Millions join Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq
Millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims are taking part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala, south-west of Baghdad. Their destination is the shrine of Imam Husayn bin Ali, the third Imam in Shia history. Arbaeen comes from the Arabic Arba’in, meaning 40th, and marks the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Husayn bin Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680. He had refused to acknowledge the corrupt regime of a tyrant named Yazid, and died a martyr, buried in the city. The remembrance of Husayn’s martyrdom symbolises for the faithful a struggle between good and evil. Article in The Conversation here. Report and pics in The Independent here and Associated Press here.
Peace pilgrimage across England marks 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi
Members of the Society of St Francis are undertaking a peace pilgrimage across England this summer to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. The route started in Alnmouth, Northumberland, iin July and winds its way south, reaching London on 2 October. This week, walkers are progressing through York, Tadcaster, Leeds, Bradford and Hebden Bridge to Rochdale. People can join for one section on the route, which is mapped with dates on a website here. Organisers say they hope the pilgrimage is an outward sign of peace and reconiliation.
Bishop welcomes Prime Minister’s call for safe migration routes
Bishop Paul McAleenan, lead bishop for migrants and refugees for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has welcomed Andy Burnham’s comments that safe and legal routes are needed in order to prevent small boats crossing the Channel. He said he hoped the government would appreciate that “often desperate circumstances that compel people to migrate: “We recognise that trafficking and slavery are exacerbated by a lack of accessible alternatives for migration or seeking sanctuary – efforts to tackle trafficking and slavery must therefore go beyond more active law enforcement; we also need to support people to flourish in their homelands, establish more safe routes for migrants and refugees, and work to eliminate the demand for those services that slave labour continues to meet.”
New Forest ‘vampire’ detained under Mental Health Act
A 48 year old man who believes he is a vampire and left deer and lambs he had killed at churches in the New Forest, has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Benjamin Lewis, from Totton, Southampton, admitted religiously aggravated harassment and theft of lambs between February and August last year. Southampton Crown Court was told that he had been fascinated with vampires from a young age and police found satanic symbols and inverted crosses in his home. The prosecution said that by targeting churches, Lewis caused congregations “to be fearful of going to their sanctuaries”. Police caught him by waiting outside churches on significant days in the Satanic calendar. Times report here.
Jewish doctors increasingly seek help over colleagues, not patients
The new chair of the Jewish Medical Association, Dr Fiona Sim, says doctors are increasingly turning to the Association with concerns about colleagues rather than patients. In an interview with Jewish News, Dr Sims said rising antisemitism has transformed their work and there has been a growing demand for help since the 7 October attack. The Association supports around 1,200 medical staff. Story here
Arizona ruling upholds ‘seal of the confessional’ in abuse case
An Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that clergy who learn of child abuse through religious confession are not legally required to report it, upholding the longstanding “seal of the confessional”. The unanimous decision ends a case brought by three children who sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and two bishops after years of abuse by their parents. The church welcomed the ruling, saying it condemned child abuse, supported victims and invested heavily in safeguarding, while arguing that Arizona law rightly protects confidential religious confession. Guardian story here.
