Bishop James Jones still pressing for action on Hillsborough disaster 34 years on
The former Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, has welcomed the government’s decision to sign the Hillsborough Charter but added he will continue to “press for further action”. The Charter seeks to ensure that the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath are learned. But the families of the 97 people who died 34 years ago say this does not go far enough. They want to see a legal “duty of candour” on public authorities and officials to tell the truth. The recommendations are in a document published seven years ago, produced by the bishop. He said of the government’s delay and response: “It has responded to all 25 recommendations of the report and has today introduced significant changes.”
Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrations start today
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah starts today, remembering the rededication of the second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE. It lasts nine days and on each day a candle is lit on a menorah, a nine-branch candelabrum. Towns and cities throughout the UK have giant versions on display to include the festival observance in the wider community. Earlier this week, Havering council decided not to do so this year due to tensions over the Israel / Gaza war, but they hastily backtracked. The Communities Secretary, Michael Gove, said it was “wholly wrong” for local authorities to cancel Hanukkah plans over fears they could be provocative. Read our factsheet on Hanukkah here
Bill to disestablish CofE passes first reading in the Lords
The Disestablishment of the Church of England Bill had its first reading in the House of Lords yesterday. Introduced by Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Scriven, the bill would remove the Church of England’s official position in the state, the automatic right for bishops to sit in the Lords and the monarch’s role as Head of the Church of England. Writing for the National Secular Society, Lord Scriven said: “In a modern, multicultural society, it is inappropriate for the state to endorse one religious institution. Disestablishment would signal a commitment to treating all religious groups equally and fostering a society where individuals are free to practice their faith or belief without government interference or endorsement”. The bill passed to the next stage.
€30bn European fund to increase security for Jews and Muslims
The Guardian reports that the European Commission is providing €30bn to increase security at mosques and synagogues, saying the war in Israel / Gaza has provoked hostility reminiscent of the darkest days of European history. The Commission has also told social media companies to remove hateful content.
Hounslow Council calls off Jewish exhibition for schools
An exhibition for schoolchildren, showing artefacts, scrolls and other items connected with Judaism, has been called off by Hounslow Council because of a risk to personal safety. The story, in The Times, says the travelling Jewish Living Experience exhibition has been run by the Board of Deputies for 40 years, which says it is baffled by the decision and the community will not accept being marginalised.
US government department offers tips on keeping places of worship safe
The US Department of Homeland Security has released a guide to help churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship protect themselves at a time of heightened security tensions. The Associated Press reports that the guide describes how faith groups can better protect themselves by keeping hedges trimmed to prevent hiding places and only giving out necessary information during livestreams of services.
Pope re-appears at Wednesday’s general audience, still in faltering health
Pope Francis was well enough to preside atWednesday’s General Audience at the Vatican, but his words were once again read by an assistant, because his voice is weakened by illness. The Pope, who is 86, has been suffering from bronchitis and has been bed bound for several days. In his address, he inspired the faithful towards creativity and simplicity, being bold and “ardent in missionary fire”.
US Presiding bishop Michael Curry in hospital with brain bleed
The US Episcopal Church’s Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, is back in hospital for a brain bleed following a fall last weekend when he was attending a church event in New York. The bishop is aged 70 and is in the last of a nine year term of office. This is his third in hospital treatment this year, the others were for internal bleeding and heart conditions. He is in hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he lives.
International religious freedom conference turns to football to broker peace
A football match in Prague, involving former international players, was the centrepiece at the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance conference held the Czech republic last week, illustrating how team spirit can build positive relationships. Jeff Mostyn, the recently retired chairman of AFC Bournemouth, captained one of the sides and spoke to the 100 government ministers present of the importance of equality diversity and inclusion in building teams that win. He has joined Football for Peace (FFP), a movement aiming to use the soft power of football to build communities and to foster understanding. He said: “Through our incredible journey from Division Two to Premier League, the thing I learnt was that community was the most important thing” and he urged leaders to bring peace, tranquillity, and harmony to communities through the power of football, “one of the most powerful tools on earth”. His team won. Read Julia Bicknell’s report on our website here.
