included contributions from academics in British universities who are teaching and researching the phenomenon in human experience and how it is aligned to professions such as medicine and education. The Rev Michael O’Sullivan, conference chairman and Jesuit priest, says spirituality is linked to deep ultimate questions on the meaning of life. He says not everybody leading a spiritual life affiliates with a religion: ““You can be spiritual but not religious, but you can also certainly be spiritual and religious.” Read Lianne Kolirin’s report on the conference here
Number of Catholics in Ireland declines, while non religion increases
The latest 2022 census in Ireland has shown 3.5 million people identify as Catholic, a decline from 79 per cent of the population in 2016 to 69 per cent in 2022, representing a fall of more than 180,000 people. The number identifying as having no religion increased by 284,269 to 736,210. The Church of Ireland category remained the second-largest religious group with 124,749 people. The number of Hindus more than doubled, from 13,729 to 33,043 and the number of Muslims stands at 81,930, up from 63,443. Irish Times story and links here.
Calls for exhumed nun, whose body is intact, to be named a saint
The body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, who founded the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles order in Missouri in 1995, has been found in near perfect condition four years after she was buried. She died aged 95 in 2019 and her body was embalmed in moist clay and buried in a wooden coffin. But in April her body was exhumed to be placed in a new shrine. When it was discovered intact, it was placed in a glass shrine attracting thousands of pilgrims who queued to touch and see her. There are calls for her to be named a saint as slow decomposition is seen as a sign of holiness.
Muslim Council of Britain objects to Leicester riots review lead
The Muslim Council of Britain has expressed deep concern at the appointment of Lord Ian Austin, a former Labour MP, to lead the independent review into the Leicester riots, as announced by Michael Gove last week. The MCB says: “The appointment of Lord Austin, given his divisive record and the serious allegations of Islamophobia against him, has created deep apprehension among Muslims and other communities in Leicester. This casts doubts on his suitability to oversee a review aimed at building trust and harmony within our communities”. This relates to a story from 2011 when Ian Austin suggested that Friends of Al-Aqsa had denied the Holocaust – he later apologised unreservedly and said it was an error. The MCB is calling on the Secretary of State for Communities, Michael Gove, to reconsider the appointment and select an independent reviewer who can command the confidence and support of the diverse communities in Leicester.
Vatican finance investigation into unfinished monastery renovation
The Associated Press reports that $17 million was transferred from the Vatican’s U.S.-based missionary fundraising account into an investment account in a project to renovate a former monastery for use by nuns studying at Rome’s pontifical universities. But AP says the building is still awaiting refurbishment. The Pope has asked aides to investigate the process, while those involved say it was all above board and approved.
World Council of Churches concern over attack against Christians in Jerusalem
The general secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev Jerry Pillay, has expressed concern over a violent protest against an evangelical Christian prayer rally in Jerusalem on 28 May. He says the protestors were right wing Jewish activists who are reported to have chanted insults, spat on participants, and smashed windows at the venue. His concern was shared by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who tweeted: “I reiterate my own commitment to guard the status quo of Jerusalem as a city precious to Jews, Christians and Muslims. I urge the need for vigilance in upholding the freedom of religion that is foundational to the constitution of Israel”. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned “any violation of freedom and worship in Jerusalem and any violence against religious officials in the city” saying freedom of religion and worship in Jerusalem is a central value to the fabric of life in the city.
Muslim protests in China against mosque dome demolition
Protesters in Yunnan, a province in the southwest of China, clashed with police over the demolition of a mosque’s dome. The BBC has verified social media film which shows protests outside the 13th-century Najiaying Mosque in Nagu. It had expanded in recent years with a new dome roof and minarets, but the additions were deemed illegal by a court in 2020, a decision that has caused widespread protests. Last weekend police tried to prevent protesters entering the mosque, but they withdrew as the crowd rushed in. The report says dozens have been arrested so far.
Rabbi urges auction of items linked to Hitler to be withdrawn
The chairman of the European Jewish Association, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, has written to an auctioneer in Northern Ireland, urging him to withdraw the sale of items linked to Adolf Hitler. An ornate silver-plated pencil is listed with an estimated price of between £50,000 and £80,000, while a signed portrait is expected to sell for between £10,000 and £15,000. The rabbi said the items were of “anything but historical interest” and could be preserved in museums. But he said buying and selling such items is a “macabre trade” and an insult to millions killed by the Nazis.
CofE safeguarding review says man let down by church multiple times
The Church Times reports the publication of the first case review by the Church of England’s Independent Safeguarding Board. It relates to a complaint from a man who went to police with an allegation of abuse in 2001 and then suffered mental anguish. He filed a complaint against the diocese of Chichester in 2015, which was settled in 2017, but he subsequently made further claims due to continuing suffering and needs. The review says he was let down by the church multiple times. There was a lack of communication, no coordinated case management and poor pastoral support. Church Times report here
Former Worthing vicar jailed for indecent pictures of children
The Rev David Renshaw, 63, former vicar of Holy Trinity and Christ Church in Worthing, has been jailed for four years for having 20,000 indecent images of children. The Daily Mail reports that the pictures and videos were found by police on his computer at home, where the RSPCA also discovered malnourished and dead animals, and used needles and other drug equipment. He denied the charges but was found guilty in February.
