Bishop calls on Christians to ‘reclaim the flag and the faith‘
The Bishop of Kirkstall, Arun Arora, has called on Christians “to reclaim both the flag and the faith that is being desecrated by those who would use both to divide us as a nation.” He was speaking at a licensing service in Manston, close to the Brittania Hotel where there have been weekly protests against asylum seekers housed there. As joint lead bishop for racial justice, he said: “the rising toxic tide of racism – the sin of racism – and its impact is being felt both in this city and all over the country”, adding that “reckless voices of hate are seeking to camouflage themselves in the language of patriotism and faith, all the while debasing both”. Bishop Arun said the church’s overriding duty is to stand firm in a faith rooted in the common good, and to be a reconciling power in communities and in the country. He said “That does not mean being neutral in the face of violence and injustice, but “to challenge those who lips drip with vituperation and hate, to refute division and to restore dignity in building the common good”. Church Times report here. Guardian report here. Diocese of Leeds press release here.
Assisted Dying Bill returns to the Lords for debate and crucial votes
The Assisted Dying Bill will be debated by the House of Lords today, the second day of debate which will include votes on various amendments. Speakers will include the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell; the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey; and prominent Catholic, Lord Chris Patten. The Private Member’s Bill would allow adults with less than six months to live, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life, provided they meet certain criteria. Hansard explains that there is no wrecking amendment, but there are amendments calling for more time to consider the legislation, or for the bill to be put before a select committee. Hansard detailed report on what might happen today is here
Board of Deputies ‘gravely concerned’ at UK move to recognise Palestinian state
The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the executive council of Australian Jewry, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs have issued a statement saying they are “gravely concerned that our governments’ announced intentions to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN this month are seen by Hamas as a reward for its violence and rejectionism towards Israel”. They say the failure to give this recognition without the preconditions of making Hamas release the hostages, give up power and disarm, “lacks credibility, borders on recklessness, and sets up Palestinian statehood for failure from the outset”. The Guardian says Keir Starmer is reportedly to recognise a Palestinian state this weekend, after President Trump has left the UK. At a press conference today, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: “Hamas is a terrorist organisation who can have no part in the future governance of Palestine…Hamas of course don’t want a two-state solution, they don’t want peace, they don’t want a ceasefire. I’m very clear where I stand on Hamas.”
Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK celebrates 20th anniversary
The Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a conference at Cardiff University, where it is based. The Centre began through partnerships with the local Muslim community in the city and is now internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in the field of British Muslim studies. Its founder and director Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray explained that it established the first large scale online course at Cardiff in 2014, and subsequent courses have attracted thousands of participants across the globe. She said that over the last 20 years, more than £8 million pounds has been invested in the centre by research councils and philanthropists. Conference organiser Dr Azim Ahmed said the research has mapped British Islam through close engagement with diverse networks, exploring issues such as the role of imams, concern over mental health, representation of women, media coverage and ethical challenges. He said Islam in Wales is a well-established tradition and he suggested that research conducted over decades could help guide understanding of future trends.
Pope Leo says the Tridentine Mass division has become ‘a political tool’
Pope Leo has said people have used divisions over the Traditional Latin Mass “as an excuse for advancing other topics. It’s become a political tool, and that’s very unfortunate”. His comments were made in an interview with the senior correspondent of Crux, Elise Ann Allen, for her forthcoming book on Pope Leo. He said the Tridentine Mass issue had become so polarised that people aren’t willing to listen to one another, reflecting: “That’s a problem in itself. It means we’re into ideology now, we’re no longer into the experience of church communion.” On the subject of the ordination of women, he said he would continue to appoint women to some leadership roles at different levels in the church’s life and recognised the question of women deacons would continue to be an issue. He said: “At the moment I don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the Church on the topic”, but the question continues to be considered in study groups. He said: “We’ll walk with that and see what comes”.
Police renew appeal for information into rape of a young woman in Oldbury
West Midlands Police have renewed their appeal for information into the rape of a young woman in Oldbury, Birmingham, last week. A man in his 30s arrested last Sunday has been bailed pending further inquiries. A police statement says they are reviewing CCTV and carrying out forensic inquiries: “We again appeal to anyone in the area who may have seen two white men around the time of 8.30am. One had a shaved head and a heavy build and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.” The Sikh Federation has put out its own appeal and put up a reward of £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and successful conviction of the two men involved.
Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, celebrated next week
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, will be marked this year from 22 – 24 September. It’s the first celebration in the Jewish High Holy Days, otherwise known as Yamim Noraim or the Days of Awe, which end 10 days later with Yom Kippur. The festival encourages Jews to reflect on the previous year and prepare for new spiritual beginnings in the year ahead. Customs include the blowing of the shofar made from a ram’s horn, treats with honey, family parties and special liturgy. Factsheet here
