Middle East violence continues as Eid is celebrated in Jerusalem
Tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers gathered at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem at dawn yesterday, to mark Eid al-Fitr, bringing Ramadan to a close. Last Friday, this was the site of violent exchanges that sparked a week of destruction in the Middle East. World leaders appealed for the rocket attacks and airstrikes to stop, but Reuters reports that both have continued while Israel has massed tanks and troops on the Gaza border. Rioting has broken out in several towns and a curfew has been imposed.
In the UK, the Community Security Trust, which seeks to protect Jews, says there has been a threefold increase in the number of antisemitic incidents reported in Britain in the past few days. Reports of non-violent verbal abuse, threats and online antisemitism were recorded against a schoolgirl, student societies and senior community leaders. The Jewish Chronicle quotes CST saying: “This increase in antisemitism in response to events in Israel is depressingly familiar and completely inexcusable.”
New Archbishop of Jerusalem
The new Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem was installed yesterday. Hosam Naoum, a Palestinian Christian who has studied in South Africa and the United States, will oversee the Anglican church in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Previously he served as a priest at St Philip’s Episcopal Church in Nablus, on the West Bank, and Dean of St George’s Anglican Cathedral in Jerusalem.
Protest in Scotland saves two asylum seekers from detention
In Scotland, as Muslims were celebrating Eid, two men were detained by immigration officials following a raid on a flat in Pollokshields. But they were released after protesters stopped the Border Agency van from leaving the area in a seven-hour stand off. At one point, a protester lay down under the wheels to stop the van from moving. The protesters were furious that the action was taken on the day of Eid. The Glasgow Times reports that the men then walked to the local mosque, in a peaceful march alongside protesters, surrounded by police.
Wales pilots outdoor gatherings as Muslims gather for Eid
Eid celebrations have been taking place throughout the UK as the season of Ramadan comes to a close. Usually there are communal gatherings, meals and prayers, but this year, for the second time, events are muted because of the pandemic. In Wales, people gathered at Cardiff Castle for the first mass outdoor event, a pilot scheme to test whether community events can take place safely.
St Paul’s Cathedral suffers huge financial loss in pandemic
The Telegraph reports that St Paul’s Cathedral is facing a cash crisis because the pandemic has slashed income from tourism. It says revenue has fallen by 90 per cent and the Dean, David Ison, is quoted as saying that if it cannot be recovered long term, the cathedral will have to close. The report says the cathedral’s running costs are £8m but income was only £5.5m, including the recovery fund in the last year. A quarter of cathedral staff have been made redundant. It says the cost of maintaining 12 adult choristers in the choir is in question, although solutions are being sought.
British Museum exhibition of Thomas Becket
An exhibition of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury murdered in his own cathedral in 1170, is being planned at the British Museum, to mark the 850th anniversary of his death. Becket had fallen out of favour with Henry II, after refusing his call to be chancellor and archbishop, insisting on the separation of church and state. The exhibition includes a stained glass window form the cathedral depicting his miracles, which led to sainthood. Murder and the Making of a Saint tells Becket’s story in 100 objects.
Global prayer event observed for sixth year
A global prayer movement, Thy Kingdom Come, was launched yesterday on Ascension Day and will continue until Pentecost on 23 May. There are plans for outdoor prayer events and online prayer vigils with an app offering translations in French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Methodist conference hastily rearranged
The annual Methodist Conference is being moved to the National Conference Centre, Birmingham from 24 June to 1 July, after the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel cancelled the booking due to the coronavirus. Hotel accommodation for the delegates is being rearranged.
Six-foot crucifix stolen from church garden in Newcastle
A 6ft bronze crucifix was stolen from a remembrance garden at All Saints’ Church in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Wednesday night. The vicar, Canon Andrew Shipton said: “The crucifix was in a consecrated area where many ashes are buried. It was a great shock to find that the bronze statue of our Lord had gone and a cause of considerable sadness.” Police and the church are appealing for information.
