Pope urges world leaders to protect creation
A message from the Pope to COP30, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, urged world leaders to make “courageous and concrete commitments” to protect creation, linking peace and environmental care. Cardinal Parolin told delegates, “If you want to cultivate peace, care for creation.” The Pope warned that peace is endangered not only by wars but also by the exploitation of nature and climate change, which threaten human life and dignity. He called for renewed multilateral cooperation that places the sacredness of life and the common good at its centre. Marking ten years since Laudato si’, he reminded participants that “climate is a common good.” Pope Leo appealed for a human-centred global financial system, shared responsibility among nations, and education in “integral ecology.” He urged delegates to turn words into action and to “build a peaceful world by protecting the creation entrusted to us by God.” ICN story here
World Vision says COP30 must address childhood malnutrition
As COP30 opens in Brazil, World Vision is urging leaders to prioritise child hunger in climate discussions. Its new Hungry Futures Index warns that governments are failing to integrate child hunger and malnutrition into national climate plans, putting millions at risk. Of 84 plans analysed, four-fifths neglect hunger. Fewer than one fifth mention child malnutrition or allocate funds to address it. Despite the Paris Agreement recognising children as “agents of change,” only 58 per cent of countries include them in decision-making. World Vision’s Kate Shaw said children “must be at the heart of climate policy.” The charity’s Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration programme helps restore degraded land and support vulnerable communities.
Archbishop of York prays with family of Christian Palestinian detainee
The Archbishop of York has become the latest Church of England bishop to visit and pray with the family of Layan Nasir, the 25-year-old Anglican from St Andrew’s, Birzeit, now in her third spell in an Israeli jail. Ms Nasir has twice been held under “administrative detention” without charge — first in 2021, then for eight months last year. In September she was convicted in absentia over her 2020 involvement with a student group later banned by Israel, though supporters say it simply helped new students with stationery and hikes. Her sentence was to begin in November, but she was re-arrested within weeks. Her parents, priest, and lawyer have had no contact since, though her lawyer is now due to see her, and reports say she is in good health. Church Times story here
Review into Oak Hill theological college
The Church Times reports on an “organisational-health review” of Oak Hill Theological College in London, which said it needs “restoration, forgiveness, and healing” after a period of “difficult times.” The review followed the 2023 departure of the Revd Johnny Juckes as President, and a further 15 staff members who left within the past three years, including two of three women on the teaching faculty. The report says the review noted the college was “significantly healthier” than 18 months ago, while still needing improvement in governance, reconciliation, communication, and working relationships.
Jewish academic and collector of Islamic art honoured by City of London
Jewish News reports that Sir David Khalili, a renowned Jewish scholar and collector of Islamic art, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Approaching his 80th birthday, Sir David has spent 55 years assembling one of the world’s largest private art collections — more than 35,000 pieces across eight themes — and publishing over 100 scholarly works. At a Guildhall ceremony, these were displayed together for the first time. Born in Iran, Sir David said his life’s work was an expression of interfaith kinship: “I spent 55 years collecting art not from my own faith — a contribution to my cousins, because that is what Muslims are.”
