Meetings in parliament to Save the Parish
The Save the Parish campaign, which seeks to support Church of England parishes facing less money, fewer clergy and church mergers, is organizing several events in the Houses of Parliament. It says the meetings for laity, church wardens and clergy will address the issues parishes are facing, hear how Parliament can do something about it and advise on tools to “galvanise support”. The events are being sponsored by Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, who has been a member of parochial church councils in his local villages, and is an occasional organist and bell ringer at local churches.
New bishop role to keep worldwide Anglican leaders together
Bishop Jo Bailey-Wells, currently bishop of Dorking, has been appointed to a new role as bishop for episcopal ministry in the Anglican Communion. The post is designed to foster closer relationships among bishops worldwide following the Lambeth conference, when a new spirit of acceptance of differences appeared to break out. The communion has been split over same sex relationships, with three provinces deciding not to attend the Lambeth conference in the summer. The differences remain, but all Anglican churches, including bishops, will continue to discuss their differences in a programme of reflection following the conference, in the hope that they find common ground.
British Hindus say hatred is at an all time high
British Hindu organisations and temples have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister saying hatred towards them is at an all time high and they feel like a community under siege. The letter, posted by Insight UK on Twitter, says the recent disturbances in Leicester, Birmingham and other towns have greatly distressed the Indian and Hindu communities in the UK. It calls for an independent investigation into anti-Hindu hatred and its causes.
Call for inquiry into Iran’s treatment of religious minorities during protests
The US Commission for International Religious Freedom is calling on the Biden administration to establish a commission of inquiry at the United Nations on the suppression of protests in Iran. More than 100 people are reported to have died in protests across the country since the death in custody of 22 year old Maha Amini, who was arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly. The Religion News Service reports that the commission is particularly concerned at the deaths of the minority Sunni Muslims in the city of Zahedan.
Investigation into the Unification Church in Japan
The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, has ordered an investigation into the activities of the Unification Church, otherwise known as the Moonies. It follows the assassination of his predecessor Shinzo Abe, by a man who said his motive was Abe’s links with the church, which he accused of bankrupting his family and ruining his life. The Associated Press reports that Kishida said the investigation would look into the church’s finances and he promised to do more to help the victims.
Mothers Union in campaign to stop domestic abuse
The Mothers’ Union is supporting Women’s Aid in its campaign to end domestic abuse. Bev Jullien, CEO of the Mothers’ Union, told Premier Christian radio that some Christians misuse the gospel to endorse domestic abuse. But she said it is a scourge on society across the world and she hoped the joint campaign would raise awareness.
