Manchester synagogue attacker overheard plotting terror attack with accomplice in a mosque
A hearing at the Old Bailey has heard that the man who attacked Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester last year, met an accomplice in a mosque to discuss future plans. That accomplice, Mohammed Bashir, has since pleaded guilty to the preparation of terrorist acts, and was in court yesterday for the start of a two day sentencing hearing. The court was told that Bashir and the synagogue attacker Jihad al-Shamie, were overheard planning a mission and saying they needed a weapon, and Bashir referred to an idea of martyrdom. The men drove to Swindon for a reconnaissance of the MoD Defence Academy, last August before disposing of their mobile phones. Prosecutors said Bashir and al-Shamie were motivated by their antisemitic views and al-Shamie had made several internet searches for Israel Defense Force soldiers training in Britain. Heaton Park synagogue was attacked in October 2025, but the court heard there was no evidence to suggest Bashir was involved. Two Jewish men were killed and the attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by armed police. The sentencing hearing continues.
Caritas Social Action invites the new PM for roundtable on community faith partnerships
Caritas Social Action Network has invited the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and his team to discuss how government, faith groups and charities can work together to build flourishing communities. In an open letter, chief executive Raymond Friel offered the support and experience of the network’s 50 member organisations which work to tackle the causes of poverty, promote justice, restore dignity and help build communities. The Network is inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and members work collaboratively with other faith groups and charities. The letter proposes a roundtable discussion during Inter Faith Week (8-15 November 2026) – to help to shape the next steps.
British Jews feel abandoned, excluded and insecure due to 7 October response
New research led by an academic at LSE, suggests that British Jews feel abandoned, excluded and insecure following the response to the 7 October attacks. People questioned described a decline in trust in major British institutions, particularly the police, the education system, universities, the media and the legal system. Comments included that nobody cared about their concerns, that every institution in this country is now institutionally antisemitic, and a feeling of being let down by institutions meant to be the pillars of society. The report, ‘Listening to British Jews’, is based on six focus groups involving 43 Jewish adults across the UK. Jewish News reports that project leader Shani Orgad, professor in media and communications at LSE, said a common theme was that their concerns about antisemitism were often not recognised or addressed seriously. “They described a ‘climate of fear and vulnerability’ where verbal abuse, being ostracised, cancelled and excluded have become increasingly features of their everyday lives.” Report here
Methodist church leaders honour lives of the Tolpuddle Martyrs
The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Church have joined thousands of people at the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in Dorset, commemorating the six farm labourers who fought for fair wages. Five of the Martyrs were Methodists and three were local preachers, and they were convicted in 1834 for forming a trade union under a law banning secret oaths. They were transported to Australia before being pardoned two years later after a public outcry. They returned to Britain, but only one, James Hammett, returned to Tolpuddle. At the festival this year, the president Rev Mark Slaney and vice president Caroline Stead laid a wreath at the grave of James Hammett, saying the story of the Tolpuddle Martys continues to inspire the Church’s commitment to justice and equality. James Hemmett’s granddaughters going back seven generations, looked on.
Players in Spain’s world cup winning squad praise God for the result
Several players and the manager of the winning Spain side in the World Cup, have spoken about their belief that God helped them win. The Catholic publication Crux reports that the player who scored the winning goal, Ferran Torres, said God gave him the strength to keep going and “God gives things to those who deserve them most.” In a video release before the final, he said: “I have a cross and a statue of the Virgin Mary; in the end, I think it’s something that gives me a lot of support, having a lot of faith, and for me, that’s very important”. The captain, Rodri, player of the tournament, is quoted saying: “I am very Christian and someone has helped me from above .. In the end, God rewards you. We’ve been brave”. Mikel Merino said Saint Fermín, the patron saint of his town Navarre, “seems to be there for me every time the festivities are near and there’s a match like this”. And the manager, Luis de la Fuente, gave an interview saying he’s a Catholic and prays every day, not expecting to get a result but to thank God for life. Article by Fionn Shiner is here.
Save the Parish synod manifesto launch
Save the Parish, a group within the Church of England campaigning for parishes to thrive, will launch its manifesto for the 2026 General Synod elections on Saturday 25 July, setting out six commitments. It will be formally presented at the group’s annual conference at St Bartholomew The Great, London EC1. Save the Parish is calling for the Church of England to put the parish first, to prioritise the Church Commissioners’ endowment to fund and train priests properly, so that every parish has a priest who knows and is known by their people. It says: “Full-time stipendiary parish clergy have fallen to a historic low of 6,295, down 28 per cent since 2000. The Church Commissioners hold an endowment of £11.6 billion, yet only 8 per cent of their planned annual distribution is specifically ring-fenced for parish ministry. Dioceses employ an average of one member of staff for every 3.5 parochial clergy, against a charity sector average of one to eight. These are all problems to which STP proposes deliverable solutions”.
Archbishop pays tribute to Edward Stourton
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has paid tribute to the journalist and broadcaster Edward Stourton, who died last weekend aged 68. Dame Sarah issued a statement on Twitter / X: “Edward Stourton was a curious, compassionate and fiercely intelligent journalist. He brought such wisdom to his work, and I am particularly grateful for his contribution to religious broadcasting, driven by his strong Catholic faith. I – and no doubt millions of other listeners – will miss his thoughtful and insightful reporting. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. May Edward rest in peace and rise in glory.”
