A century of religion at the BBC – vital to the nation
Religion was woven into the founding of the BBC 100 years ago, with Lord Reith believing he had a divine calling taking on the role. His great-nephew, Andrew Harrison, told a Religion Media Centre online briefing that the Christian faith was a massive aspect of his life, and therefore of the BBC. The briefing included many past and present broadcasters, who traced the developments of the various strands of programming. Austere worship had become more “chatty”, with a wide variety of music included. Thought for the Day had provided a range of voices who had helped people cope with the news amid controversy and the conflict. Religion correspondents spoke of the spectacular range of events to cover and the central place it occupied in the global news agenda. In local radio, strong local teams reflected grass roots communities, many of which revolve around faith. While the religious output of the BBC may be a world away from its inception a century ago, the overall consensus of the briefing was that the corporation continued to evolve to meet the challenge in an ever-changing religious landscape. Christine Morgan, a former BBC head of religion and ethics, said the impact of religious broadcasting over 100 years had been vital to the religious life of the nation. Read our full report of the briefing here and view the briefing on our YouTube channel here
Secrecy of confessional could go in child sex abuse cases
There is speculation that the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, which publishes its final report tomorrow (Thursday), will make it mandatory to report child sex abuse. The Times suggests that if abuse is reported to a priest in a confessional, the Church of England may be under pressure to lift the seal of secrecy and report the matter to the police. At present the confessional is bound by a duty of absolute confidentiality. Lawyer Alan Collins, partner in the sex abuse team at Hugh James Solicitors, predicts that if mandatory reporting is recommended, there will be “a religious uproar” but it is a vital step to stop child abuse.
Orthodox lawyer appointed parliamentary standards commissioner
Orthodox Jewish lawyer Daniel Greenberg has been appointed as the new parliamentary commissioner for standards. He replaces Kathryn Stone in a ole that involves investigating allegations that MPs have broken the House of Commons code of conduct. He has published several books including “Getting A Get”, calling on rabbinical courts to change the way they handle Jewish divorce cases. Jewish News story here >>
Next bishop of Liverpool announced
Dr John Perumbalath has been named as the next Bishop of Liverpool. The diocese of Liverpool says he comes from the ancient Christian community in Kerala, South India, and was ordained into the Church of North India in 1994. He moved to the UK in 2001, serving in roles in the Dioceses of Rochester and Chelmsford, where he is currently bishop of Bradwell. He is also chair of the Churches Refugee Network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Australia reverses support for regarding west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
In Australia, Jewish community leaders have criticised the government’s decision to reverse recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The Guardian reports that they said it was taken suddenly, was a gratuitous insult and the announcement was mishandled. The former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had recognised west Jerusalem in 2018 but said the embassy would not be moved. In the past few weeks, churches in the UK and Jerusalem have strongly criticised the UK prime minister Liz Truss, who said a move of the UK embassy to Jerusalem should be reviewed. Trump moved the US embassy there in 2017.
Museum withdraws toys of Hindu gods after complaint
A museum’s online shop in Salem, Massachusetts, has withdrawn toys representing the Hindu gods Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman, after protests from the Universal Society of Hinduism. They complained that the deities are revered and should not be thrown around on floors. The Associated Press reports that Peabody Essex Museum said the toys are manufactured by Modi Toys, founded by an Indian American family and intended to spark interest in Hinduism
