Pope issues call to cancel debt
Pope Francis is calling on wealthy countries and institutions to reduce or cancel debt owed by poorer countries. as a matter of justice. His message was issued in advance of the 58th World Day of Peace on 1 January 2025, which also marks the start of the Year of Jubilee, a year of releasing people from their debts, releasing all slaves, and returning property. He also called for a new financial framework based on solidarity; the elimination of the death penalty in all nations, and the establishment of a global fund to sustainably eradicate hunger and promote education in poorer countries”. The Catholic News Agency reports that he said true and lasting peace requires a desire for change to confront injustice and inequality.
US Episcopal Church disinvests from fossil fuels
The Episcopal Church has announced that it has divested entirely from the fossil fuel industry, after a ten year programme. The deadline of 31 December 2024 was set by the General Convention, which also called on the church to “reinvest divested fossil fuel company assets in clean energy alternatives.” The Episcopal News Service reports that an updated work plan was agreed in October to focus onhuman trafficking, immigration, Indigenous cultures, health care, climate change and diversity in corporate governance.
Assisted Dying Commons committee membership announced
The make-up of the Commons committee which will review the assisted dying legislation has been announced. There are 14 supporters, including Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill; Stephen Kinnock, Health Minister; and Sarah Sackman, Justice Minister. There are nine MPs who opposed the bill including Danny Kruger, Naz Shah, and Rebecca Paul. The committee is expected to hear evidence for two days a week from January to April. Several MPs voted in favour last month but are expecting robust checks and balances before supporting it at the next stage. BBC report here
Hanukkah events in parliament
Two events have been held in parliament to mark the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which starts on 25 December. One was hosted by the Board of Deputies and House of Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, who said he hoped the attendees felt supported. The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis highlighted the plight of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pledged support to counter the rise in antisemitism. Another reception was held by Lord Mann, the government’s independent adviser on antisemitism, in Westminster Hall. Hannukah factsheet here
13-year-old made a bishop for Christmas
Sam Irvine, a 13-year-old chorister at Norwich Cathedral has been made a “chorister bishop”, a medieval tradition which in the past meant he would lead services, though not the mass, until 28 December. He was given the title at a service last week and in his sermon, gave his ideas on making the world a better place through fairness, kindness, helping the planet, and making sure everyone has a chance to live a good life.
The public shrine to Buddha on Route 27
AP news throws the spotlight on a giant statue of Buddha in the unlikely setting of a woods near a state highway in New Jersey, which has now become a hub and a spiritual home for people of all faiths. It rises 30 feet high from the woods in Franklin Township, near Princeton, where it was built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan monk ordained in Theravada, one of the oldest forms of Buddhism. Daniel Choi, who teaches writing at Princeton and has been meditating in front of the Buddha statue since 2015 said even though it’s on Route 27 and never free from noise of traffic, building works or planes “It definitely feels like a public shrine”.
