New “R20” faith summit of world religious leaders in Bali ahead of G20 summit
Religious leaders from around the world are assembling in Bali, Indonesia, for a two-day conference held two weeks away from the G20 meeting on 15-16 November. The G20 Religion Forum, known as the “R 20” will consider how the world’s major religions should be involved in tackling global concerns. Its aims include preventing the weaponisation of identity, curtailing communal hatred, safeguarding people from violence, encouraging “honest and realistic conversation within and between religious communities” and infusing geopolitical and economic power structures with moral and spiritual values. The summit is organised and hosted by an Indonesian think tank, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and its co-chair is Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim al-Issa, secretary general of the moderate leaning Muslim World League. The NU has allowed a representative of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist organisation from India, to take part, saying it was the name put forward by the Indian government. In a statement, the NU pledged ongoing discussions with India to address abuses against minority religions. The NU has developed links with the global Catholic Church and the Protestant World Evangelical Alliance, and is said to have prevented the introduction of sharia law in Gambia. Africa is represented at the R20 by Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Anglican Primate of the Church of Nigeria, who refused to attend the Lambeth Conference. He will address the R20 opening session. Press release here >>
The event is separate to the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), which has operated since 2014. It produces papers for the G20 on issues such as financial measures for vulnerable countries, Covid19 emergencies, children, climate change and refugees. Because of the R20, it is not meeting in Indonesia during the G20 conference. Instead, it will gather in United Arab Emirates on 12-13 December. In a statement it pledged to expand its efforts for future G20s in India 2023, Brazil 2024, South Africa 2025 “and at all G20 Summits to come”.
Hindu groups to boycott review into violence in Leicester
Hindu groups in Leicester say they will boycott a review into the recent outbreaks of violence in the city, because Dr Chris Allen, the man chosen by the Mayor to lead it, ruled out Islamist extremism as a cause. Dr Allen, associate professor in hate studies at the University of Leicester, had posted his comments on Twitter, and though his account has since been deleted, a screenshot has been republished. People from 13 Hindu temples in Leicester said that asserting a conclusion before any review, raised doubts about his independence. Muslims have sent an open letter to the Mayor saying they are disappointed in the reaction. The Guardian reports that Lady Verma, an Indian-British politician who lives in the city, has requested that the Home Office selects an independent panel instead.
One building for three strands of Judaism – world first in Stanmore
A purpose-built centre for three branches of Judaism – Reform, Liberal and Masorti – has opened in Stanmore, in what is believed to be a world first. “Mosaic” will host services for each tradition, but communities will come together for social and cultural activities. Harry Grant, the chair of Mosaic Reform, the largest group, told the Jewish Chronicle that the building was a unique step for Anglo-Jewry and believed there was no other arrangement of this sort in the world. Mosaic has three synagogues, a religious school, soft play area, café and a staff of four rabbis. It is also creating a fourth strand, “Mosaic+” for those who don’t align with the other three. Jewish Chronicle story here >>
Teacher takes her safeguarding concern over trans child to judicial review
A Christian primary school teacher is taking legal action over her concerns that a child was being supported by the charity “Mermaids” through gender transition, which she thought was a safeguarding concern. The teacher, who remains anonymous for legal reasons, believes that the trans-affirming approach to gender-confusion in a child, leads to long-term harm. She first took up her concerns with the governors and the local authority before taking the case to a judicial review, backed by the Christian Legal Centre. She has since been sacked for gross misconduct and reported to the Teacher Regulation Agency which could bar her from teaching. Christian Concern story plus video here >>
Dispute over church guidance on gender transitioning children
Christian Concern has started a petition asking the Archbishop of Canterbury to withdraw “Valuing All God’s Children” guidance for CofE schools. It says the guidance “recommends that children as young as five years old should be affirmed if they wish to socially transition” and believes this causes serious harm to a child. But the Church of England’s chief education officer, the Rev Nigel Genders, denies this is the case. He says the language of affirmation is not used in the guidance and the petition misrepresents a resource trying to treat children with dignity. He adds that when schoolrooms become legal battlegrounds, this is seldom to the benefit of children. Church Times story here >>
£1.29 million to find 4,000 young people for the Church of England
A £1.29 million grant from the Archbishops’ Council will help train 2,000 youth worker volunteers in the Church of England, in an effort to engage with 4,000 young people over three years. The Launchpad scheme, run by Youthscape, has been piloted in the Dioceses of Blackburn, London and St Albans. It will involve 450 churches across 18 dioceses in a “shared vision to grow younger.”
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack’s legacy rekindled in worldwide study event
The sayings and writings of the late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, are to be studied among Jewish communities from all over the world in a two-day study session. The resource pack entitled “From Optimism to Hope” has videos and written materials and is designed to inspire deeper conversations, just as he did. The “Communities in Conversation” event will take place on 13 and 14 November, marking the second anniversary of his passing. Jewish News story here >>
