Call for churches to ‘be a bulwark’ against drift towards antisemitism
Three bishops and eleven Church of England inter faith advisers have signed an open letter expressing concern at the recent Green Party vote which it says is “part of a wider deeply concerning drift towards an increasingly antisemitic culture in our country. As Diocesan Inter Faith Advisers, we believe the Church of England and other churches and religious communities must become a bulwark against that drift”. The letter says the vote has “deepened an already acute sense of vulnerability” and is part of a wider and troubling pattern in public life. They cite their concern over language in debates, demonstrations and physical attacks in Manchester and London. It dismisses as inherently racist the idea of Zionism which fails to acknowledge the great diversity of ways Zionism is understood within the Jewish community. “Taken together, these developments reveal a slippery slope, contributing to a climate which undermines Jewish strength and participation in wider society and increases Jewish vulnerability and marginalisation”. It says that “condemning antisemitism and raising these issues cannot mean any lack of deep concern for the extreme sufferings of Palestinian people and of all those caught up in violence” and it calls on politicians, church leaders and faith leaders to encourage real dialogue which “holds Israeli security and Palestinian freedom, dignity and self-determination together”. Letter on X here >>
London vigil for 7 October victims
British Jewish organisations gathered for a vigil near Whitehall last night, to mark the third anniversary of the 7 October attack on Israel. A minute’s silence was held to remember the 1,200 people who were killed and their names were read out. The Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis led the crowd in Kaddish, the Jewish mourning prayer, the British and Israeli national anthems were sung, and families of those who died or were held hostage, spoke of their ordeal. There was also a separate protest earlier in the day outside the Board of Deputies’ offices, where five people were arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred over alleged chants calling for “intifada”.
Interfaith leaders in Tennessee call for mercy after botched execution
Christian leaders from across Tennessee have called on Governor Bill Lee to commute the death sentence of Christa Pike, following her failed execution last week. The joint appeal was signed by Catholic, Episcopal and Lutheran bishops, who acknowledged the suffering caused by the murder of Colleen Slemmer in 1995, but urged the state not to respond with further violence. They wrote that “justice need not become vengeance”, calling instead for “restraint, human dignity and mercy”. The bishops said Christian teaching calls the Church beyond “cycles of violence and death” towards justice, reconciliation, repentance and life. Since their appeal, Christa Pike has regained consciousness and begun speaking. Writiig for Sojourners, the Rev Stacy Rector says when execution looks sanitised, it is much easier for people to accept. “But when things go wrong, it suddenly becomes clear what we are doing. On that human level, it has shaken people… We know that violence does not heal us. Only love can do that. The death penalty is a perpetuation of harm.”
Pope Leo urges bishops to confront challenges facing families
Pope Leo has urged bishops from around the world to share experiences from the decade since Pope Francis published Amoris laetitia, the 2016 document on love and family life. Opening a Vatican meeting marking its 10th anniversary, Pope Leo called for renewed commitment to helping families facing difficulties, loneliness and fragility. He said questions around sex, intimacy and Christian marriage, are connected to challenges of economic insecurity, migration and violence, and need to be faced with courage. He said young people look for love but may find it difficult to find, or to believe in a lifelong commitment. Amidst cultural change, the church needs to listen to the hopes and fears of families and individuals, he said, and consider whether its pastoral language and practices were reaching people’s needs today or doing any good.
US Catholic archdiocese sues over detainees’ access to priests
The Catholic Archdiocese of St Louis is taking legal action against the US government, alleging immigration detainees at a Missouri detention facility are being denied private access to priests and the sacraments. The lawsuit says clergy can visit only during a four-hour Monday window and must communicate through a telephone handset behind glass. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski said the restrictions prevent priests from hearing confessions, celebrating Mass and administering the anointing of the sick. Most of the facility’s 150 detainees are Hispanic Catholics. The archdiocese says the arrangements violate religious rights and is seeking the same access to detainees given to lawyers and consular officials.
Mothers’ Union marks 150 years with global celebration
The Mothers’ Union has marked its 150th anniversary with a four-day gathering in Durban, South Africa, bringing together members from across the Anglican Communion. The event ended with a Eucharist and commissioning service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally. Reflecting on the organisation’s reputation for practical action, she told delegates: “If you want something doing, ask the Mothers’ Union!”. A spokesperson for the Mothers’ Union said the challenges facing families and communities are continuing to change and the Mothers’ Union must continue to speak up and stand alongside families and communities.
Abuse and threats after one Aberdeen school teacher calls Christmas cards ‘winter cards’
An email from a primary school teacher in Aberdeen, referring to “winter cards” instead of “Christmas cards”, caused a social media backlash and threatening phone calls to the school. Kaimhill School said the name was chosen to show “value and respect” towards the diverse cultures, beliefs and traditions in the school, but families were free to refer to “Christmas cards” if they wished. The deputy head received an abusive and threatening phone call after the message was shared online. Reform MSP Angela Ross accused the school of erasing British cultural life, although she condemned abuse directed at staff. Headteacher Susie Webster said: “This terminology was used because children are offered a range of creative options and not all families within our diverse school community celebrate Christmas. The activity itself remains unchanged, with many children choosing to create Christmas cards as they do every year.” She said “there were disappointing comments on social media suggesting that Christmas was somehow being removed from our school. I want to reassure you that is simply not the case.” Telegraph story is here
