Pope urges media to amplify reconciliation and peace
Pope Leo has urged those who work in Catholic media and communications to amplify reconciliation and peace. In an address to the French Catholic Media Federation in Lourdes, he said; “I encourage you to be sowers of good words, amplifiers of voices that courageously seek reconciliation by disarming hearts of hatred and fanaticism. In a fragmented and polarised world, be the antennae that pick up and relay what the weak, marginalised, lonely, and those who need to know the joy of feeling loved, are experiencing.” He also warned of the impact of artificial intelligence, urging the central importance of good relationships.
Princess Royal joins faith leaders lighting candles for peace and unity
The Princess Royal joined faith leaders in Scotland, in lighting candles for peace and unity, reaffirming a shared commitment to reconciliation, mutual responsibility and social harmony. They gathered at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, for a pre-arranged event, as world leaders in Davos sought diplomatic means to avert a crisis in Greenland. The group was convened by Chief Imam Dr Sayed Razawi, who said that at a time of uncertainty and strain, the lighting of candles was an opportunity to reflect on how best to nurture cohesion. One of the leaders, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rosie Frew, said: “At a time when our world feels a very angry and unsettled place, it was good to recommit ourselves and our future to the founding vision of the UN in seeking to prevent and resolve conflict, bringing justice, peace and reconciliation to all the peoples of the earth.”
Fr Damian Howard steps down from Oxford chaplaincy role
Fr Damian Howard SJ has stepped down from the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy on the grounds of “professional misconduct” after a complaint made by a student. He was the provincial superior of Jesuits in Britain from 2017 to 2023. A statement on the chaplaincy website says an investigation by Jesuits in Britain is subject to an ongoing independent review. Full story in the Tablet here >>
Bishop of Oxford supports consultation on banning social media for under 16s
The House of Lords has backed a move to ban under-16s in the UK from social media platforms. The proposal was in an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which was passed by 261 votes to 150 in the Lords. It’s reported that the government will try to overturn the amendment when the bill returns to the Commons, whilst it holds a three month consultation, launched this week. The Church Times reports that the Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, backed the proposal, saying technology is “developing faster than the regulation can develop”, and there is a responsibility on tech companies and govnerments. He supported the consultation process allowing young people to input ideas, saying that a recent conference in Oxford found AI is top of their concerns, especially around the future of work. Church Times report here
CofE synod agenda: poverty, the care crisis and mental health
The agenda for the February meeting of the Church of England’s parliament, the general synod, has been published. There will be a debate on supporting people in poverty, timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of “Faith in the City”, a CofE report saying poverty was caused by structural injustice and calling on the Thatcher government to pursue reforms. There will also be debates on mental heath and the care system. There are proposals for new safeguarding organisations, new clergy discipline procedures, a closure of the Living in Love and Faith project on same sex relationships while taking discussions forward, a motion to encourage working class people to become vicars, a vote on raising burial fees and another on abolishing the use of florists’ foam due to environmental concerns. The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will address the synod in this role for the first time. Synod takes place at Church House in London from 9 – 13 February. Papers are here
US Ambassador rebukes Holy Land patriarchs over criticism of Christian Zionism
The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has rejected criticism of Christian Zionism made by the Patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem. Christian Zionism is rooted in the belief that the return of the Jewish diaspora to Israel will herald the Second Coming of Jesus. Church leaders described it as a damaging ideology which was being used to push a political agenda which may harm Christian presence in the region. Mr Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and Southern Baptist minister, posted his response on X where he offered a theological defence, saying it was a belief based on scripture, and affirmed the Jewish people’s right to live in their Biblical homeland. He said: “It’s hard for me to understand why everyone who takes on the moniker ‘Christian’ would not also be a Zionist”. Crux Now report here
Killer of Japan’s former PM ‘victim of religious abuse’
The man who assassinated Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe, has been sentenced to life imprisonment, three and a half years after the killing shocked the country. Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, pleaded guilty to shooting Abe dead at a campaign rally in Nara in 2022. Prosecutors argued that the crime was calculated and malicious, warranting the maximum penalty, while the defence sought leniency, describing Yamagami as a victim of “religious abuse”. The court heard that his family was bankrupted by his mother’s donations to the Unification Church, to which she was devoted. Yamagami resented the former prime minister over his links to the group. Judge Shinichi Tanaka said the killing was “despicable and extremely malicious”. Report here
Catholicism declines in Latin America, but remains largest religion
A Pew Centre report says Catholicism remains Latin America’s largest religion, but numbers have shrunk by nine percentage points or more over the past decade. Catholics represent 46 to 67 per cent of the adult population in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. This compares to a range of 61 to 81 per cent ten years ago. The proportion of religiously unaffiliated people, sometimes referred to as “nones”, has risen across these countries by seven percentage points or more. However, 90 per cent of the whole population believe in God and the majority of people there pray at least once a day. The research is here
Police investigate hate crime after pig’s head left on gate of Muslim family in Stockport
A pig’s head has been left on the gate of a Muslim family’s home in Stockport. Under Islamic law, pork is strictly prohibited. CCTV footage of two men securing the head on a gate post has been shared on social media and the police say they are looking for the culprits. They said they were treating this as a hate crime and described the offence as an “appalling and deliberate act against a family home”. The home owner, Camran Butt, said his family were shocked and visibly distressed, but the local community including Jewish and Hindu neighbours, had rallied round, which was the “silver lining” of the attack.
Norfolk church rebuild approved despite fears of revival surge
The Eastern Daily Press reports that plans to rebuild a church hall in Dereham have been approved, despite concerns that an apparent revival in Christianity could result in a “mass influx of coaches delivering those wanting to pray”. Dereham Gospel Hall Trust said it has around 40 -45 worshippers, but its building is run down and not fit for purpose, especially for disabled and elderly members. It applied to Breckland Council’s planning committee for permission to demolish it and replace with a modern building. One councillor asked whether the church would be able to cater for large numbers of new worshippers amid reports of a revival. The chairman said there was a concern of a mass influx of coaches, adding “The way things are at the moment I think a lot of us need to start praying soon.” Council officers assured the meeting that there would be 23 parking spaces and a new access road. The proposal was unanimously approved.
