Summer solstice at Stonehenge
English Heritage once more live streamed the sun rising at Stonehenge this morning, the longest day of the year, marking the summer solstice. Access to the site is strictly controlled while druids and pagans gather for religious rites. English Heritage explains that “the sun will rise behind the Heel Stone, the ancient single large sarsen stone standing within the avenue outside the entrance of Stonehenge. The rays of the rising solstice sun become channelled into the centre of site”. Read our explainer on Stonehenge and its religious significance here and another on Druids here
Jesuit protest outside Indian High Commission in London to defend Fr Stan Swamy SJ
British Jesuits and their supporters marched to the Indian High Commission in Aldwych, London, yesterday, to hand in a petition containing more than 10,000 signatures calling for justice for Father Stan Swamy SJ. He was an Indian Jesuit priest who spent 50 years fighting for indigenous rights in the state of Jharkhand. But in 2021, at the age of 84, he was accused of terrorism and imprisoned, dying seven months later from Covid-19. The Jesuits’ campaign says there is evidence that falsified evidence was placed on his computer and they are fighting to clear his name. Protesters held a peaceful vigil outside the Indian High Commission, but they say staff refused to engage with them as they tried to hand in the petition.
Corbyn film withdrawn from Glastonbury festival after Board of Deputies complaint
Glastonbury Festival has cancelled the screening of a film about the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after the Board of Deputies wrote to them expressing “deep concern”. The film “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn! The Big Lie”, explores allegations of political deceit, antisemitic smears and conspiracy theories which led to his downfall. Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, wrote to the festival organisers expressing “deep concern” that the film would be shown. Glastonbury issued a statement saying it had become clear that it was inappropriate to show the film. “Glastonbury is about unity not division and we stand against all forms of discrimination”.
Muslim News awards for excellence in society
The Muslim News awards celebrating the contribution of Muslims in society and voted on by its 150,000 readers, have been given out at a ceremony in London. Among the 15 winners were Faima Bakar, reporter at Huffington Post, won for excellence in the media; Dr. Mya-Rose Craig, aged 20, British-Bangladeshi ornithologist and environmentalist, won the Young People’s award for excellence; and the Ramadan Tent Project which organises open itfars, won the award for community relations. The full list is here.
UN resolution on freedom of religion or belief following bishop’s report
The UN Security Council has adopted a joint UK / UAE Government resolution highlighting threats to freedom of religion or belief. It follows a review written by the Bishop of Truro, Philip Mounstephen, urging the security council to ensure the protection and security of Christians and faith minorities. The resolution commits the UN Secretary General to produce an annual oral report on freedom of religion or belief related threats to international peace and security, with the first due by 14 June 2024.
Next steps in CofE redress scheme for abuse survivors
The Church of England has explained proposals for a redress scheme for survivors of abuse, offering money, therapy, and spiritual and emotional support. The Church Commissioners will put up £150 million to finance the scheme which will run initially for five years. Proposals unveiled yesterday say some responsibility for redress should be taken as close as possible to where the abuse was perpetrated. Legislation will be required to deliver a consistent service throughout the country and proposals will be brought to the general synod in November 2023 or February 2024. Church Times story here.
Christopher Cocksworth to be the new Dean of Windsor
The bishop of Coventry Dr Christopher Cocksworth, has been appointed as the next Dean of St George’s, Windsor, a role which has in the past provided key pastoral support to the royal family. He succeeds David Conner who is retiring aged 76.
Tribute to Holocaust survivor Sir Ben Helfgott, who has died aged 93
The president of the Board of Deputies, Marie van der Zyl, has paid tribute to Sir Ben Helfgott, who came to Britain in 1945 with more than 700 other children who were rescued from the concentration camps, He has died aged 93 after leading an active life as “one of the greatest members of the British Jewish community”, serving at the heart of Holocaust education and remembrance in Britain. Ms van der Zyl said: “His passing has sent a tremor through our community, followed by a sense of incalculable loss”.
Minister from Dublin becomes moderator of Presbyterian church of Ireland
The Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney, minister of Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church in Dublin, will become the first minister from the Republic of Ireland in 25 years, to take on the role of moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He will be nominated, elected and installed at the church’s annual meeting which begins this evening in Belfast.
