Rise in US religious belief that gender is determined at birth
A Pew Research Centre survey suggests that the belief that a person’s gender is determined by their sex assigned at birth, is increasing in American society, especially among religious groups. The survey of some 10,000 people in May found 60 per cent share this belief – up 6 per cent in five years. Among religious groups the figure is higher – 87 per cent of white evangelicals, 70 per cent of black Protestants, 62 per cent among Catholics – 11 per cent higher than 5 years ago. In contrast the view is not shared by 76 per cent of atheists or 67 per cent of agnostics.
Rabbinical courts “prepared to reform” get divorce procedure
The Jewish Chronicle reports that Lord Jon Mendelsohn, a leading Jewish peer, has suggested that the batei din rabbinical courts are prepared to reform procedures for arranging a “get”, a religious divorce. It follows the publication of the Domestic Abuse Act which says refusing a get is a form of abuse. The JC quotes reports that the courts have held discussions with the government to reform procedures and provide more transparency
Scottish report says Catholic church reinforced sense of permission to abuse
A report from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry into the psychology of people who abuse children, says abusers from religious settings had the capacity for self-delusion, illogical thoughts and handed the moral responsibility for the abuse back to God. Abusers could use their status to silence children and led them to think they could act with impunity. The report was based on evidence from an expert panel, which told the inquiry that the Catholic Church “reinforced that sense of permission to abuse children”. The church said there had been a cultural change and safeguarding was now permanently embedded.
Assassination of Japan’s prime minister blamed on the Moonies
The Guardian has explored the connection between The Moonies sect and the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His killer, Tetsuya Yamagami, blamed the PM for supporting the sect, saying it had persuaded his family to part with a huge donation which left them bankrupt 20 years ago. The Japan branch of the Moonies, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification Church, said his mother became a follower in the late 1990s.
Pope appoints three women to help recommend new bishops
The Pope has appointed three women to the committee which recommends new bishops from names put forward by Vatican ambassadors. The appointment of nuns Raffaella Petrini and Yvonne Reungoat, with Maria Lia Zervinoespite, President of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations, is in line with the Pope’s intention to bring more women into the governance of the church, despite the fact they are not allowed to be ordained as priests.
New discipline process for CofE clergy starts taking shape
New measures to discipline clergy who are the subject of complaints have started to be progressed by the general synod of the Church of England. The proposals say complaints should be categorised in different levels of severity, so that action against the clergy is proportionate to the grievance. There have been reports that unfounded allegations left unresolved for long periods of time had led to clergy being isolated, fearing the loss of home, job and status, and leaving some suicidal. The synod asked the Archbishops’ Council to start drafting legislation for change.
Oxford professor appointed to UN freedom of religion role
Dr Nazila Ghanea, associate professor in international human rights law at the University of Oxford, has been appointed as the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. The role involves identifying problems and presenting solutions. Dr Ghanea takes over from Dr Ahmed Shaheed, who is deputy director of the Essex Human Rights Centre.
