Dolly Parton’s lifelong faith remembered in tributes
Tributes are pouring in for Dolly Parton, the country music singer, songwriter and actress, who endeared herself to millions and has died in Nashville aged 80. Brought up in a family of 12 children in the mountains of east Tennessee, she began singing and performing at the age of six at her local church, and aged 13, she appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Her grandfather was a preacher and the family’s Christian roots stayed with her throughout her life, saying of her faith: “That’s who I am. That’s what keeps me going”, and on another occasion that song-writing was her “God Time”. In a 60 year career, she earned millions of dollars, giving away large donations to charitable causes and setting up “The Imagination Library”, giving books to children under five. Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seavar, who said she had “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus” with her loved ones. Religion Unplugged article here.
Faith communities ‘have infrastructure to tackle extreme weather’
Weather forecasters predict there will be thunderstorms and heavy rain this week as Britain emerges from a summer of heatwaves and droughts. Next month, we may see the return of high temperatures as the weather remains unsettled. Kamran Shezad, director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, told us: “Climate change does not discriminate. We are all experiencing the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with a changing climate regardless of faith or background.” He believes that faith communities have the infrastructure to tackle the challenges of extreme weather conditions, knowing the needs of the vulnerable, offering help through organisations and buildings and being in touch with families as they chart a way through. Maira Butt reports here
‘Priests Against Genocide’ urge UK government to take decisive action on Palestine
Six Catholic priests from across the UK and Ireland have urged the prime minister, Andy Burnham, to take stronger action on Palestine. Writing on behalf of Priests Against Genocide, an international network representing more than 2,500 priests and deacons, they welcomed government measures including the partial suspension of arms licences and sanctions over settler violence. But they said the steps were insufficient following a UN Commission of Inquiry’s findings of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The priests called on the Government to recognise the Commission’s findings, ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, suspend the UK-Israel trade agreement and impose a full arms embargo. They say they are making the appeal out of their commitment to Catholic social teaching, noting that this has been an important influence on the prime minister’s outlook. They add: “It goes without saying we are totally opposed to any form of antisemitism”. Story here
Arrests after model of mosque placed on Co Tyrone 11 July bonfire
In Northern Ireland, five men have been arrested after a model of a mosque was placed on a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, on 11 July. The bonfire was part of the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne, fought in 1690, when the Protestant King William III defeated the Catholic King James II. There were signs on the bonfire saying: “Secure our borders’ and “End the threat of radical Islam”. Police say they arrested three men aged 27, 38 and 51 yesterday morning, on suspicion of public order offences. All three were in police custody. Later a further two men aged 74 and 58 were also arrested. Another man has already appeared in court in connection with the incident.
Rochdale Council buys URC church to secure its future as a community space
Rochdale Council has bought Littleborough’s United Reformed Church, securing the future of the historic building after its congregation struggled to find the money to maintain it. The church will continue to be used for worship, while plans are developed for a wider community role. The Rochdale Development Agency is consulting local groups on proposals to create a live events and arts venue, alongside a bar, restaurant and community room. Councillors said the purchase would prevent the building being converted into flats or demolished, and would give Littleborough “something it currently simply does not have: a purpose built performance space”. There are also hopes that the venue could eventually be run by the community, possibly as a co-operative. The proposals have the support of the church elders, although the plans will be shaped by the consultation now under way. The news was published in Littleborough Local, a local news publication produced by two Labour and Cooperative councillors.
Rise in baptisms in the Los Angeles Catholic church
The Guardian tells the story of a 54 per cent rise in the number of people preparing to be baptised in the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles – in April the number reached 8,598. Interviews with some of those coning forward, discovered their reasons stemmed from loneliness or fear of the world’s disputes. The report points to a survey published in “America, the Jesuit Review” which indicates that, after a dip during Covid, baptisms in the US Catholic church are almost back to pre-covid levels.
