Outrage from British faith leaders at killing of Israeli hostages
There has been outrage in Israel, the US and UK at the news that six Israeli hostages were killed by Hamas at the weekend. Tens of thousands protested in Israel demanding a deal to release the hostages. In the UK, vigils have been held in London, Leeds, and Manchester. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was devastated and Hamas must be held to account for “this barbaric act”. Its statement continued: “We wish the leaders of Israel, the wisdom, strength and determination to bring the remaining hostages home now”. The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, said the news had plunged the community “into the depths of deepest grief” and they mourned alongside the hostages’ families. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said it was “another evil deed in this terrible war..The slaughter of hostages is and always has been a terrible war crime and must be condemned. I call out to God to comfort the bereaved and to bring justice.”
Holocaust survivor says far right success in German elections must be resisted
In Germany, vote projections in two regional polls suggest the far-right party, “Alternative for Germany” (AfD), has taken most votes in the state of Thuringia and came a close second in the neighbouring state of Saxony. This is the first time a far-right party, against immigration and pro Russia, will have won in Germany since the second world war. In Thuringia, they won 33.5 per cent of the vote, and in Saxony, 24.5 per cent, but it is thought other parties will coalesce to ensure the AfD does not hold power. Charlotte Knobloch, aged 91, former President of Central Council of Jews in Germany, who was taken in by another family and escaped the Holocaust, tweeted that the election was 85 years to the day since the outbreak of the war and left the country in danger of becoming “more unstable, colder and poorer, less safe and less worth living in”. But the vote was still an overall minority, showing that many voters wanted to hold back extremists on the fringes: “There is always hope, even on this day. But it must be fought for now. With deeds, not words. With actions, not wishful thinking”.
Faith minister, Lord Khan, meets the Pope
The faith minister, Lord Khan, met Pope Francis last Thursday “for important conversations about migration and interfaith dialogue”, according to the British Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, who posted the news on Twitter /X . He said this was the first visitor from the new government to meet the Pope. Lord Khan was appointed in July and formally announced in August. According to the Congregational Church: “following his appointment, Lord Khan has written an open letter to faith and belief stakeholders. In his letter, he praises the rich tapestry of faiths and beliefs that contribute to the vibrant, diverse country we cherish. He reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a safer Britain for all communities and highlights his visits to areas affected by recent violence, where he witnessed the crucial role faith groups played in addressing unrest. He emphasises that faith and belief must be part of the national conversation as we tackle the challenges ahead”.
Packed schedule for Pope Francis’ south east Asia trip starting today
Further details of Pope Francis’ 12-day visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, have been given by the Vatican in preparation for his trip which starts today. Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, with Christianity registering just three per cent of the population. The Pope has progressed dialogue with Islam and this Thursday, he will take part in an inter-religious meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, followed by celebrating Mass at the Galora Bung Karno football stadium. Later on his trip, he will meet representatives of APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation of 21 economies which includes including China, Russia and Taiwan; visit Catholic charities and Argentine missionaries; address Catholics working with poverty in Timor-Leste; take an open air mass in Papua New Guinea; and speak about indigenous peoples, climate change, clerical sex abuse and technological development. The packed schedule which awaits the Pope, who is 87 and suffering ill health, is outlined by the Religion News Service here
US evangelicals shy away from the label
A study of US evangelicals suggests only a quarter want to be labelled as such. The study by two US research companies was of only 1,039 people, chosen for holding specific beliefs on the Bible, Jesus, salvation and supremacy of Christianity, beliefs identified by the National Association of Evangelicals as defining an evangelical. “Beyond the Label: Unmasking Evangelical Identity” found 73 per cent would not describe themselves as evangelicals. They themselves had a variety of definitions – 14 per cent had no idea, 34 per cent said it meant being born again, 39 per cent said it meant sharing faith with others. On public perception, 49 per cent believed the media saws the term “evangelical Christian” in a negative light. The study quotes research saying 23 per cent of American adults are evangelical Protestants, self defined, which equates to around 59 million people.
Chinese bishop aged 95 finally recognised by government
A 95 year old Catholic bishop has been officially recognised by the Chinese government following five years of stalemate, after the bishop refused to join an association liaising between Catholics and the government. Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen is now officially the bishop of Tianjin, south east of Beijing, an area with 56,000 Catholics, 21 parishes, 62 priests and a number of religious sisters. The move follows multiple attempts to ease relations between the Vatican and the Chinese government over the role of the government, Pope and community in the appointment of bishops. The story is explained in America, the Jesuit Review, here.
Bangladesh interfaith council calls for removal of Islam as state religion
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council is campaigning for the country to remove Islam as the state religion, saying it has been detrimental to the country’s religious minorities and democracy. Monindra Kumar Nath, the council’s joint general secretary, has called for the re-establishment of “a discrimination-free state”. After the war of independence in 1972, the constitution included secularism, nationalism, socialism and democracy as the country’s four founding principles. But soon after, Islam was made the state religion. This year, violent protests broke out and in August, the government collapsed and the Prime Minister fled. The country is still in turmoil with politically motivated inter-religious attacks, including against the former PM’s party members. The interim prime minister, Muhammad Yunus, has called for all human rights to be protected and says the root of the problem is the structure of government institutions.
The Amish electrician who sells solar panels to technophobe communities
The Sunday Times tells the story of an Amish electrician in Pennsylvania, Ben Zook, who grew up with kerosene lamps and no phone, but who is now running a successful business fitting solar panels. He says electricity is an invisible power, not bad in itself, but the Amish community discusses restrictions on its use, down to which appliances can be installed, in order to prevent harmful consequences. The Amish segregate themselves from the world outside and are known for simple living and not keeping pace with technology. The article quotes him saying: “People have realised that it doesn’t change their life entirely for the worst, and that it’s not going to be universally harmful.” He doesn’t attend church regularly now and describes himself as “New Order Amish”, with a more relaxed attitude to modernity. He has exchanged a horse and cart for a Tesla.
