King Charles: Defender of Faith in all but name
In a Religion Media Centre briefing, author and theologian the Rev Prof Ian Bradley explained that the King would take on the oath to be Defender of the Faith, but it had never before been defined properly so it was up to him how to interpret it. The briefing was told that it was the Queen who extended its meaning to be defender of all faiths. The insight was part of a discussion on the ritual and meaning of the centuries old coronation service tradition. Canon Professor Alison Milbank explained that the service is at its heart a profoundly Christian act, with elements of the sacraments of baptism, ordination and marriage woven into a liturgy shaped by the communion. Traditions may remain, but the exact order of service is still not published. Our briefing can be viewed again on our YouTube channel later today
Sikh preacher arrested one month after going on the run
Amritpal Singh, a Sikh preacher who has called for Sikh independence, has been arrested after being on the run for one month. His case won support around the world with rallies including one in London outside the Indian High Commission. He and his supporters have been accused of attempted murder and attacking police officials, which they deny. He was arrested in the Punjab town of Moga.
Death toll reaches 70 in Kenya starvation cult
Police in Kenya say there are 60 mass graves in the area of the Good News International Church, which persuaded people to starve to death. Only five have been examined with the death toll now put at more than 70, though the Red Cross has said that 112 people have been reported missing. The police chief said the graves are in a forest area and the stench is unbearable.
CofE safeguarding board intends to become more independent
The Church of England Independent Safeguarding Board has published its first annual report demanding greater independence from the church. The board, which has three members, plans to create a separate legal entity away from Church of England structures. The report says cost control measures had compromised its work. It was published a day after two board members attacked the CofE for “clear interference” in its work.
Faith leaders urge Lloyd’s urged to act on fossil fuel projects
Faith leaders have written to The Times urging Lloyd’s of London to end insurance for all new fossil fuel projects and to phase out existing fossil fuel insurance. Signatories included Nicola Brady, general secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland; Kamran Shezad, director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Lord Singh of Wimbledon and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. Lloyds replied that it remains committed to ensuring the transition to net zero.
Pope plans first trip home next year
The Associated Press reports that Pope Francis hopes to travel to his homeland, Argentina, next year, for his first visit since becoming Pope ten years ago. He was speaking in an interview for the Argentine newspaper La Nación. “I always wanted to return,” he said, but he would not be drawn on the political situation in Argentina, where a new president will be sworn in during December .
Police called to deal with Archbishop John Sentamu’s peaceful protest
Police were called to deal with the former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who had tried to deliver a letter to Shell HQ in London It was part of the campaign against climate change and the letter called on Shell to stop new exploration and extraction of fossil fuels. Shell refused to open the doors so Dr Sentamu left it on the floor of a revolving door. He said it was the most arrogant experience he had ever had.
