Muslim news website Hyphen to close as UAE funding withdrawn
Hyphen, a news website reporting on Muslim life and issues in the UK and Europe, is to close down after its UAE backers withdrew funding. Eighteen journalists are affected. Hyphen produced quality journalism with an experienced staff under editor Burhan Wazir. It led investigations on, for example, the Home Office’s protective security for mosques, and Halal compliant funds investing in Palantir. It is owned by Link Media, whose CEO, Martin Newland, a former editor of the Daily Telegraph, said the UAE parent company would cease funding the website from 2027 “owing to a strategic realignment during a difficult economic period. Hyphen was launched four years ago to cover the social, economic and cultural issues and opportunities surrounding integration of Muslim communities in the UK and Europe. In this time it has won awards and become embedded in discussion at all levels of society about this vital topic. Link Media would like to thank staff for their continuing professionalism and dedication in making this founding vision a reality.” Press Gazette story here
The next CofE General Synod ‘will be as deadlocked as the last’
Synod watchers in the Church of England have been poring over the recent election results to look for clues as to the issues that will divide, unite and pre-occupy their discussions over the next five years. Anglican Futures, a conservative group, has trawled through the election results and concludes that it will be “as deadlocked as the last”, with orthodox members retaining their blocking minority (34 per cent) which will make it harder for non-doctrinal motions to pass. The Church Times reports that Save the Parish are saying 77 candidates signed their manifesto for more support for clergy and parishes, and a further 20 supported it, and they anticipate pressure for more funding for full-time, parish-based clergy. The key issue for the last five years was same sex marriage and blessings, and the Rev John Dunnett, national director of the conservative Church of England Evangelical Council, said they have strengthened their position, with more orthodox members than last time. Together for the Church of England, advocating inclusion, said 160 like-minded candidates were elected – an increase of 22 per cent on the previous synod.
Fears that Southwell Minster may close due to financial crisis
There are fears that Southwell Minster could be forced to close due to serious financial problems. The Dean, Dr Stephen Evans, who has only been in the role for six months, sent a letter to the congregation saying accounts had not been lodged with the Charity Commission for two years and in July it looked as if there was only enough money for one more payroll. According to the Newark Advertiser, which has seen the letter, he said water poured through the roof during a music festival and lighting in one part has been condemned. The repair bill is more than £20million, he said, and the Minster will have to seek funding from grant making bodies which could include the National Lottery Heritage Fund. But it could take three years to balance the books. He also “referred to an independent safeguarding review which described the Minster’s interpersonal relationship culture as toxic”. Newark MP Robert Jenrick raised the financial difficulties in Parliament yesterday asking the Leader of the House to put gentle pressure on the Church Commissioners to help. Sir Alan Campbell said he would take up the case, adding that no one would want to see the Minster close. Commons exchange is here
Church of England urged to make “ruthless” reforms to stop decline
A report from two academics who have served in prominent national roles in the Church of England, is calling for ruthless reforms, reducing the number of bishops, dioceses and diocesan staff. “Wasted Money in a Diminishing Church” by Canon Prof Robin Gill and Prof John Craven, says the number of dioceses and bishops should fall from 40 to 30. They say the number of diocesan staff has doubled from 1,300 in 2005 to 2,300 in 2025, and rising administrative costs are diverting money from parish ministry. They suggest that churchgoers feel decisions are taken by people and groups away from them, and this is one driver of continued decline. Church Times report here, and on Clerical Whispers here
Support for Trump plummets among white evangelicals
The Pew Research Centre reports that white evangelical Protestants voice more support for President Trump than any other religious group surveyed – 58 percent of them approve of Trump’s job performance – but this is 20 percentage points down since his term of office began. His approval rating fell among all other faith and non-faith groups with the largest falls among white nonevangelical Protestants, white Catholics and non-religious. Overall, 68 percent of US adults disapprove of Trump’s performance, with 30 percent saying they approve. Pew’s findings are based on a study conducted from 28 September – 4 October, among 5,062 US adults. View Pew’s findings here and additional analysis here. Yesterday, several US Catholic bishops met Trump in the Oval Office, where they discussed issues such as religious freedom and schools, and then gathered round him to pray, thanking God for the “gift of this office of the presidency”. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops said it had no role in the event.
Church challenges order to stop amplified street preaching and intimidating behaviour
The Bread of Life Community Church, based at Clacton on Sea, is appealing against an order to stop intimidating behaviour when street preaching, after complaints about the words which allegedly caused “harassment, alarm and distress”. It is said that preachers shouted at passersby, made homophobic comments and in one case, reportedly told a man that he was “going to hell”. The order prohibits using a loudspeaker or amplified equipment, and intimidating behaviour towards members of the public. Church members deny behaving aggressively, threateningly or unlawfully. Colchester City Council, through the Safer Colchester Partnership, issued the church with a Community Protection Notice in March 2026, but the church, backed by the Christian Legal Centre, is appealing, arguing that the Notice seeks to restrict the substance of a religious message. A petition with more than 27,000 signatures has been handed into Colchester City Council calling for the notice to be withdrawn. The appeal is listed for a two day hearing in a magistrates court.
