Pope Francis says homosexuality not a crime
In an interview with The Associated Press, Pope Francis said “being homosexual isn’t a crime”. He criticised laws that criminalize homosexuality as unjust and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church. He attributed discrimination and attitudes criminalising homosexuality to cultural backgrounds, and said bishops need to undergo a process of change to recognise the dignity of everyone. The AP report says that he drew a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality: “Bantering with himself, Francis articulated the position: ‘It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime. It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another’.” The Pope said gay people must be welcomed and respected and should not be marginalised or discriminated against.
… and adds “criticism is like a rash that bothers you a bit”
Among the many other lines in the AP interview, the Telegraph reports that the Pope told his critics to “say it to my face” in response to criticism from conservative voices. It was “like a rash that bothers you a bit”, he said, but it was important that cardinals and bishops felt they had the freedom to speak out and that the papacy did not become a distant dictatorship. A book by Pope Benedict XVI, who died on new year’s eve; another by Georg Ganswein, Benedict’s former personal secretary; and an open letter by Cardinal George Pell who died earlier this month, were critical of the current papacy. Pope Francis said this was due to the wear-and-tear of a government of 10 years. In response to his health, he said: “I might die tomorrow, but it’s under control. I’m in good health”.
Four reported investigations into Catholic diocese in Newcastle
There are now four reported investigations into the events within the Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle during the tenure of its former bishop, Robert Byrne. Catherine Pepinster, writing in The Tablet, explains that one is by the Vatican, another by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, another by the Charity Commission and now another complaint is said to be being investigated by the police. Among the complaints is an allegation that a sex party was held on cathedral premises during the Covid lockdown. The bishop resigned in December due to the burden of office.
Holocaust memorial to be built next to parliament by law
The Prime Minister has announced that a new law will allow a Holocaust memorial centre to be built next to Parliament. Rishi Sunak told the Commons that the law would be introduced after planning permission was rejected. The plans are for a structure with 23 bronze sculptures and an underground learning centre in Victoria Gardens, next to the Commons . They were first approved following a public inquiry and the recommendations of planning inspector, but were overturned over a 1900 law protecting the park land.
Oscar nomination for story of conversion to Islam
A short film about a US veteran who planned to bomb the Islamic Centre of Muncie, Indiana, but found friends inside and converted to Islam has been nominated for an Academy Award. The website About Islam explains that the film Stranger at the Gate is among a 14 part series on the secret lives of Muslims in America. Bibi and Saber Bahrami, co-founders of the Centre, told how the community welcomed Richard “Mac” McKinney and said the film showed how “love and understanding can always overcome hate”.
Minnesota university president in Prophet Muhammad painting row “should resign”
University professors at a Minnesota college which sacked an art history lecturer for showing a medieval painting of the Prophet Muhammad, have called for the university president to resign. The lecturer, Erika López Prater, is suing the university after it declined to renew her contract, but her colleagues say this was a violation of academic freedom and the university mishandled the issue. AP says the university has already admitted the decision was a “misstep” and the use of the term “Islamophobic” was flawed. The American Association of University Professors has taken up the case. The national office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations disputed claims that the actions were Islamophobic.
Author of ‘God An Anatomy’ becomes patron of Defence Humanists
Francesca Stavrakopoulou , author of God: An Anatomy, on physical perceptions of God, has become patron of Defence Humanists, a section of Humanists UK representing the interests of the non-religious in the armed forces. It organises events and community activities, for example on Remembrance Day, and seeks non-religious pastoral support in the armed forces. Dr Stavrakopoulou, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion at the University of Exeter, said in a statement from Humanists UK, that her husband suffered a life-changing injury while serving as a Royal Marines Commando, and she was looking forward to improving mental health support for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
£4.2 million for churches in Bradford where Christianity is in decline
The Church of England is awarding £4.2million to ten churches in Bradford where the proportion of people who identify as Christian fell from 46 to 33 per cent since the last census results ten years ago. In that time, the number of Muslims increased by almost 6 per cent and more than 20 per cent say they have no religion. The CofE says the money will encourage new worshippers and lay leaders and invest in city centre worship, including outreach with young people as a former nightclub is renovated to be known as Fountains Church. The Bishop of Bradford, Toby Howarth, said the grant will “benefit some of Bradford’s most challenged neighbourhoods” as the city prepares for the City of Culture 2025.
55 per cent of the public trust clergy to tell the truth
The Ipsos Veracity Index, which charts public confidence in professions, has found that 55 per cent of people have confidence in the clergy, a drop of three per cent since 2021. The lowest score at 12 per cent was for politicians, based on research conducted soon after Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister, and this is the lowest since the aftermath of the expenses crisis in 2009. Nurses scored highest at 89 per cent. Journalists were in the bottom five, scoring 29 per cent, but this is a record high. Full results here
