Pope to publish Laudato Si part two after extreme weather events
Pope Francis has revealed that he is writing the second part of Laudato Si, the encyclical on caring for the planet. It was first published in 2015 and made the case that mankind and the future of the planet are inextricably linked. He urged a new solidarity among people across the world to solve the environmental crisis. The Vatican made clear that part two of Laudato Si will include current issues such as recent extreme weather events and natural catastrophes. Pope Francis slipped out news of his new initiative while speaking to a delegation of lawyers from Council of Europe countries, expressing his appreciation for their work on a legal framework to protect the environment.
Pakistan pays compensation to Christians targeted by angry mob
Pakistan has given $6,800 to every Christian household whose home was destroyed by a Muslim mob last week, after disputed allegations that two Christian men had desecrated the Quran. Almost 100 families were targeted by hundreds of people who set fire to homes and all 26 churches in Jaranwala, in the north-east of the country. 160 people have been detained by police. Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has promised to ensure the protection of minorities, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Ahmadis. Associated Press story here
Christian affiliation declines and non-religion rises among UK civil servants
The Times has analysed statistics published by the Cabinet Office into the religious affiliation of civil servants. It concludes that 44 per cent of civil servants are Christian, down 7 per cent from 2019. 42 per cent said they had no religion, up 4 per cent in the same time period. A significant regional variation was found with 51 per cent of civil servants in the south declaring no religion, falling to 34 per cent in the West Midlands. London civil servants are the least Christian, at only 39 per cent, but because of the presence of other faiths, only 36 per cent have no religion in the capital. The data spreadsheet on which the story is based is here
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in hospital again with internal bleeding
The Episcopal Church in the United States has issued a statement saying that Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has been admitted to hospital with a reoccurrence of the internal bleeding that required him to be hospitalized over Memorial Day Weekend at the end of May. Doctors are considering the removal of his right adrenal gland and an attached mass, which appears to be the source of the internal bleeding. He is expected to be released today.
Evangelical preacher visas “stopped” in Israel
The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which leads global support for Christian Zionism, has warned that Israel has stopped issuing visas to evangelical Christian preachers. Vice president David Parson told Haaretz online: “We are slowly being squeezed out of existence by the interior ministry. We cannot continue our vital work to build global Christian support for Israel under these strict new rules.” The ICEJ says it had been given work visas for clergy routinely until the new government took office, but it has been told it is no longer regarded as a religious institution. The group says it may challenge the decision in the courts.
Christians banned from site of transfiguration in Israel
The World Council of Churches general secretary, the Rev Prof Jerry Pillay, has expressed concern that thousands of Orthodox Christians were denied access to Mount Tabor, in lower Galilee, the suggested site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, which was commemorated on 18 August. In a statement, he said Israeli police blocked the road as the faithful were on their way to the holy site and a ban was issued to prevent assembly on Mount Tabor and nearby, with police citing safety concerns for the participants. He said: “Impediment of the Christian celebration on Mount Tabor comes in the aftermath of repeated harassment of Christians in Jerusalem, Haifa and elsewhere. The World Council of Churches views with concern the infringement on religious freedom, the denial of worship, and the constraints on the life of the Christian community in the Holy Land under the pretext of safety and security as unacceptable”. He called on the Israeli government to allow Christian worship and community events to proceed freely, and to protect the rights of religious freedom.
Synagogue rallies round to help asylum seeker start a new life in London
The community at the West London Synagogue’s homeless shelter has helped a Sudanese-born Muslim man to create a new life in Britain and then to make a dangerous return journey home to bring his wife and child to safety. An exclusive in the Jewish News tells the story of Salih Adam, aged 35, who came to Britain in a small boat across the channel in 2014, was awarded UK citizenship earlier this year, and last week brought his family home. The local mosque and church also lent their support. Nic Schlagman, head of social action and interfaith at the synagogue, explained that Jewish families had been saved by the kindness of strangers in Germany during the second world war, and he felt a sense of pride that they had “completed the circle”.
