Inter Faith Week 2025 grew with more youth and regional engagement
A report on Inter Faith Week 2025 found that participation widened to include more young people and there was an increase in regional work. The week was entitled “Community: Together We Serve” and offered an opportunity to showcase interfaith work that is continuing round the country, despite the demise of the Inter Faith Network. A total of 431 actvities took place, which is 72 per cent higher than the previous year. An updated list of active interfaith groups has been built, allowing connections and partnerships to slowly rebuild, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have supported activity across the country. The report, based on evaluations by a National Steering Group, recommended formalising the group and increasing diversity of membership; annual year-round funding for national coordination; a national communications strategy and campaign leading up to the Week; and more resources and support for local and regional interfaith groups and schools, including seed funding for local activities. The report is available here
Faith leaders Easter reception at Number Ten
The Faith leaders Easter reception was held at Downing Street last night, when the Prime Minister talked about Christian hope, and “thanked Christians all over the country committed to loving their neighbours and doing good in their communities”. One of the guests was Chine McDonald, director of the think tank Theos, and others included Gavin Calver from the Evangelical Alliance and John Kuhrt from Hope Into Action.
Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican summoned over Palm Sunday ban
Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, met the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican, to discuss the incident on Palm Sunday when the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was prevented by Israeli police from entering the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This is the traditional starting point of a Palm Sunday procession, which was banned because of the war. There was a plan for two clergy to enter the Basilica and broadcast prayers, but they were turned away. The Holy See press office said: “During the conversation, regret was expressed over what happened, clarifications were provided, and note was taken of the agreement reached between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the local authorities regarding participation in the liturgies of the Easter Triduum at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.” Israeli police say they have confirmed a limited prayer arrangement at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in coordination with a representative of the Latin Patriarch.
Passover in Jerusalem
Israel’s government has issued guidelines on public events which will change the way Passover is celebrated. They say public gatherings, including in synagogues, are capped at 50 people, provided a bomb shelter can be reached in time. The guidance lasts until Saturday at least. Flights have also been disrupted meaning families will not be together as usual for the festival. Passover runs from 1 – 8 April this year.
Archbishop Sarah Mullally to visit Ghana and Cameroon
The Archbishop of Canterbury is to visit Ghana and Cameroon from 26 July to 8 August, at the invitation of the Primate of West Africa Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith. His province has 19 dioceses in eight countries, and the visit is designed to strengthen ties and deepen ecumenical relations. Dr Ben-Smith attended the archbishop’s installation at Canterbury Cathedral, and they met afterwards as part of the delegation of Primates of Anglican provinces in Africa.
LGCM founder Malcolm Johnson has died aged 79
The Rev Malcolm Johnson, co-founder of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, has died after a short illness, aged 79. A Times obituary lists key moments in his ministry, offering a centre for the homeless, blessings for same sex couples and gay carol services. He provided the LGCM with office space in St Botolph’s church, where he was Rector, but it was eventually forced out after general synod rejected a move to recognise the validity of gay relationships. St Botolph’s was the first church to appoint a full-time minister to care for those affected by Aids.
