Pope Benedict XVI one of the most significant popes since the renaissance
The funeral of Pope Benedict XVI at St Peter’s Square on Thursday will be the first time that any Pope has taken the funeral of another. Catholic historian Michael Walsh told a Religion Media Centre briefing that this was just one of the notable facts about Benedict which marks him out in history. He said Pope Benedict was a great theologian, one of the most significant popes since the renaissance, but is likely to be remembered most for resigning early rather than holding office until his death. Christopher Lamb, the Tablet’s Rome correspondent, said Pope Benedict’s years in the Vatican earned him the nickname “God’s rottweiler”, reacting with force against liberal views, but this contrasted with his reputation in private as a gentle, kind man. The briefing heard that those early inflammatory actions in the Vatican were followed by a series of controversial decisions as Pope, pointing to a man who was not in control of events. In fact Christopher Lamb commented that Benedict’s resignation may be his main contribution to the papacy, in that it demystified the role so that it transformed from a monarchical model to that of a servant leader. View the briefing on our YouTube channel here
Bishop says response to housing crisis leads to political action
The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, has advised young clergy that when it comes to offering pastoral care to people without proper housing, “Christian ministry begins with the pastoral, journeys into the theological and ends in the political.. There’s only so many times you can hear the same story from frightened parishioners before recognising that holding hands and uttering soothing words aren’t enough”. In a blog published by Modern Church, he offers a theological reflection on a Christian response, saying the principles are around personal safety, security, protection, community, health and dignity. He says he has sought to make housing “a practical component of public ministry: pastoral, theological and political” and his thoughts amplify an earlier CofE report on housing, church and community.
Chief Rabbi defends LGBTQ community after Knesset protest
The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, has defended the LGBTQ community in an interview on Israeli TV, after opposition to the election of the openly gay politician Amir Ohana as Knesset speaker last week. Jewish News reports that Jerusalem’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Shlomo Amar, called the decision “unbearable”. Some Knesset members turned their head away when Ohana spoke and one walked out. Rabbi Mirvis said in an interview on Channel 13 that every human was created in the image of God and it is forbidden to hate. His view on the LGBTQ community wasn’t liberal but rather the Torah’s position.
Bomb disposal squad called into Edinburgh mosque
Police cordoned off the Edinburgh Central Mosque yesterday after suspicious bags were discovered on the premises. In a statement, the mosque leaders said that following a review of CCTV, police advised that the building be evacuated and all activities stopped. The police said a bomb disposal squad carried out a controlled explosion, but it was established that the item posed no risk to the public and was innocent in nature.
Family of Sikh football referees make history in the English game
The Independent reports that Bhupinder Singh Gill will become the first Sikh-Punjabi assistant referee to officiate in a Premier League game this evening, in the match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest. His brother Sunny Singh Gill was the first British South Asian to referee an English Football League game earlier this season, and their father Jarnail Singh, was the first turbaned referee in English league football history. Bhupinder, aged 37, is a PE teacher and told The Independent that his goal is to be “a role model for future officials and encourage more people from diverse backgrounds into officiating, especially from a South Asian background just like me.”
Christian Union organisation UCCF suspends top officials
The Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship has announced that its national director, Richard Cunningham, and field director Tim Rudge, have been suspended while a formal investigation into various allegations takes place. The statement says: “Our intention is to appoint legal counsel with expertise in employment and workplace practices to run the investigation. For the avoidance of doubt the allegations do not relate to matters of sexual misconduct. Suspension is a normal practice in such circumstances and is not any indication of guilt”. No further details were given of the allegations. UCCF supports evangelical Christian Unions in higher education.
