Amnesty International UK regrets publishing report branding Christian groups as ‘anti-rights’
Amnesty International UK says it regrets publishing a report “A Growing Threat: The Anti-Rights Movement in the UK” without the organisation’s normal internal review process. The report named Christian groups considered to be anti-human rights because of their beliefs on issues such as conversion therapy, abortion orr LGBTQ+ rights. It listed 117 organisations “undermining the rights of women and LGBT+ people including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, the Evangelical Alliance UK, the Christian Institute, Christian Concern, and the Catholic Herald. It also listed a sexual violence support centre set up by JK Rowling in Edinburgh as being “anti-rights”. Amnesty said the language used “does not reflect the position of Amnesty International UK”. It apologised for the error and announced an internal review, while reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights of women and trans people. Christian Today lists responses from Christian groups named in the report. Crux Now report here.
French National Assembly approves assisted dying bill
The National Assembly in France has approved an assisted dying bill, allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. It followed impassioned debate over three years, considering ethical and religious questions, but it passed by 291 to 241 votes. There will now be a review to determine if it complies with the French Constitution. The Associated Press explains that the measure allows patients to receive and self-administer lethal medication under strict conditions. People unable to do so could receive assistance from a doctor or a nurse.
Faith based aid agencies urge Burnham to take action to protect Palestinians
A coalition of 17 UK humanitarian, development, human rights, environmental and faith-based organisations is urging the incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to take urgent action to protect Palestinians “facing an existential threat of erasure” and ensure that the UK meets its legal and moral obligations. In an open letter, the groups, including CAFOD, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief, say Israel has deepened its control over Palestinian life and land in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, expanding settlements and blocking aid, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian situation. They say the UK has failed to respond adequately and call on the new government to adopt a different approach, banning trade linked to illegal settlements, suspending trade concessions under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, and halting all arms sales and transfers to Israel until international law is upheld. Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD’s Programme Representative for the Middle East region, said the UK Government has a responsibility to do more. Letter in full here
Safeguarding case review criticises Church of England response
An independent review has criticised the Church of England’s handling of the safeguarding case of Jane Chevous, founder of Survivors Voices, who waived her anonymity following its publication. The review, which refers to her as “TT”, found her account of abuse by two clergymen involved in youth work between 1979 and 1990 to be “highly credible”, including allegations of rape, sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse. Both men denied the allegations – one has since died. Ms Chevous reported the abuse in 2001 and the review concludes that the church failed to respond appropriately. It says it is “an indictment upon the Church” that she felt disbelieved and that no one was held to account. Ms Chevous said she faced “disbelief, defensiveness, indifference and victim blaming”, and was re-traumatised by the church’s response, losing her faith and attempting to take her own life. She fought for the review “to help ensure others do not endure the same failures”. The review makes recommendations to improve support for survivors and improve safeguarding procedures, after recording confusion, delayed responses and inconsistent administration. Church Times story here.
CofE synod rejected call for church to protect 30 per cent of land for nature by 2030
The General synod rejected a motion calling on the church commissioners to protect 30 per cent of its land for nature by the year 2030. An international agreement commits nations to conserve and effectively manage at least 30 per cent of land, inland waters, coastal areas and oceans by 2030. An explanatory note from the CofE’s Secretary General, William Nye, said it would be difficult for the church to implement this target, which would have “a material negative impact on income and value”. The synod voted instead for an amendment which said the Commissioners should contribute to the goal and “where appropriate, continue to support nature restoration projects” for positive biodiversity outcomes. Guardian story here
