RE A level entries are down, prompting calls for more specialist teachers
The number of students taking Religious Studies at A level has dipped in England and Wales by 1.5 per cent to 15,201, with 25 per cent awarded an A or above in the results which came out yesterday. In fact all humanities subjects had fewer candidates and RS had one of the smallest drops, with History falling by 2.3 per cent and Sociology by 6.5 per cent. Nonetheless, the steady decline in A level RS, from a peak in 2015 when there were 21,577 entries, is causing concern to advocates for Religious Education in schools, who say the trend is linked to a shortage of specialist staff. The RE Council is calling for a national plan for Religious Education in order to provide the funding, recruitment and resources to help the subject thrive.
US Christians launch campaigns backing Kamala Harris for president
Christians in the US have held three zoom “rallies” in support of Kamala Harris for president of the USA. On Monday, progressive Christians met under the title: “Love, for the Win: Christians for Kamala”. On Wednesday it was “Evangelicals for Harris” and last night “Catholics for Kamala”. The progressives’ rally was led by pastor John Pavlovitz and singer Malynda Hale, who said: “I have been a progressive Christian and … I feel like my faith has been hijacked by people who only talk about what they’re against. We know this election is important and that is why we are choosing ‘love for the win’.” The evangelicals, 80 per cent of whom have voted for Trump in the past, have set up their own website “Faith Voters”, which describes Kamala Harris, a long time member of a Baptist church, as “a sister in Christ” and their movement as a belief in the common good, called to “love our neighbours, to serve those less fortunate than us”. They have launched an ad campaign showing an interview where Donald Trump said he had never asked for God’s forgiveness. The ad responded with text “Is there any greater denial of Christ than to say I do not need his forgiveness?”. Independent report here. MSNBS report here
International conference says ‘normalised antisemitism’ must be reversed
An international conference has been held in Oxford to encourage universities across the world to develop the academic study of antisemitism. The annual event is run by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, founded by Dr Charles Asher Small, a research fellow at Cambridge. He said the tide of antisemitism that has been normalised must be reversed “not only on the encampments of our universities but, more importantly, within our classrooms and curriculum.” He said British and other European governments have taken the rise of antisemitism “quite seriously and developed policies and best practices”. But in the United States, “it took the American political establishment, policy establishment and Jewish organisations completely off-guard and they don’t have the policies and understanding and best practices in place”. Read Lianne Kolirin’s article on the conference on our website here
Catholic Union states resolute opposition to Scotland’s assisted dying bill
The Catholic Union has submitted evidence to the Scottish parliament’s committee scrutinising a bill to allow assisted dying, stating its “resolute opposition to the introduction of assisted suicide in any form”. The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill has been introduced by Lib Dem MSP, Liam McArthur. The measure will only be available to those who are over 16, have lived in Scotland for 12 months and have been ruled mentally fit to make the decision by two doctors. Patients must administer the life-ending medication themselves. The Catholic Union conducted a survey of its members and supporters in 2023 which showed overwhelming opposition to a change in the law. It also uncovered concerns that changing the law could make it harder for Catholics, and other people of faith, to enter the medical profession. Public consultation on the bill ends today.
Moscow affiliated Orthodox church in Ukraine about to be banned
Tension between the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Moscow aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church is inflamed in Ukraine this week, as parliament prepares to ban the Moscow aligned church. The controversial “Bill No.8371” would ban any religious organisation with links to Russia, but the Moscow aligned Orthodox church is the main target and it is resisting, saying the law will violate the freedom of religion. Since the Russian invasion, Patriarch Kirill in Moscow has defended the war, leaving clergy and congregations associated with him to be regarded as disloyal to Ukraine. Several bishops have been detained and prosecuted for aiding Russia, and dozens of clergy are under investigation for treason. The leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, affiliated to Constantinople, visited the Ecumenical Patriarch on Monday, for a show of support. In a letter published in the Orthodox Times two weeks ago, Patriarch Bartholomew criticised the Russian Orthodox Church for expanding into Africa, taking congregations away from the Patriarch in Alexandria, and using the church for nationalist reasons. He also criticised Patriarch Kirill’s support for Russia in the war in Ukraine, saying: “Today, they gladly bless the sacred weapons, the murderous ones, against the Orthodox Ukrainians who defend the territorial integrity of their country”. Tablet report here
Historic church in Aberdeen gets second lease of life as an arts centre
The Church of Scotland has transferred ownership of a historic church in Aberdeen to an arts organisation, which will encourage creative arts, education, training and charity work. The site of West Kirk within the Kirk of St Nicholas, has a history going back to the 1100s, but it was closed as a church in 2020, with a dwinding congregation. Its new owner, Edinburgh Palette, has previous experience of turning old buildings into multi-purpose community spaces, and the Church of Scotland will be able to use the premises sometimes for worship and events, alongside the Oil and Gas Chaplaincy, the City Council and Robert Gordon College, for services, events and performances. It says it will support the building’s second lease of life.
Huw Edwards loses role at Welsh Jewish Heritage Centre
Former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has been stripped of his ambassadorial role at the Welsh Jewish Heritage Centre in Merthyr Tydfil. The centre is being created in the former Merthyr synagaogue, in use from the 1870s to 1983 when it was sold and fell into disrepair. Huw Edwards has admitted making indecent images of children and will be sentenced next month. He has lost a string of public roles including his position as vice-president of the National Churches Trust. Western Telegraph story here
