Teenager charged with terrorism offence linked to mosques in Sutton
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London into an alleged plot, linked to extreme right wing terrorism, targeting two mosques in Sutton. The teenager was initially arrested over criminal damage to a vehicle before being charged with preparing terrorist acts, and a racially aggravated offence involving damage to a car window. The Metropolitan Police said the affected mosques have been contacted and are receiving support from specialist officers. Police believe there is no wider threat and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case. They said the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community cannot be underestimated, coming days after 12 people were arrested for a suspected threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk and an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton. Counter Terrorism Policing said an increasing number of children are becoming involved in extremist investigations. The boy has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today. Telegraph story here
Christian groups sign ‘Declaration’ against the Palestinian Kairos II document
A group of Christian organisations has launched a declaration responding to “Kairos II”, the document written by Palestinian Christians giving voice to their “cry from the heart” in a “time of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement unfolding before the eyes of the world”. The declaration follows a debate at the Church of England general synod last weekend, when the report was “heard”. It calls on Christians to “reject theological antisemitism and reaffirm biblical reconciliation, justice and peace” and urges churches worldwide to reject “theological distortions that damage Jewish-Christian relations and hinder genuine peace.” A statement from the organisers says: “The declaration seeks to provide a biblical response to Kairos II and any other secular, Marxist, or unscriptural framework or theology of liberation whilst affirming compassion for all and a desire for peace”. The groups behind the Declaration are Angel Church, Islington; Christian Action Against Antisemitism founded by the Rev Hayley Ace; the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem; and Revelation TV. 1,758 people have added their names in support, from denominations including the Church of England, the Anglican Church of North America, Pentecostal and free evangelical groups.
Archbishop Richard Moth urges MPs to vote against Assisted Dying Bill
The Archbishop of Westminster, Richard Moth, has appealed to Catholics to petition their MPS to vote against the Assisted Dying Bill, which has been re-introduced into the Commons. It is due to have its second reading on 11 September. The Catholic church remains strongly opposed to the bill. The Archbishop says: “This bill is wrong in principle. It is also deeply flawed and, if passed, could lead to vulnerable people feeling pressured into ending their lives. The Bill has a serious lack of protection for health and social care staff and risks putting many wonderful hospices and care homes in the position of no longer being able to operate”. He urges MPs to vote against the second reading in September.
Leading scientists and politicians sign Rome Declaration for Peace in an age of AI
Two hundred Nobel laureates, international experts and scientists, religious leaders, and former heads of state and government, have signed the “Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace” in the age of artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons. The declaration was signed at the end of a three day conference at the Pope’s summer residence, which followed his recent encyclical highlighting the need to prevent AI from having dominion over people, especially in a time of war. The Vicar General of Rome, Cardinal Baldo Reina, said the Rome Declaration comes at a “pivotal moment” in history when new scientific and technical inventions promise progress, but if detached from ethics, could become an instrument of destruction.
Hindu festival of Rath Yatra celebrated across the world this week
The Rath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s largest festivals, is celebrated this week with a large event at Puri in India. Many Hindu communities are holding ceremonies over the coming days, including a large event organised by the Shree Jagannatha Society UK, at the Navnat Centre in Hayes, west London. The festival honours Lord Jagannath (Krishna); Balabhadra, his elder brother; and Subhadra, his sister. Sacred images are paraded through the streets on brightly coloured chariots or floats, with music, worship and community events. The Associated Press reports that a sudden crowd surge at the festival in Puri left at least one person dead, 33 needing oxygen, and many hospitalised.
Durham Cathedral pilgrimage promotes new Cuthbert Centre
Durham Cathedral is organising a six day walking pilgrimage and retreat next month, drawing attention to the development of the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer. The Centre is being created in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, beneath the Deanery, with new meeting and refreshment spaces, and accessible facilities for pilgrims. Durham Cathedral was founded to welcome pilgrims to the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the Cuthbert Centre will develop this tradition. In August, 15 pilgrims will walk along the Way of Light Northern Saints Trail, a 46 mile route between Heavenfield near Hadrian’s Wall, and Durham. They will stay at Ushaw Historic House chapels and gardens for accommodation and meals. The cathedral says the new pilgrimage responds to a renewed interest in pilgrimage as a meaningful way to step back from the demands of daily life. Durham Cathedral recently featured in the BBC’s Pilgrimage series, The Road to Holy Island.
Never too early to plan for Christmas
The Shine Your Light Campaign which organises carol singing in town centres across the country, has launched its Christmas 2026 campaign. It wants to increase the number of projects, aiming for 500,000 Christians across 5,000 churches to take part in the project planned for the weekend of 11-13 December. This year’s focus will be on prisons, suggesting that 88,000 prisoners will take part. Founder and CEO, Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, said the project will enable Christians to unite: “Our communities are marked by division, frustration, anger and hopelessness. Yet the Church can model what happens when people work together despite their differences”. Baptists Together story here.
