Pope denounces executions over hijab protests in Iran
Pope Francis has condemned Iran’s use of execution against protesters fighting for the rights of women over wearing the hijab. Seventeen men have been sentenced to death and four have been executed following protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, detained for improperly wearing the hijab. In his State of the World address, the Pope said the death penalty “cannot be employed for a purported state justice, since it does not constitute a deterrent nor render justice to victims, but only fuels the thirst for vengeance”, adding that the rallies in protest demanded greater respect for the dignity of women. Associated Press report here
State of the world address shines light on forgotten conflicts
Later in his State of the World address to the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for an immediate end to the conflict in Ukraine, the abolition of the death penalty, reiterated the two-state solution in the Holy Land, underscored the threat of nuclear war, and made an appeal on behalf of women and against abortion. Christopher Trott, the United Kingdom‘s Ambassador to the Holy See, said the Pope shone a light on forgotten conflicts in Yemen, Burma, South Sudan and Haiti and said the address gave a clear indication of priorities and partnership required to address them.
US bishops oppose Biden’s immigration crackdown
The National Catholic Register reports that United States Catholic bishops have announced their opposition to President Joe Biden’s new measures on immigration rules increasing enforcement at the border, turning away Cubans, Nicaraguans and Haitians who try to cross illegally, but allowing up to 30,000 people to come and work. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration issued a statement saying humane solutions were needed recognising the dignity of migrants. Biden visited the US Mexico border this week.
CofE must find a way forward on same sex marriage or MPs may intervene
Sir Tony Baldry, former Conservative MP and second church estates commissioner, has offered a solution to the Church of England’s impasse over same sex marriage, due to come to a vote at the February General Synod. Writing in The Times, he suggested the same principle governing marriage of divorcees should apply to same sex marriage, where a priest has discretion as to whether to marry the couple or not. He said the CofE is stuck with polarising views on the subject and this is a serious impairment to its mission, “with many younger people thinking its judgment here is weird at best or downright homophobic”. He had little doubt that if the CofE could not find a way forward, “MPs will soon feel the need to intervene to change the law”.
Lawyer in Bishop Peter Ball case removed from solicitors’ roll
Retired CofE registrar Christopher Peak has been removed from the Solicitors Regulation Authority roll after he represented the then bishop of Gloucester, Peter Ball, against indecent assault allegations while at the same time being the diocesan registrar from 1985 to 2012. The SRA investigation found that Peak was obliged to advise the bishop about potential criminal allegations and act in his best interests, but this put him in conflict with his duties towards the diocese of Gloucester. Ball was sentenced to 32 months in prison and released in February 2017 after serving 16 months. He died in June 2019 aged 87. The Law Society Gazette says Christopher Peak admitted that in being the registrar for the diocese and agreeing to represent Ball in a personal capacity, he acted where there was a ‘conflict or significant risk of a conflict between the interests of those two clients.’ He voluntarily removed himself from the roll and can never apply for readmission.
Scholarship for Muslim students
The Aziz Foundation is asking for applications for scholarships supporting students studying law, media and public policy. The scheme, run in conjunction with the University of Westminster aims to bring positive change to communities and beyond.
First female Sikh judge in the USA
Manpreet Monica Singh has been sworn in as the first female Sikh judge in the United States. Born and brought up in Houston, she has become a judge of the Harris County Civil Court in Texas. Her father migrated to the US in the early 1970s.
Charges dropped against Christian anti monarchist over heckling
Symon Hill, left wing Christian activist and anti-monarchy protester, who shouted “who elected him?” when King Charles was proclaimed King at a ceremony in Oxford, has had all charges dropped. He had been charged with using threatening or abusive words, or disorderly behaviour following the event at Carfax Tower on 11 September. He told The Independent that he was taking legal advice about the possibility of a claim against Thames Valley Police for unlawful arrest.
