Pope puts brakes on Catholic reform in Germany
Pope Francis has warned the Catholic church in Germany that its new “synodical path”, where members are consulted, cannot lead to new ways of governance or new approaches to doctrine and morality. The church’s Synod Assembly meeting in February endorsed women’s ordination, the blessing of same sex partnerships, reformed teachings on sexual ethics and allowing married priests. But the Pope said the Assembly lacks the authority to make such changes without the agreement of the universal church. He warned that those who separate from the church, become weak, rot and die. The church in Germany is in steep decline with hundreds of thousands leaving in protest at abuse scandals or because they do not want to pay a church tax to the government. There are 22.1 million Catholics in Germany, 26.7 per cent of the total population, down 6 per cent from 2020.
Faith on the community frontline serving families in summer holidays
The Oasis Foundation is running 32 summer sessions during the holidays to provide food, community and support for families who otherwise rely on schools to get by. Its founder and chief executive the Rev Steve Chalke, told Radio 4’s Today programme that schools were about far more than an education in academic subjects, they were an anchor for children and families. During the long six-week summer holiday, families need basic practical support including food, and emotional support for wellbeing, he said. Last year Oasis served 25,000 meals and expects to do the same this summer as the cost of living bites. He welcomed help from businesses providing cheaper meal and entertainment packages. The Salvation Army is also offering vital support from its 600 bases in the UK. It is planning to provide thousands of cooked meals and essential food parcels to children during the summer.
Chief Rabbi appeals for donations as schools face escalating costs
The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has asked parents to help replenish voluntary donation funds in Jewish schools, which pay for Jewish study, security measures and wider activities. The Jewish Chronicle reports that donations have slumped as the pandemic was replaced by a cost of living crisis, but escalating costs are forcing headteachers to consider reducing staff numbers and cuts in security.
Research on Muslim women’s faith experience in Britain
The Muslim Census team is running a survey on Muslim women’s faith experience with the mosque, the community, access to knowledge and spirituality. Muslim Census is an independent organisation which gathers data to highlight issues faced by the UK Muslim community, such as the impact of Covid, attacks on mosques and the relationship between Muslims and the government.
The Hindu heritage of Rishi Sunak, the man who could be Prime Minister
The Hindu background and faith of the Tory leadership contender Rishi Sunak, is explored in an article for hitc.com, a website for stories on football, films and gaming. He swore his oath of allegiance as an MP, on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu scripture and makes no secret of his Hindu heritage or faithfulness to its observances. The article refers back to his interview with Business Insider in 2020, where he said that religion pervades political life in America, but “that is not the case here, thankfully.”
Never too early for Methodists to prepare for Christmas
The Methodist Church is advertising a webinar for churches to prepare for Christmas 2022. It will introduce a resource pack to help plan Christmas services and community events, along with a digital Christmas campaign and a booklet aimed at people outside the church. The webinar is in September and the booking is open now.
Crazy golf, TRex, beaches and deck chairs lure tourists to English Cathedrals this summer
English Cathedrals are getting into the swing of summer with a wild array of attractions to entice visitors through the doors. In Carlisle, you can lounge on deckchairs, looking at the stars on the stunning painted ceiling while listening to soundscapes. In Lichfield, a beach is being created in front of the cathedral complete with more deckchairs. Rochester sees a return of “adventure” golf in the gardens and a bridge of interlocking bricks in the nave. Gloucester Cathedral is inviting mindfulness with labyrinth walking, sound baths and mindful stone carving. In Durham a Monks’ School is being created to explain the life of a medieval monk. The T Rex touring exhibition is at Peterborough Cathedral; a 22 metre railway model will run in Chester Cathedral; and Truro Cathedral has a summer of music with an artisan and pop-up clothes market.
