Global belief in God and religious affiliation above 60 per cent
An IPSOS survey in 26 countries found 66 per cent identify with a religion, and there is a higher religious affiliation in the global south than the north. It also found a decline in Christianity among younger people who are more likely to identify as Muslim or of some other faith. 60 per cent believe in God or a higher power, 52 per cent believe in heaven and 49 per cent believe in supernatural spirits such as angels, demons, fairies and ghosts. In Britain there was an even split at 48 per cent for those identifying with a religion or non-religion – four per cent declined to answer. The percentage of GenZ (young people under 23) who pray is higher than for than Baby Boomers (over 60s) and they are more likely to believe in God. 88 per cent in Britain say they feel comfortable around people with different religious beliefs – higher than the global average. IPSOS survey is here
Former Archbishop John Sentamu required to step back from ministry over safeguarding case
The former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, has been required to step back from ministry after he failed to act on a disclosure of child sexual abuse and claimed that “safeguarding is very important, but it does not trump Church Law”. The abuse case concerns the Rev Matthew Ineson, who was 16 when he was sexually abused by the late Rev Trevor Devamanikkam 40 years ago in Bradford. An independent review, which took ten years to report back, concluded that Lord Sentamu failed to act but he rejected the findings, saying there had been a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the responsibilities of bishops and archbishops. The requirement to step back came from the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, as Lord Sentamu is an honorary assistant bishop in the diocese.
Calls for independent inquiry into Soul Survivor’s Mike Pilavachi
Richard Scorer, a lawyer representing victims involved in the allegations against the founder of Soul Survivor, Mike Pilavachi, is calling for an independent investigation into the case, saying a church inquiry would be like the CofE marking its own homework. Pilavachi stepped back from ministry while the CofE national safeguarding team and diocese of St Albans conducts an inquiry. There are allegations published in The Times and The Telegraph that accuse him of inappropriate relations with young men. The Telegraph has quoted Paul Martin, founder of the US branch of Soul Survivor, saying that leaders were aware of allegations going back to 2002 and he believed the leadership was dealing with it. Taking stock of the story which has shocked the evangelical world, journalist Tim Wyatt, who has first hand experience of Soul Survivor, says it is incorrect to give the impression that Soul Survivor is a “a manipulative one-man personality cult; a sinister grooming machine”. In an article for Premier’s Christianity magazine, he says Pilavachi took young men under his wing to intensively mentor them for ministry, but “that description could fit many large evangelical churches in Britain”. He said Soul Survivor represented the boring mainstream of orthodox evangelical Christianity, focussing on basic doctrines. “The huge danger is that the good reporting, which has brought to light safeguarding allegations against Pilavachi, will be sullied by being lumped in with a sea of vague and dubious claims about Soul Survivor – or even charismatic evangelicalism in general”.
Thailand Buddhist Monks charged with embezzling $9million
The Associated Press reports that seven Buddhist monks are among nine suspects arrested on charges of embezzling assets worth almost $9 million from donations received by a temple in Thailand. Some were arrested at Wat Pa Thammakhiri temple in a police raid, which uncovered cash, jewellery and amulets, with some items buried underground. The temple abbot and a famous monk, Kom Kongkaew, are accused of stealing $5.3 million of the temple’s money. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases said the actions of the ringleaders in the case “gravely undermined Buddhism.”
Creation of babies by three-parent embryo “deeply concerning”
The lead Catholic bishop for life issues says the creation of up to five babies by three-parent in-vitro fertilisation is deeply concerning. Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington of Westminster, says the technique which destroys two embryos to create a third, takes away the lives of humans who had inherent dignity and rights and must be protected. “It also fractures the child from biological parenthood. It steps into the unknown world of genetic engineering with manipulation of the human germline.” The regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, confirmed a small number of babies have been born using this method, after Parliament approved regulations to permit genetic modification to fight inherited diseases such as muscular dystrophy. Reported in The Tablet here
Lancashire Muslim community centre vandalised with “evil, malevolent” force
The Muslim-run Spring Hill Community Centre in Accrington, Lancashire, has been destroyed in two attacks by vandals within two days. More than 65 window panes were smashed, doors were broken, furniture and toilets damaged, children’s toys were vandalised and copies of the Qur’an were ripped up. Racist and antisemitic graffiti was daubed on the walls and Lancashire Police are treating the attacks as hate crimes. Hyphen Online reports that the centre engages with more than 200 visitors each day in one of the poorest parts of the country, without receiving any local government funding. It is used for community events such as weddings, hosts a madrasa teaching Islamic and Arabic studies, as well as a private Islamic nursery. Trustee Mufti Shamim Miah is quoted saying “the damage is so overwhelming, so destructive, so evil and malevolent, it just broke me”. Five teenagers have been arrested and released on bail. Full story here
Conference of European Rabbis moves from London to Munich
The Conference of European Rabbis is moving its headquarters from London to Munich, partly as a result of Brexit. Its president, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, said that after the vote, the Conference leadership felt that the headquarters should be in the centre of Europe. The Bavarian government invited the Conference to hold its 32nd congress in Munich, and the city’s community president Charlotte Knobloch invited the group to move in. The city will also see the development of the Centre for Jewish Life and international conferences will be hosted there. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt said: “Germany is one of the only countries in Europe where the Jewish community is growing and the political climate is conducive to build Jewish life there”. The organisation has been based in London since it was founded in 1956 and has around 1,000 member rabbis from across Europe.
Pope and Archbishop send blessings to honour the revelations of Mother Julian of Norwich
Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury have sent messages of blessing to people participating in events in Norwich marking the 650th anniversary of the revelations of Mother Julian of Norwich, the medieval mystic and visionary and author of “Revelations of Divine Love”. She inspired spiritual encouragement when facing adversity and said that, despite the presence of evil, “all manner of thing shall be well”. An ecumenical service of thanksgiving took place on Sunday in the Anglican Norwich Cathedral. The Pope’s message was sent to the Anglican bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, and the Roman Catholic bishop of East Anglia, Peter Collin. He said that Mother Julian’s life was of profound significance and “her words can bring consolation and strength to all who face the pressing challenges of war, injustice, ecological disaster or spiritual poverty”. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also sent his greetings saying he was sure she never foresaw the extraordinary influence and inspiration she would provide for generations of Christians, and especially for women.
Celebrating church bells in Britain on the first “Bell Sunday”
The first “Bell Sunday” in the UK was organised yesterday and it is hoped it will become a permanent feature in future years, strengthening awareness of the role that bells and ringers play within the church and community. The date was chosen to coincide with the feast day of St Dunstan, the patron saint of bellringers and to mark the anniversary of the first true peal which rang out at St Peter Mancroft church, Norwich on 2 May 1715. “Change ringing” creates a peal that has become an essential feature of national and local events — a far cry from the single toll that calls people to church. The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR) encouraged visitors to visit their local church tower to see how it is done and perhaps to try it themselves. Read our article here.
Archbishop fined for speeding
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has been fined more than £500 and given three penalty points after he was caught driving at 25mph in a 20mph zone in his Volkswagen Golf on 2 October last year. He was travelling along the Albert Embankment towards his official residence at Lambeth Palace. The case ended up in a magistrates’ court after he had tried to pay three times, but admin errors caused his attempts to fail. Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court ordered him to pay a £300 fine, a £120 victim surcharge and £90 in legal costs, as well as adding penalty points.
.
