Church of England safeguarding failures still present
A critical report into safeguarding in the Church of England says there is still much work to do to promote a safe culture. The Independent Safeguarding Board, which oversees the internal National Safeguarding Team, presented its report to the General Synod yesterday. It said the church’s past failures, with associated pain and trauma, were too often still present long after the suffering was brought to light. The church was genuinely sincere about reform, but safeguarding was sometimes seen as a secondary task. Board members were approached routinely with similar complaints, church structures were over complex and responses were defensive. An amendment calling for another report into the National Safeguarding Team was rejected, after synod heard this would amount to a vote of no confidence in the Board. Church Times report here; General synod debate here
Open discussion on celibacy of priesthood
Vatican News reports that the Congregation for Bishops, which oversees the selection of Catholic bishops, is holding a theological symposium “Toward a fundamental theology of priesthood”, exploring vocations to the priesthood, the way lay people and priests work together, the mission of service, and priestly celibacy. Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet told Vatican radio that there was a fundamental priesthood founded on baptism, participating in the mediation of the Church. There was also a ministerial priesthood and an open discussion on celibacy was just one part of the discussion.
Schools and colleges in Karnataka, India, shut over hijab ban
A court hearing is underway in the Indian southern state of Karnataka, over the decision to ban hijab wearing students from attending classes at a government college. All schools and colleges in the state have been closed to maintain peace and order, after a girl wearing a hijab was heckled in a college by a group chanting “Jai Sri Ram” (Hail Lord Ram). The Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar said the situation was out of hand and teaching could continue online while law and order was restored. In New Delhi, opposition parties walked out of the lower house of parliament in protest at the hijab ban.
Australian MP’s emotional warning against religious discrimination bill
The Australian Labor MP Stephen Jones has appealed to the government not to rush through the Religious Discrimination Bill, which aims to ensure protection for religious people and organisations to express beliefs. It is being fought by opponents who say it enables discrimination by religious groups especially on LGBT issues. Mr Jones’ 15 year old gay nephew committed suicide and he appealed to other MPs to enable a society which was safe and respected diversity, not one that fails to protect children. The bill in its current form “pleases no-one” he said.
80 year old school principal nun jailed for theft
An 80 year old nun in California has been sent to prison for a year, for stealing $835,000 from a school where she was principal. Mary Margaret Kreuper pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering to support a gambling addiction. Wiping away tears, she told the court that she was profoundly sorry for the pain and suffering caused to so many people.
Evangelist’s call for converts at American school causes protests
Students and parents at an American secondary school have protested after teenagers were led into the auditorium, told to close their eyes, raise their arms in prayer and give their lives to Jesus. The Associated Press says the gathering was led by a 25 year old evangelist, Nik Walker, who was conducting revivalist meetings in the Huntingdon area of West Virginia at the time. The school spokesperson said there was supposed to be a signup sheet for students, but two teachers mistakenly brought their entire class instead. In America, the separation of church and state is a founding principle. Students plan to stage a walk out in protest.
Broadband and boilers in the CofE
The Church of England’s General Synod spent time yesterday discussing who should give permission for replacement boilers, a live issue as the church seeks to be net zero in carbon emissions by 2030. It decided the Diocesan Advisory Committees should retain control. But on the subject of broadband in a church or hall, an Archdeacon now has permission to give the go ahead. The Dean of Southwark has written a whole blog about this.
