Precious manuscripts returned to Jain community in Britain
A huge hoard of precious manuscripts which have been sitting in storage at the Wellcome Collection for more than a century have been restituted to Britain’s Jain community. The majority of the documents were purchased at a vastly deflated price from a Jain temple in Punjab in 1919. They were shipped to Britain to join the huge collection amassed by Sir Henry Wellcome but have largely been left undisturbed for over 100 years. Now, after years of negotiating with the Institute of Jainology – which represents around 65,000 Jains in the UK – the prestigious cultural institution has agreed to return them. A ceremony to commemorate the historic restitution was held at the House of Commons last night. They will now be moved to the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham.
King Charles meets Jewish victims of Golders Green stabbings
King Charles has visited Golders Green to meet the Jewish victims of last month’s stabbings, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, aged 76. Sky News reports that after speaking to the King, Mr Shine, who was stabbed in the neck at a bus stop, said: “The most inspiring thing was that he didn’t let go of my hand, I mean it was amazing, he is the King but I felt a genuine warmth and concern. We feel we have a genuine friend in the King”. Crowds of well-wishers greeted him outside the Jewish Care centre where the meeting took place, and he shook hands with many people, acknowledging to one man that “it is a dangerous world”. He also met Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who said the King’s visit was “appreciated enormously”.
Archbishop pledges solidarity with UK’s Jewish community
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has pledged the Church of England’s solidarity with the UK’s Jewish community, during a visit to the headquarters of The Movement for Progressive Judaism, at the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley. She met the Movement’s leaders, visited the rabbinical seminary Leo Baeck College, and spoke to pupils at the Akiva Jewish primary school. She said the community “enriches society and embodies the best values of this country”. Antisemitism is not a problem for the Jewish community to solve: “It’s on all of us – every single member of our society – to call out antisemitism whenever we see it, and to oppose it without hesitation or qualification”. The Progressive leaders, Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, said the Archbishop’s presence meant a great deal at a time of rising antisemitism: “We are grateful for her clear support and willingness to stand with our community.
Police concern at impact of London rallies on Jewish and Muslim communities
Met Police say they are “significantly concerned” at the impact of the Unite the Kingdom march, another to mark Nakba Day, and an influx of football fans for the FA cup final, all taking place in London tomorrow. 4,000 police officers will be on duty to provide “the most assertive grip on the movement of large groups” at a time of heightened fears in Jewish and Muslim communities.
Christian nationalism ‘becoming more visible’ in the UK
Ahead of tomorrow’s second Unite the Kingdom rally in London, a report by Premier Christian News suggests support for Christian nationalism is becoming more visible in the UK. The rally is promoted by supporters of right wing activist Tommy Robinson, and is expected, like the first, to adopt Christian symbols, prayer and music in support of nationalism. The report quotes Danny Webster, from the Evangelical Alliance, saying Christian nationalism has become noticeable in the last two years in the UK, after gaining momentum in the United States. A Premier “mini survey” indicated that 23 per cent identified as Christian nationalists. At the same time, 93 per cent said they were happy living in a country where neighbours are of different faiths and cultures. Premier Christian News is broadcasting a special series on Christian nationalism this week.
Former Imam jailed for series of sexual attacks
Abdul Halim Khan, aged 54, a former imam in east London has been given a life sentence with a minimum prison term of 20 years for a series of sexual attacks on women and girls as young as 12. Snaresbrook Crown Court was told Khan abused the trust and authority of his role to assault seven victims from the local Muslim community between 2005 and 2014. He was found guilty of 21 counts of rape, sexual assault and child sexual offences which took place in flats and hidden locations. Sentencing him, Judge Leslie Cuthbert told Khan: “You behaved as if you were untouchable” and he described Khan’s actions as a “deliberate distortion of the Muslim faith”.
More than a million Christians praying “Thy Kingdom Come” every day until Pentecost
“Thy Kingdom Come”, an ecumenical movement that encourages Christians around the world to pray in unity, was launched yesterday, Ascension Day, and lasts until Pentecost on 24 May. The movement began in 2016, launched by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu. It soon expanded across denominations and around the world, involving more than one million Christians in 90 per cent of countries. This year, Pope Leo has recorded a video message of support, encouraging Christians to “proclaim boldly” the message of their faith.
Pilgrimage across Bristol Diocese in ‘gentle rhythm of prayer’
The Diocese of Bristol is organising a 100-mile nine-day pilgrimage to coincide with the Thy Kingdom Come prayer event. Pilgrims will travel the full width of the diocese, joining for daily walks, visiting parishes and schools, until they reach Bristol cathedral on 23 May. The pilgrimage is entitled “Kingdom Seeds in Local Soil”, and pilgrims will walk, pray, and give out seeds to the community, hoping the plants will grow to mark out the route for the future. The organiser, Canon Chris Dobson, is walking the whole distance and says each day with be “a gentle rhythm of prayer, reflection, and fellowship”. Their route will be mapped onto a website so people can follow at home.
