Churches ‘critical’ in supporting Ukraine’s people
Grassroots-level churches in Ukraine have been “critical” in supporting the population since war broke out one year ago, providing food, shelter and psycho spiritual support as the nation deals with multiple challenges in everyday life. In a Religion Media Centre briefing faith leaders explained the impact of the devastation in Ukraine and among those who fled and are making a new life in the UK. Research from the Sanctuary Foundation suggests that 99 per cent of Ukrainian refugees are grateful and glad to be here, but face challenges with communication and in finding employment and housing. Its founder, Krish Kandiah said continuing support and welcome is needed. Other speakers charted the fracturing of the Orthodox church split between Russia and Constantinople, with the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the UK still looking for a permanent home. Vigils are being held across the country in the coming days.
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Ukraine churches call a day of fasting and prayer for peace
The Ukrainian Council of Churches is calling for a day of national fasting, prayer and good deeds tomorrow, 24 February, the first anniversary of war in Ukraine. All denominations are being asked to hold round-the-clock vigils and pray for an end to the war: “In these fateful times, we understand that Ukraine needs God’s power to defeat the Russian aggressor”. Its message to the faithful says that on this day, a new military operation and a massive missile attack are anticipated. Ukraine’s ability to repel the attack and refuse to fall is an example of God intervening, it says. ds while giving our soldiers supernatural strength and accuracy to repel the attack. “National fasting, prayer to the Lord, and alms (good deeds) are the supernatural weapons God has given us to destroy the great evil and devilish plans”.
Former MP Brooks Newmark, a hero in Ukraine
Jewish News has an interview with the former Tory MP Brooks Newmark, who has been in Ukraine for a year rescuing people and bringing them to safety on bus journeys across the country told the reporter that he felt compelled to help when war broke out, in the same way as others helped the Jews in the Second World War. In the beginning, he moved to the worst affected areas of warfare, evacuating women and children, and vulnerable disabled people. After six months he started evacuating people with severe trauma wounds, first to Poland and then airlifted to Germany. He never intended to stay in Ukraine but help is always needed
Warning not to exclude people from high office because of their faith
The decision of Kate Forbes, a member of the Free Church of Scotland, to stand for the leadership of the SNP, has provoked a discussion on whether someone’s religious views should bar them from political office. Her views against same sex marriage and that having children outside marriage is wrong according to her faith, have already lost her support among her backers and from the deputy first minister John Sweeney. She told Sky News these were her personal beliefs but “in a free society you can do what you want”. The same line is taken by Tim Farron, former Lib Dem leader and evangelical Christian who resigned after repeated questioning over his belief that gay sex is sin. Among his many interviews about Kate Forbes story, he told Times Radio: “I do not think I have the right … to legislate to make people who are not Christians, live as if they were. I think it’s illiberal”, adding that Christianity is always counter-cultural. And he gave this warning “I think you ought to be very careful if you think that you should exclude people from high office because of their faith, and indeed it does become a blind spot for people who would otherwise call themselves liberals”.
Humza Yousaf, 38, the SNP cabinet minister for health and social care, is also in the running to replace Nicola Sturgeon. He is the first non-white cabinet minister in the Scottish government and declares himself a “proud Muslim” In an interview with Andrew Marr on LBC radio, he said he doesn’t use his faith as the basis of legislation, but brings forward policy in the best interests of the country.
Landmark US Baptist church expelled for having a woman pastor
The Southern Baptist Convention has ousted its second-largest congregation, Saddleback Church in California, for having a woman pastor. Four other churches were similarly reprimanded. The Associated Press reports that the convention opposes women as pastors, but Saddleback was found to have a female teaching member of staff “functioning in the office of pastor”. The charge relates to Stacie Wood, wife of the current lead pastor of Saddleback, Andy Wood. The church was founded 42 years ago by Rick Warren, now retired. In 2021 he ordained three women as pastors, risking expulsion, and has defended the decision in public on more than one occasion. The church can appeal to the convention’s annual meeting in June.
Safeguarding cases reported to the CofE static over three years
The Church of England has published data on the number of safeguarding cases reported to the church over three years from 2019-2021. It shows the number of cases remained static over this time period, between 2245 and 2420 cases. They include concerns about possible risk to direct allegations of abuse, for example, a church member might have disclosed that their non churchgoing partner was assaulting them, or someone with convictions for sexual offences might join a congregation. In each of the three years just over a third related to church officers ordained or lay, paid or unpaid. In a statement, the church says that concerns and allegations regarding adults have increased, with a reduction in the number relating to children. There was a clear increase in reports of domestic abuse and a greater awareness of spiritual abuse.
Seattle bans caste discrimination
The Seattle City Council has become the first US city to ban caste discrimination. The Associated Press reports that the council voted for the proposal after a tense, “noisy hearing”, with chanting of slogans, unfurling of banners and loud challenges to speakers. Those in favour said caste discrimination, which has its roots in India and can be found across many religions, crosses national and religious boundaries, but without such laws people will have no protection. Those against said legislation maligns a specific community. The report says that calls for legislation have grown louder in South Asian diaspora communities and the tension comes from internal disputes.
