Lambeth Palace withdraws award to Muslim cleric after comments on Osama bin Laden
Lambeth Palace has withdrawn an award presented to Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi after it came to light that in 2007 he said he would grant Osama bin Laden “Saifullah”, meaning the sword of God, for “serving Muslims by waging jihad against infidels”. In a statement, Lambeth Palace said the Ashrafi had been given the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation, for his longstanding support for religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Christian community. The statement said: “It is a longstanding principle of interfaith dialogue and co-operation that we must engage with one another across deeply-held differences, and that remains the case. However, previous comments made by Imam Ashrafi have come to light that have led Lambeth Palace to reconsider this award and we can now confirm today that the award has been withdrawn. We have contacted Imam Ashrafi to make him aware of this decision.” Osama bin Laden was the architect of the 9/11 attack and the award was co-incidentally given on Friday last week, the 25th anniversary of that day. A spokesperson for Mr Ashrafi is quoted saying that his past statements were presented “without their proper context”, at a time when Salman Rushie received a knighthood, pointing to an equivalent level of offence.
AI must remain in the service of humanity, according to the King and the Pope
The Vatican adviser on artificial intelligence, Father Paolo Benanti, was among the AI experts convened for the King’s summit at Dumfries House in Scotland yesterday. He was also instrumental in producing Pope Leo’s recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, when he said artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed” and must remain subject to human conscience, responsibility and public control. These views were echoed at the Scotland summit, when King Charles told industry leaders that they must ensure AI “remains firmly in the service of humanity, community and the natural world”. The summit was called to consider whether a “shared set of principles” can be developed to guide the future of AI, after recent claims that without regulation, it could kill humanity through, for example, creating bio organisms or collapsing infrastructure. Academics led a discussion on AI at the recent CofE bishops’ conference, encouraging them to think about how to ensure AI develops to solve problems, rather than developing technology first and applications afterwards.
Thinking Anglicans poised to analyse CofE general synod elections
The nomination period for elections to the Church of England’s general synod has closed, and the discussion over what this means for the likely decisions to be taken on same sex blessings, has begun. The CofE’s general synod sits for five years. Thinking Anglicans is compiling a list of links to all the election addresses and a list of members when results come in. It sets out the dates to watch: Voting period – 21 September to 12/13 October; counting 14 to 16 October; and results declared by 19 October. Inclusive Church and Together for the Church of England have compiled a list of all the nominees who support their views. Other key issues coming up in the next five years are likely to be safeguarding, the future of parishes, financial strains in parishes and dioceses, shortage of clergy and decline in membership.
Story of drone attack on Mecca denied by Houthis
Saudi Arabi’s statement that its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone before it entered air space south of Mecca, has been strongly denied by the Houthis. Saudi authorities said it was an attempted attack on Mecca and the security of the holy sites and pilgrims was a “red line”. But the Houthi leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said it was a “heinous lie”. Mecca is Islam’s holiest city and home to the Kaaba. The incident led to Saudi Arabia activating its warning system there for the first time in nearly a decade.
Coordinated campaign against Baha’is in Iran
Human Rights groups say Iranian authorities are increasingly using asset seizures against religious minorities, dissidents and government critics, and members of Iran’s Baha’i religious minority seem to be bearing the brunt of the crackdown. Amnesty International says persecution of the Baha’i community in Iran has intensified since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025. Baha’is report there’s a coordinated campaign alleging incitement to hostility, violence, discrimination and disinformation, falsely accusing them of being spies and collaborators for Israel. They are pointing to the recent cases of Saba Sefidi, arrested and imprisoned with a court ruling saying her Baha’i identity formed the basis of the charge of membership of groups opposed to the regime. And Vafa Kashefi, sentenced to six years on charges of assembly and collusion with the attempt to disrupt social security and propaganda against the state.
Week of prayer for a just peace in Palestine and Israel
The World Council of Churches is urging member churches, faith-based communities, and civil society organizations to join for a week of prayer for a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. It has released resources including liturgy, reflection, and prayers for the week which starts on Sunday. And it is encouraging people to take part in educational events and acts of support for children lost in the war, left without parents, traumatised and afraid.
Cathedral Music Trust awards grants to support choral tradition
The Cathedral Music Trust has announced grants of £438,955 to help cathedral music departments and parish church choirs deliver projects that support music. Now in its third year, it has supported the setting up of junior choirs, salaries of music directors, tuition for choristers and the creation of new pathways encouraging children to become choristers. A series of celebration services will be held at the churches and cathedrals which have benefitted. The places to receive awards are: Wells, Wakefield, Birmingham, Blackburn, Truro, Coventry, Ripon, Bradford, Newcastle, Chelmsford, Derby, Peterborough and Llandaff.
