The Queen is laid to rest
Ten days of mourning have come to a close as the Queen has been laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, Windsor, beside her husband Prince Philip, who died last year, and her mother, father and sister. This was a private service at the end of a day of formal public ceremonies.
At the funeral service at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, said: “Those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten”. His sermon is here. The order of service is here. Watch the service here
Later there was a committal service at St George’s chapel, Windsor. The order of service is here . Catherine Pepinster wrote an explainer here
An openness to the diversity of faith in Britain
There were two particular developments in the last ten days which revealed an openness to other denominations and faiths. The public funeral service included prayers from many Christian denominations. Catherine Pepinster wrote a guide here. And within days of becoming the sovereign, King Charles gathered faith leaders together at Buckingham Palace saying Britain was a community of communities and his duty was to serve in a way that protected the diversity of the country. Read our article on this significant development here
The Queue – a stream of British decency
Faith leaders have spoken of the way the nation has come together and found community spirit during the days of national mourning, exemplified in the Queue to see the Queen’s coffin in Westminster Hall. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, told the BBC’s Today programme that the Queue was like a hidden stream of goodness, decency, steadfastness and godliness. The Queen’s legacy could be our rediscovery of togetherness, warmth and good humour, following her example of living life well. The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, told BBC News that there was a beautiful sense of harmony in the Abbey and the ultimate tribute to the Queen would be to preserve this in the future, treasure her values and ensure a peaceful society.
RMC annual lecture tonight: the future of religion in Britain
This evening (Tuesday 20 September) at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street 6.45pm, Professor Linda Woodhead will deliver our annual lecture on “Considering the future of religion in Britain”. She will look ahead to the results of the national census, due to be published this autumn, which are expected to show a continuing rise in non-religion and decline of Christian affiliation in the UK. Professor Woodhead is the FD Maurice Professor and Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King’s College London and has written extensively on the role of religion in society and the rise of alternative spirituality, during a period when organised religion is in decline. She will share her understanding of why Christian affiliation is contracting and what “non-religion” means. Admission is free, tickets are available on Eventbrite here >>
Outbreak of violence between Muslim and Hindu groups in Leicester
Two hundred people were involved in violent disorder in Leicester at the weekend, involving members of the Hindu and Muslim communities. Tension has been simmering in the city since India beat Pakistan in an Asia Cup cricket match in August and on Saturday there were scuffles and bottles were thrown in a standoff between two groups. Claims and counter claims have surfaced with animosity on social media, with one religious group blaming the other amid claims of disinformation. The editor of Leicester Live, Adam Moss, explains the background to the story and says the cause is more than a cricket match. Separation during Covid, fragmented groups within larger faith traditions and international events all may have played a part. He quotes the Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby saying he is baffled by the outbreaks of violence, as Leicester is known to be a diverse, peaceful city. Leicester Council of Faiths says it is working for a resolution.
The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed, issued a statement saying attacks against any place of worship or symbols of religion must be condemned and suggested the hate is imported: “Communities have expressed their deep concerns to me around the propaganda perpetuated by far-right groups in India and their Hindutva agenda, which we are now seeing expressed on British streets. These provocations have targeted Muslims, Sikhs, and other minorities and as a result, instigated hostilities between local communities in Leicester. We do not believe these people represent the views of wider Hindu communities, with whom Muslims and Sikhs, among others, enjoy good relations in the UK, of which Leicester, historically, is a prime example”.
The High Commission of India issued a statement yesterday strongly condemning the violence. “We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated again the Indian community in Leicester and vandalisation of premises and symbols of Hindu religion. We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks. We call on the authorities to provide protection to the affected people”.
Catholics in America concerned about deep divisions in the church hierarchy
More than 700,000 Catholics in America have contributed to a synod report, as part of the global process to test the mind of the whole church on the issues and ideas that concern them most. The report, in common with all those from Britain and Ireland, highlights the marginalisation of women, those who are divorced, LGBTQ people, the homeless, the poor and immigrants and says the concerns were how to respond. Respondents also spoke of the “grave scandal” of the deep divisions in the church hierarchy and the lack of unity between some bishops and Pope Francis. The report will go the Vatican to be considered along with those form other countries. In America, the Catholics engaged in the process said they wanted more opportunities to be listened to.
