Priest warns West Bank Christian town Taybeh faces illegal settlement
Father Bashar Fawadleh, from Christ the Redeemer Parish in Taybeh, the last Christian town on the West Bank, has warned that preparations for a new illegal settlement in part of the town, threaten to undermine the preservation of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. In an interview with Vatican News, he said that this week, groups of Israeli settlers have been seen in the Jabal Al-Massis area, suggesting preparations for the establishment of a new illegal settlement outpost. He said Taybeh has experienced escalating attacks, “an unprecedented and systematic threat to its land, its people, and its historic Christian presence”. He has issued an urgent call for leaders to visit the area and prevent the establishment of a new illegal settlement outpost, saying: “Failure to act now risks creating irreversible facts on the ground, further escalating tensions and undermining the prospects for peace, justice, and the preservation of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.” Story on Vatican News here.
Archbishops warn event at synod on conversion therapy may breach safeguarding guidance
The Telegraph reports that the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have sent a letter to the organisers of a fringe event on conversion therapy at this weekend’s General Synod, warning that it is “contrary to the ethos of the Church and may contravene its safeguarding guidance”. The event is billed as a “presentation of neglected stories of the power of God to transform sexual identity”. Among the speakers are Andrea White, CEO of Christian Concern, and Matthew Grech, who “left behind a homosexual lifestyle after finding Christ”. Eighty-two members of the General Synod wrote to the archbishops saying this was a safeguarding issue and they did not see their sexual orientation as a defect awaiting transformation. The Telegraph quotes a Church of England spokesperson saying the private discussion event can go ahead, but a stand and public display are not permitted. In 2017, the General Synod voted in favour of a ban on conversion practices and this fringe event is “contrary to that stated position”. Andrea Williams has accused the archbishops of censorship and is quoted saying safeguarding language must not be “weaponised to shut down orthodox Christian teaching, pastoral care, testimony and debate”. Telegraph report here
Catholic church to consider better support for survivors of abuse
The Catholic Church in England and Wales says a more consistent model of support needs to be put in place for survivors of abuse. Bishop Paul Mason, lead bishop for safeguarding, and Sister Una Coogan CJ, the lead religious for safeguarding, were responding to a Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s review which found that while many survivors had positive experiences when they first disclosed abuse, their treatment afterwards was often inconsistent, with follow-up support, communication and involvement varying widely between dioceses and religious communities. The review said that the Catholic Church needs to adopt a more consistently survivor-centred approach, ensuring survivors are kept informed, offered appropriate support, and given meaningful choices about whether and how they contribute to safeguarding improvements. Bishop Paul and Sr Coogan say the Church’s safeguarding policies and guidance are currently under review and the report’s findings will be taken into consideration during this process.
Hatzola ambulance charity given freedom of the borough of Barnet
Barnet Council has given the freedom of the borough to Hatzola, which operated the four ambulances torched in an antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green earlier this year. The same honour is also given to the Community Security Trust and Shomrim NW London, a neighbourhood watch organisation. The council said it recognised “Hatzola’s outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of Barnet residents through the provision of a free, 24-hour volunteer emergency medical response service available to all members of the community”. It also paid tribute to the resilience and dedication of its volunteers in the wake of the arson attack. Barnet Post report here
Science and Christian Belief journal goes public
The Science and Christian Belief journal will be freely available from this month on. It carries articles by Christians from across the world on issues such as genetics, bioethics, cosmology, environmental studies or broader reflections on science and faith. It’s produced by Christians in Science, an organisation whose aims include “bringing a biblical Christian perspective on scientific issues into the public arena”. Dr Gavin Merrifield, Christians in Science General Secretary said they hope to enhance the journal’s academic rigour and give it as a helpful resource to Church and society. This month’s journal, for example, includes articles on “Burning Bush, Heavenly Dove, Tongues of Fire: Holographic-Like Manifestations of God’s Presence” and “From Stereotypes to Types: A Scientific and Spiritual Defence of Man and Woman”.
