Gorbachev’s chain of events bringing the Russian Orthodox close to power
The former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, who has died aged 91, began the chain of events that today finds the Russian Orthodox Church back into the heart of power, according to Dr Katie Kelaidis, an American historian specialising in Orthodox identity. In an analysis of his actions and motivation, she argues that despite enforced atheism in the Soviet Union, orthodoxy remained an integral part of Russian identity, and once Gorbachev allowed more religious freedom, it moved centre stage. She argues that Gorbachev perhaps believed that impulses like faith and tribalism could be controlled and ultimately reformed. In this, like so many things, she says, his fundamental beliefs were proved wrong. Read Dr Kelaidis’ analysis on the RMC website here.
Academics review how religion was changed by Covid
Academics from around the world are investigating the impact of the pandemic on religion, in a three-year project “Recov-19” , based at Queen’s University Belfast. Researchers from the island of Ireland, Canada, Germany and Poland will study three areas of change: the discourse around health, illness and science; the relationship between religious organisations and governments and policymakers; and the concept of digital innovation within religion. Professor Gladys Ganiel, the team’s principal investigator, told a launch event that the idea grew out of her observations of change in Ireland during the lockdowns. She said they would look at the role of faith leaders in promoting health measures, and compare changes in theological ideas about health, healing, science, and the relationship between religion and the state. The Religion Media Centre will be following the research and reporting on milestones during the next three years. To find out more about the project read Lianne Kolirin’s article on the RMC website here and visit recov19.uni-bremen.de
United Nations report say China’s treatment of Uyghurs may be a crime against humanity
A UN human rights report says China’s discriminatory detention of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups in the western region of Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity. It calls for an urgent international response over allegations of torture and other rights violations. The Associated Press says the report cites patterns of torture inside “vocational centres” and points to credible allegations of torture or ill-treatment, including cases of sexual violence. Beijing says the report is part of a Western campaign to smear China’s reputation. It has consistently denied mistreating Uyghurs.
Anglican bishops from east Africa appeal to government for food aid
Forty-four Anglican bishops from east Africa have written to the UK government appealing for more funding to help millions of people suffering acute hunger following extensive drought. The Guardian reports that it has seen the letter whose signatories include the Archbishop of South Sudan, and quotes it saying: “Early warnings were not heeded. Existing commitments to strengthen resilience have not been backed up by funding that is so desperately needed.” The bishops say the war in Ukraine should not be a reason to divert humanitarian resources away from regions also in dire need, such as ours”. Their plea is supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Export of grain from Ukraine to the Horn of Africa has been disrupted by war but the first ship out for a month, carrying enough grain for 1.5 million people, is on its way.
Islam is a Welsh religion and its mosque doors are open this weekend
Mosques across Wales will be participating in the annual Visit My Mosque Day campaign this weekend on the 3 and 4 September. The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales, Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmed , said: “Islam is a Welsh religion, continuing a long Welsh tradition of congregationalism, service to others, and devotion to God. Last year, we celebrated Eid at Cardiff Castle and now this year, we are delighted to open the doors of the Muslim’s place of worship for people of all faiths and none to explore what goes on there, learn about its history and meet local Muslims”. He said the events will build relationships, strengthen civil society and “build a Wales that can face an uncertain future.” Mosques in Nantyglo, Cardiff, Milford Haven, Swansea and Wrexham are taking part.
Appeal for church members to knit gloves, scarves and hats this winter
A study of the impact of increased fuel bills on churches in housing estates has found that the cost will increase from around £4,579 three years ago to £21,000 this winter. Bishop Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking and chair of the National Estate Churches Network, told Premier Christian News this would make most estate churches unviable at a time when they should be offering places of warmth and comfort to vulnerable people. One fifth of Church of England churches are on estates. The bishop suggested congregations amalgamate for worship, use smaller rooms for warmth and even knit or donate socks, gloves, scarves and hats and put them in boxes in churches for people to take away.
Appeal to keep goddess of witchcraft on display at the British Museum
Almost 4,000 people have signed a petition appealing to the British Museum to keep a statue of the goddess Hekate on public display. The Italian marble statue representing a threefold deity, a “triple statue of Diana, goddess of the sky and earth and guardian of the underworld” is part of the museum’s summer Feminine Power exhibition, showing how females were expressed as demonic and divine figures over the past 5,000 years. The petitioners say the figure of Diana is frequently conflated with Hekate, goddess of the underworld, death and witchcraft. They argue that there is an increasing number of devotees of Hekate, regarded as the Lady of the Three Worlds and a light-bearing presence and they are urging that her statue is kept out of basement storage.
