Pope Francis calls for the abolition of the death penalty
Pope Francis is calling for the abolition of the death penalty throughout the world. In his prayer video for September, he says capital punishment offers no justice to victims, but rather encourages revenge and it prevents any possibility of undoing a possible miscarriage of justice. He says: “The death penalty is morally inadmissible, for it destroys the most important gift we have received: life. Let us not forget that, up to the very last moment, a person can convert and change. And in the light of the Gospel, the death penalty is unacceptable. The commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” refers to both the innocent and the guilty”. Independent Catholic News quotes Amnesty International saying there are currently at least 28,670 people on death row worldwide. Countries with the death penalty include China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
UN report criticised for failing to call treatment of Uyghurs genocide
The UN report alleging serious human rights violations by China against Uyghur Muslims, has been criticised by campaigners for failing to describe the actions as genocide. ’The report from the UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, described allegations of torture, forced medical procedures and sexual violence. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Uyghurs, said in a statement that it was disappointed in the shortcomings of the report – which makes no mention of genocide. Rahima Mahmut, executive director at Stop Uyghur Genocide, a UK campaign, said on Twitter that she was disappointed the UN had not “called this what it is: genocide”. And the Guardian quotes Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, chair for the UK based Uyghur Tribunal , described the report as “better than nothing, or a very small step forward. But no more than that.”
Money Saving Expert is a “true Jewish hero”
A comment piece in the Jewish Chronicle has hailed Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, as a “a true Jewish hero”. Features editor, Keren David, charts his frequent, devastating analysis of the cost of living crisis “speaking up for the powerless, defiant in the face of seemingly impossible odds, exuding authority in a nightmare situation”. She says his fury in calling out politicians, asking how they will help people and businesses, is backed up by facts and stark truth. She sincerely hopes the new prime minister will accept his invitation to appear on his ITV show and be questioned about their policies. He has never ever stopped caring about the people who struggle with figures and finances, she says, adding: “He’s an uber-mensch”.
Memorial to slave owner will be removed from Dorchester church
A memorial in St Peter’s Church in Dorchester, commemorating the18th century plantation owner John Gordon, is to be removed to the neighbouring Dorset museum after a plea from the vicar and churchwarden. The memorial includes reference to Gordon’s bravery and humanity in quelling a slaves’ revolt, described as “a dangerous rebellion”, in Jamaica in 1760. The church leaders said this might offend some visitors and be harmful to the mission and message of today’s church. The Chancellor decided that the public benefit of removing the memorial, “subject to its replacement with a memorial omitting details which might cause offence, would outweigh the harm caused”.
Temple made from shipping containers proposed for Sai Baba devotees
Devotees of the Indian spiritual master Sai Baba of Shirdi, have submitted plans to build a temple from shipping containers on a site in Milton Keynes. Sai Baba, who died in 1918, taught the importance of love, charity and inner contentment in a way that combined Hindu and Muslim teaching and he practised rituals from both faiths. His followers in the city were refused permission by the council almost two years ago, following objections about the impact of new traffic. Now they have re-applied and the planning committee will consider the case again on 6 October.
Catholic churches in England face closure due to falling numbers
The Tablet reports closures of Catholic churches in England due to falling congregations and a shortage of priests. In Northampton, St Bernadette’s, Rockwell and St Patrick’s, Corby are closing. In Nottingham, it reports that the number of priests has fallen by 12 per cent to 67, so most parishes will become bigger and 11 of 130 churches will close.
Prison chaplain jailed for sexually abusing prisoners
A prison chaplain in California has been jailed for seven years for sex abuse offences, forcing prisoners to have sex with him behind a closed chapel door. The court heard that James Theodore Highhouse told women that everyone in the Bible had sex and that God wanted them to be together. He was among five employees facing sex abuse charges at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California. The Associated Press says his sentence was double the recommended guidelines due to the serious nature of his betrayal of trust.
Vatican’s Swiss army to grow by 25 per cent
Reuters reports that the Vatican is seeking 25 men to join the Swiss Guard, whose main mission is to protect the pope and Vatican City. At present this small army has 110 members who are known for their brightly coloured ceremonial dress. The advert says requirements are men who are single, at last 5ft 7 inches tall, between 19-31 years old, practicing Catholics in good health, with an impeccable reputation.
