Faith leaders pledge commitment to peace and unity ahead of Senedd election
More than 50 faith leaders in Wales have signed a pledge of commmitment to core values of community and peace, as the nation goes to the polls to elect a new Senedd. It says: “As Wales heads into a new political chapter and the world faces uncertain future resulting from the effects of war, climate change, and social upheaval, we the undersigned, commit to working for a Wales built on the ideals of peaceful coexistence, neighbourliness, and freedom of worship. We pray and long for a nation where all may flourish and none need fear.” The latest More in Common opinion poll suggests a tight finish, with Labour losing control in third place, Plaid Cymru leading and Reform polling in second place. No political party was mentioned by name, but Archbishop Cherry Vann said there is fear, mistrust and lack of understanding across society and there is a role for faith communities to engage in dialogue and foster understanding. She told the meeting in Cardiff where the pledge was signed, that some people wish to use religion as a means to divide, but there is far more that unites people of faith, including the values of love, compassion, care, solidarity and neighbourliness. The event was sponsored by the Muslim Council of Wales who were also signatories of the statement.
Two arrested after attack on synagogue in Harrow
The Met Police say a 17-year-old boy and 19-year-old man have been arrested over an arson attack at Kenton synagogue in Harrow, when a bottle with accelerant was thrown through a window late on Saturday night. There was minor damage, but no-one was injured. The police say there have been 15 arrests in relation to six incidents where premises with Jewish connections were targeted in the last month. A pro-Iranian group has admitted responsibility for some of the attacks and the Met are investigating claims that people are accepting cash for carrying out the attacks instigated by Iranian-linked groups. The security minister Dan Jarvis has given an interview to Jewish News about the outbreak of crime against Jewish communities, assuring them that the government is giving the police necessary resources to find the attackers and bring them to justice. Church of England bishops in London have issued a statement condemning unequivocally the attacks on synagogues and promising their support to Jewish communities working for a London where fear has no authority and hatred finds no shelter.
BBC Panorama examines rising antisemitism in Britain
The BBC News programme, Panorama, broadcast an account of rising antisemitism in Britain and its impact on Jewish communities. A survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research suggests that one in five British Jews are thinking about leaving Britain because of the hate crimes against them and their community. Stories were told of a 47 year old woman who has been spat at in the street, branded a “baby killer”, and received a death threat. Now she does not wear her Star of David pendant for fear of attracting more attacks. A midwife in her 60s says it is hard being Jewish in the NHS without feeling a degree of fear even among colleagues. And students report they are shunned in flat shares and when they hold parties, people with stab vests stand guard outside. However, Rabbi Daniel Walker, of the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester which was attacked last October, remains hopeful saying there are good people in society and he prays that society will become a better place. Article here, programme here.
Anti Islam influencer Valentina Gomez banned from Britain
A US-based anti-Islam social media influencer, Valentina Gomez, has been banned from entering the UK to attend next month’s Unite the Kingdom rally being organised by Tommy Robinson. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, cancelled her electronic travel visa because her presence would not be “conducive to the public good”. Gomez, aged 26, born in Colombia and now resident in the US, spoke at the first Unite the Kingdom rally in September last year, claiming “rapist Muslims” were taking over the UK.
Investors launch multifaith ethical investment network
Faith based investors managing at least $200 billion in assets, have agreed to form a network to discuss how to achieve greater impact through ethical investments. Their decision followed a forum held in Paris called “Faith in the Common Good”, where investors from 33 faith traditions and networks, representing four major world faiths, met for two days of talks. They were mainly from Europe and the USA but included people from Indonesia and India. The event was organised by FaithInvest, an organisation supporting faith groups which invest, and the Collège des Bernardins, a Christian conference centre. Its president Jean-Baptiste de Franssu, who is also chair of the Vatican Bank, said Christian, Muslim and Jewish investors lack a “financial ecosystem” to invest in line with their values, for example investing in companies that care for the environment or tackle modern slavery. Faith Invest says the world’s religions hold trillions of dollars on the global markets, described as the “third-largest economic power on Earth”. CCLA (Churches, Charities and Local Authorities) Investment Management Ltd was the patron of the network’s launch event, and Chief Executive Peter Hugh Smith said the conference indicated a “gathering momentum for a movement that has the power to do much good in the world”.
Pope Leo continues Africa visit speaking of peace, hope and justice
Pope Leo has continued his visit to Africa with a stop in Angola, where he visited a care home for the elderly, whom he said preserved “the wisdom of a people” and deserved to be listened to. He celebrated mass with 40,000 people near the Cathedral in Saurimo, where he preached on hope “exploited by the powerful and defrauded by the rich”. Later he met bishops, priests, deacons and pastoral workers in Luanda, speaking once more about peace.
