Muslim SNP leadership candidate says gay sex is not a sin
The SNP leadership candidate Humza Yousaf has been quizzed on his views about same sex marriage, which has become a key issue in the leadership campaign. His rival, Kate Forbes, a member of the “Wee Frees” Free Church of Scotland, provoked a lively debate on the place of personal religious beliefs, after saying she would have voted against same sex marriage on faith grounds, though in a free country, people could do what they wanted. Humza Yousaf is a Muslim, whose faith tradition is against same sex marriage. He told Sophy Ridge on Sky news that he would have voted in the Scottish parliament for same sex marriage, but missed the vote because of a meeting. He said same sex marriage is not inferior to heterosexual marriage and he did not believe that gay sex is a sin: “I can’t change what is in scripture but what I can tell you is the approach I would take, which is that I will not allow personal faith to be the basis for legislation”.
Read a round-up of comment on the place of personal faith within political leadership on our website here >>
Our weekly briefing tomorrow Tuesday 28 February at 1200 is on how religious belief and politics intertwine. See details below
Pope prays for migrants drowned off the coast of Italy
The Pope expressed his sorrow at the deaths of 59 migrants, from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran, who died when their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy. 80 were rescued alive and a further 30 are still missing. Addressing crowds in St Peter’s Square, the Pope said: “I pray for them, for those who have survived”, He also thanks those who helped in the rescue operation. The Mediterranean route into Europe is considered the most dangerous crossing in the world.
Luciana Berger re-joins the Labour party
The Jewish former MP, Luciana Berger, has re-joined the Labour Party four years after antisemitic attacks forced her to leave. She had been MP for Liverpool Wavertree from 2010-2019 when she was subject to physical threats, harassment and discrimination. The current Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, apologised for the “disgusting and intolerable” antisemitism she experienced and said he was delighted she accepted his invitation to return to the party.
CofE evangelicals float idea of a third province for opponents of same sex blessings
Thinking Anglicans publishes a document from the Church of England Evangelical Council mulling over how they will respond to future action over blessings for same sex marriage. It says that if the House of Bishops proposes changes of a doctrinal, liturgical or practical nature, it will be bound to object and if changes go through, “ differentiation will become an immediate necessity”. This means alternative bishops, or a new “province” in addition to Canterbury and York, which would promote orthodoxy. The document is concerned that clergy who refuse to bless same sex couples will meet a negative reaction on social media and that the recruitment process for ordinands will marginalise those who oppose change.
Research project to guide Muslim athletes on use of data in betting
The Cardiff Centre for the Study of Islam is undertaking a research project to advise Muslim athletes on how to handle issues where their religion is in conflict with their job. The key concern is over betting, which is forbidden in Islam, where people bet and profit from an athlete’s performance. The Global Sports Data and Technology Group has signed an agreement with the Professional Cricketers’ Association to advise and represent players about their data rights, as Muslim athletes can be unwilling or unwitting participants in data collection predicting likelihood of high performance in a game. Other flash points are being asked to wear jerseys featuring a betting sponsor or being offered champagne after a win. The project aims to provide guidance for Muslim athletes to take decisions based on their faith, about how data is used.
Pope repeats that financial misconduct harms church effectiveness
In a speech at the start of the Vatican’s judicial, year, Pope Francis said that financial misconduct by Vatican personnel “harms the church’s mission and scandalizes the faithful”. There is an ongoing trial into the Holy See’s investment in a London property involving ten 10 defendants. The Pope identified problems of fact and conduct that made court cases necessary: “Such behaviour, on the part of members of the Church, seriously harms its effectiveness in reflecting the divine light.” Associated Press story here
Three Muslim astronauts to join the International Space Station
Islam Channel reports that three Muslims astronauts will board the International Space Station in the coming months. They include Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, from UAE who studied at the University of Brighton; and from Saudia Arabia, air force captain Ali Al Qarni and Rayyannah Barnawi, the first woman from the Arab world to go into space who has spent nine years in cancer stem cell research. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are part of the Arab Space Co-operation Group.
Delia Smith’s recipe for a world in turmoil – value and know yourself
Delia Smith, the doyenne of British cooking and the passionate owner of Norwich Football Club,“ ponders on the presence of the human spirit” in her book You Matter: The Human Solution. In an interview with Roger Bolton for the Religion Media Centre’s “Big Interview” series, she says the conflict in Ukraine illustrates her steadfast faith in the human spirit. She believes the world is in turmoil at present and people are learning what causes the chaos, and of the importance of individuals valuing and knowing themselves. Listen to the podcast here and read the report here.
