Pope urges Singapore’s leaders to look out for poorest in society
Pope Francis urged government politicians, diplomats and civic leaders in Singapore to look out for the poorest in society and beware of rewarding excellence at all costs. Speaking to them on his last day of a 12 day tour of south east Asian, he referenced the country’s economic strength and wealth as shown in skyscrapers that “rise from the sea”, and warned that the risk of focusing on merit alone, was to justify people on the margins. He called for dignified pay and conditions for migrant workers – a third of Singapore’s workforce are foreigners, with many from Pakistan and Bangladesh, but their poor pay and conditions have been highlighted by Human Rights Watch as abuse and exploitation, saying the workers lack protection in law. Yesterday evening, he presided over mass at the national football stadium, where 50,000 people had gathered. The country is multiethnic and has many religions in its population of six million, with 19 per cent Christian including Catholics representing 3.5 per cent of the total, 15 per cent Muslim, 31 per cent Buddhist and 20 per cent non-religious. Associated Press report here
Labour MP wins right to introduce assisted dying bill
New Labour MP, Jake Richards, has won a Private Members Bill ballot in the Commons, which he will use to introduce a law legalising assisted dying. Mr Richards was a family law barrister until July, when he was elected MP for Rother Valley. He said his preference would be “to reform our archaic assisted dying laws, working with Dignity in Dying and others. The time has come.” The bill in the Commons follows a similar bill introduced by Lord Falconer in the Lords which is on its second reading committee stage. There have been several failed attempts to introduce the law in Britain.
No change in six months on religious vote in US Presidential election
A Pew Research study looking at how religious affiliation is affecting the vote in the US presidential election, has found no change since the Spring. A survey of registered voters conducted between 26 August and 2 September shows that 82 per cent of White evangelical Protestants, 61 per cent of White Catholics and 58 per cent of White non-evangelical Protestants said they would vote for Trump. Kamala Harris has the backing of 86 per cent of Black Protestants, 85 per cent of atheists, 78 per cent of agnostics, 65 per cent of Hispanic Catholics and 65 per cent of Jews. Religion was only mentioned in passing during the US Presidential debate between the two candidates. Kamala Harris repeated her view that a person can support abortion and still hold true to their religious faith. The government should not be making that decision for her. This intervention is regarded as a pitch for religious moderates.
CofE method to assess whether exec pay rises are a fair reward
The Church of England Pensions Board has produced a document outlining a method for assessing fair pay, after concern that executive pay has escalated to create vast pay differences in a company. The Fair Reward Framework is designed to guide the Board, other investors and the companies in which the Board may invest. In 2023 the Board voted against 32 UK listed companies because they were not living wage accredited employers. It says Fair Reward is strongly linked to social license, inequality, and consequently systemic risks to its investment portfolio and wider society.
14th century Hebrew Bible sold at Sotheby’s for $6.9 million
A rare 14th century Hebrew Bible from Spain has been sold at Sotheby’s New York for $6.9m (£5.3m). The Guardian reports that the Shem Tov Bible was completed by Rabbi Shem Tov Ibn Gaon in the city of Soria in 1312. It was written in red and purple ink, has gilded and colourful pages, and lavish decoration depicting Jewish, Christian, and Islamic artistic traditions. Over 700 years, it has survived wars and upheavals and rested in Jerusalem, Baghdad, Tripoli, London and Geneva. Described as “a tour de force of biblical and kabbalistic scholarship and a precious witness to the medieval tradition of Sephardic book art”, the Bible sold near the top end of its estimate of $5m-$7m and will now go on public display.
Two Catholic dioceses merge in Wales
The Catholic church has decided to merge two dioceses in Wales – the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia, bringing together Catholics in south Wales and parts of Herefordshire. There is a third diocese, Wrexham, covering north Wales, which continues to operate separately. The decision followed consultation across all parishes, and representations to the Papal Nuncio, leaving the final announcement from the Pope.
Young British Muslim leaders honoured in national award scheme
The Muslim Council of Britain’s Secretary-General, Zara Mohammed, has been included in the ‘100 Inspiring Muslims: Next Generation’ project, which recognises diversity and talent among British Muslims. Run by the Emerald Network and Aziz Foundation, the list features rising stars in sport, business, media, charity, health and community. Ms Mohammed said she was delighted to be nominated: “Despite the negativity Muslims are normally tarnished with, this list is uplifting, acting as a force of good and, a reminder of the power of young people and how they are making change. I feel proud to be featured amongst them”.
The bells of Notre Dame return after the fire five years ago
The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris have returned ready for its reopening after a devastating fire in 2019. the medieval landmark’s reopening on 8 December. They were removed for extensive renovation work after a devastating fire in 2019. The Associated Press reports that eight bells were returned in a convoy of trucks and were blessed in a ceremony with the Cathedral Rector saying their return was ‘’a sign that the cathedral will again resonate, and that its voice will be heard again”.
