Women of faith have ‘central role’ in delivering community cohesion and social change
More and a hundred women engaged in community work across Britain, met at Birmingham University yesterday for the “Pride in Place: Women of Faith Conference”, considering the place of faith communities in delivering change and social cohesion. The event was organised by the Women’s Faith Forum, which started six years ago and focuses on working with policy makers in government departments, emphasising the role of women and faith groups in building stronger communities. . “Pride in Place” is the name of a government initiative to rejuvenate deprived neighbourhoods and places where civic life has declined, promising up to £5.8 billion for 284 locations.
There were women from six main faith traditions in Britain, and several spoke about their motivation for change, sometimes from challenging personal experiences such as abuse and poverty. Co-founder Laura Marks, said that often faith groups and discussions are dominated by men, but the organisation wants the government to recognise that women are closely connected to their communities. For example, they know who is vulnerable, lonely, hungry or at risk.
Another co-founder Dr Jagbir Jhutti-Johal told the conference that women’s voices belong at the centre of the Pride of Place initiative, as they are already experienced in creating spaces of well-being and belonging, but too often their contribution is un-noticed. She hoped the conference would be part of an ongoing conversation where policy is connected to local experience.
Three people killed after teenage gunmen attack mosque in San Diego
Three people were killed at a mosque in San Diego after teenage gunmen entered the building and opened fire. A security guard, a father of eight, who tried to stop the attackers at the entrance is being hailed as a hero after confronting the gunmen, but he was killed, along with two other victims who were shot in the parking area. The two suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead in a nearby vehicle with gunshot wounds. Police say anti-Islam writings and a petrol can painted with a Nazi symbol were discovered inside the car, and the attack is being treated as a hate crime. The shooting has prompted renewed concerns over mosque security, while British Muslims and organisations have expressed shock, grief and solidarity with the San Diego Muslim community.
Guardian report: ‘Is the far right driving a Christian revival in the UK?’
The Guardian publishes a film made by video producer Richard Sprenger, on whether the far right is driving a Christian revival in the UK. He set out to explore how Tommy Robinson’s “inflammatory rhetoric” is compatible with Christianity, attracting people looking for meaning. The film includes Tommy Robinson saying people are searching for Christianity because they believe their cultural heritage is being lost. Two clergy who have taken part in the rallies are filmed, both sharing their views of “traditional Christianity”, one with members drawn from the rally, and the other baptising people drawn by the message. The report also finds two CofE vicars, one whose church offers wrestling bouts, where new members have been attracted, preceding Christian nationalism rallies, while another in Luton is building bridges in a multi faith community. He says that at a time of a spiritual vacuum, the church should listen to and address people’s questions.
Anglican church leaders welcome release of Palestinian Christian student Layan Nasir
Layan Nasir, a 25 year old Christian Palestinian woman, has been released from Damon Prison at Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, eight months after an Israeli court convicted her on unclear charges. This was her third detention in five years and her cause has been taken by up Anglican bishops in England and the USA. Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani met Layan’s family on a visit to Palestine and has said she lights a candle in her chapel for her always. Laylan is a member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Birzeit in the occupied West Bank, and her release was welcomed by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, primate of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The Dean of St George’s College in Jerusalem, Canon Richard Sewell, was present at her home in Birzeit in the occupied West Bank to greet her upon her return.
JustMoney movement campaign to avoid Amazon
A campaign is launched today urging millions of UK Christians to avoid shopping via Amazon, in protest at its tax practices. The JustMoney Movement, an education and campaigning charity working across UK churches, is behind the campaign “Challenge Amazon: Break the Habit, Fix the Rules”, asking church members to use alternatives. The campaign coincides with Amazon’s annual shareholder meeting today, and accuses Amazon of avoiding paying billions in fair taxes globally. Amazon rejects the accusation, saying it complies with laws in every country where it operates and is one of the world’s largest taxpayers overall.
Barnabas Aid founder Patrick Sookhdeo has died
Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, founder of the charity Barnabas Aid, set up to support persecuted Christians around the world, has died aged 79. He was well known in conservative evangelical circles and led a controversial life, criticised for views on Islam, convicted of sexual assault and suspended with three other leaders after allegations of financial mismanagement, leading to a Charity Commission inquiry. Barnabas Aid now has new management, and its international head is Colin Bloom, a former government faith adviser.
