Muslim and Christian aid agencies join humanitarian efforts in Nepal
Islamic Relief is sending emergency aid to communities affected by the flash floods in Nepal, triggered by the collapse of part of a Himalayan glacier, resulting in 389 deaths with a further 1400 people missing. As many as 50,000 have been affected, losing their homes, livelihoods and communities, and now there are fears of a lake at risk of bursting, causing another flood. Islamic Relief, which has worked in the area since 2015, says its immediate response will provide emergency shelter and aid such as blankets and mattresses to people in the worst-hit districts, in coordination with Nepalese authorities. Tear Fund and Christian Aid are also working with agencies on the ground.
Hindu priest from Croydon among 33 Britons missing in Nepal
The Telegraph reports that a Hindu priest from the South London Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre in Coulsdon, Croydon, is among 33 British people missing after the flash floods in Nepal. It names him as Nabhi Nandan Das, aged 64, who was leading a group of 11 British citizens, including a 13-year-old girl, to visit the Kailash mountain and Lake Mansarovar, two Hindu holy sites in Tibet.
Prayers for Nepal from the Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, says she is praying for all those affected by the flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, for those who are grieving, those waiting for news of people who are missing, for the injured and for emergency workers in the region.
Nigeria searches for hundreds kidnapped from mosques
Reuters reports that the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has ordered the military and other security agencies to launch a rescue operation after large groups of Muslims were kidnapped by gunmen from four villages in north-central Niger State. Several mosques were targeted during Friday prayers but the number of people taken hostage has varied. At first it was reported that 50 people were kidnapped, but now the number is said to be 600. A video posted by an armed group on Facebook and WhatsApp shows a large number being held in a forest. Journalists have spoken to people in the villages who say they recognise relatives and friends in the film. Al Jazeera report here.
Vatican diplomat tells Moscow ‘the war must end’
The Vatican’s senior diplomat, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, travelled to Moscow this week for a meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. They discussed the Catholic community in Russia and international issues including peace between Russia and Ukraine. Afterwards, Archbishop Gallagher re-iterated that conflict cannot be resolved militarily and conditions must be created for a political and diplomatic process. He urged respect for international and humanitarian law, particularly with regard to civilians, infrastructure, the wounded, and prisoners of war. “To be clear, this war must end”, he said. Foreign Minister Lavrov agreed with the need to strengthen cooperation on humanitarian issues related to the conflict. Story here
Gaza solidarity is key focus of Methodist President’s year
The new President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Mark Slaney, has said solidarity with Palestinian Christians and the people of Gaza is a key focus of his year in office. Writing at the start of the Connexional Year on 1 September, a date when ministerial changes are made and often pledges of membership are renewed, he reflected on two encounters while on holiday which he believes confirmed a sense of calling to “share and amplify the voice of Palestinian Christians”. This year, he and his wife visited Christian communities in Israel, the West Bank and Galilee and at the Methodist Conference in June, Father Fadi Diab from Ramallah, called for “costly solidarity”. The Conference “received” Kairos 2, a statement from Palestinian Christians, and committed itself to practical action on their behalf. The president said Christians must consider what solidarity they are called to practise “in relation to the cries for justice and mercy worldwide”.
Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, Anne Dyer, announces retirement
The Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney, Anne Dyer, has announced that she will retire in February next year when she reaches the retirement age of 70. She was ordained in 1994 and became the Scottish Episcopal Church’s first woman bishop in 2018, but her tenure has been controversial. She was suspended in August 2022 after two formal complaints alleging misconduct, including allegations of bullying and conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. She was suspended in August 2022 after two formal complaints alleging misconduct, including allegations of bullying and conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. Proceedings in a disciplinary tribunal were dropped as being no longer in the public interest, allowing her to return to her duties. In a pastoral letter to the diocese this week, she said: “Through times that have been both joyful and sometimes very challenging, it has been a privilege to serve as your bishop. I am much changed by this experience, and very grateful to God for all the grace and encouragement I have received.” Times report here
Bishop who ordained first CofE women priests dies aged 90
The former Bishop of Bristol, Barry Rogerson, who ordained the first women priests in the Church of England, has died aged 90. He was a consultant to the Movement for the Ordination of Women and on 12 March 1994, he ordained the first 32 women priests at Bristol Cathedral. In his 40 years service, he was a parish priest, teacher in theological colleges, president of Churches Together in England and a member of the central and executive committee of the World Council of Churches. The Diocese announced the news of his death “with great sadness” and among the many tributes, he was remembered for his “generosity, care and ability to tell a good story”. A service of thanks will be held in October. Tribute is here
