Iranian diaspora in the UK ‘fearing for their relatives’ as attacks continue
Iranians living in the UK are fearing for their relatives as the US-Israeli attacks continue, with civilian deaths now exceeding 1,000. Hyphen Online has been speaking to people in the UK whose relatives live near the sites of bomb attacks in Iran, but they cannot get through with the internet down, to find out if their families are safe. While they want the regime gone, they do not want Iran to be bombed, and doubt regime change will be achieved. There are mixed reactions to the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. The Times reports on events at mosques and Islamic societies in Britain, where Muslims have expressed their grief, regarding him as the spiritual leader of Shiite Muslims and a martyr. It says there have been vigils at mosques in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham, and at least 15 university Islamic student societies. On the other hand, the Guardian reports scenes of jubilation following confirmation of his death, with celebration in the streets and Iranian flags on display from before the revolution. Now there are fears for the future of the country. The mixed reactions are echoed in the United States – RNS article here
Appeal for peace in Middle East as Christians face ‘precarious future’
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, appealed to Catholics in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen to pray the Rosary for “peace and reconciliation.” His comments echo a call for prayer made by Regina Lynch, executive president of the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. She warned that a further escalation of violence could have devastating consequences for Christian communities throughout the region, with Christians in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank facing a “precarious” future. She said: “A new spiral of violence could push already fragile communities beyond the point of survival.” Catholic bishops in the Asian Bishops’ Conferences have issued astatement from Bangkok, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. They expressed “deep anguish and grave concern” as the conflict involves major global and regional powers.
Christian Aid warning of aid shortages in Middle East war zones
Christian Aid says its partners in the Middle East have reported food shortages in Gaza, overflowing shelters in Lebanon and relief operations at risk in Israel, as attacks continue across the region. It is calling on the UK government to press for an immediate ceasefire urgently, in order to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis, and to ensure that emergency aid can reach those most in need. Christian Aid’s CEO, Patrick Watt, said innocent civilians are paying the price for international political failure in the Middle East.
Lord Williams: Self-defence and successful outcome are requirements of a just war
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Rowan Williams, has told the Church Times that attention must be paid to the outcome of the war. He said a “just war” requires a need for self-defence and a clear definition of a successful outcome. The real urgency in Iran is for “a new political order that responds to what Iranian people are actually hoping for themselves — not some kind of covert annexation designed to serve geopolitical manoeuvring, not a puppet government, not a military protectorate”. Story is here.
Other news
Government launches review of antisemitism in schools and colleges
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson has launched an independent review into rising levels of antisemitism in schools and colleges. The number of incidents has doubled since 2023, a fifth of Jewish parents say their children have been subject to antisemitism and 50 per cent of Jewish teachers say they have experienced antisemitism in the workplace. The review will be led by Sir David Bell, a former permanent secretary to the Department for Education, who will consider whether schools are doing enough to tackle antisemitism and examine the role of external campaigners in influencing schools and colleges. Ms Phillipson said the situation was unacceptable and the review would “help to ensure schools and colleges have the confidence and support to tackle antisemitism”.
Church abandons process to find interim Bishop of Bangor
The Church in Wales has abandoned the process of trying to find an interim bishop for the diocese of Bangor, intended to be a stop gap measure to restore order after the previous bishop retired following a report outlining a lack of financial controls, excessive drinking and blurred lines of sexual boundaries at Bangor Cathedral. In a statement, the Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann, said: “Today, we have held interviews of an Interim Bishop of Bangor. I am very grateful for all those, from the diocese and the province, who have been involved in this discernment process. Any process of discernment has to be open to an outcome that it is not right to proceed in the way we hoped. This is what has happened on this occasion and so we will not be proceeding with the appointment of an interim bishop. Instead, I am going to ask the Governing Body’s Standing Committee to recommence the electoral college process.” The bishop who had looked after the diocese since the scandal, was the Bishop of Bardsey, David Morris, at 38 the youngest person to be appointed a bishop in the Church in Wales. He resigned in a planned administrative move, and left on 14 February.
Anglican group Gafcon expected to announce name of leader today
A leader of the Gafcon conservative Anglican movement was expected to have been elected last night, and the name is due to be announced today at the Gafcon conference in Nigeria. The new leader will be chosen from Gafcon’s primates in the global south, and will rival the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, who is the first woman to hold the role. The conference will also make official its new title, the Global Anglican Communion, and these two changes have been regarded as an act of schism. Gafcon set itself up in 2008 as upholding “orthodox Biblical teaching”, in opposition to changes in the Anglican communion over same sex relationships and the ordination of women. Anglican Ink, a conservative Anglican news website, reports that there are 300 bishops and 100 clergy and laity at the conference. Representatives of the Church of England are said to be present, and Anglican Ink says one serving bishop of the Church of England has been spotted amongst them. Anglican Ink article here.
Two more CofE bishops announce retirement
The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, has announced he will retire in July 2027 when he will be 70 years old, the official retirement age for bishops. He has played a significant role in the House of Lords where he is Convenor of the Lords Spiritual. Also this week, the Bishop of Lichfield, Michael Ipgrave, announced his intention to retire at the end of September. He will be 68, and his retirement ends 44 years of ministry since he was ordained.
Politicians support British Muslims at Iftar events in Westminster
Politicians have joined Iftar events in Westminster and spoken warmly of the contribution of British Muslims to society. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed Muslim MPs and community leaders at a “Big Iftar” event in Westminster Hall on Tuesday night, saying the UK is “a community of communities where Muslims are at the forefront of Britain’s story”. He took the opportunity to re-affirm that the UK was not involved in the US-Israel strikes on Iran, and on Gaza he said: “we must not lose sight of them and the need for peace, justice and security in Palestine and Israel.” At another Iftar event nearby, Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the UK is home to one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the world and they play a significant role in shaping national life. The event was hosted by the Muslim think tank Equi, whose MD Prof Javed Khan, said British Muslims matter, and “what is needed now is sustained collaboration, evidence-based policymaking and a renewed commitment to ensuring every community feels seen, valued and protected”.
