Murder of Jewish couple in US shocks communities
The murder of two young Jewish diplomats in Washington has shocked communities worldwide. The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said it was a cold-blooded “despicable act of terror” and “a desecration of all that civilised nations hold sacred”. The Board of Deputies said it was horrified by the attack and expressed solidarity with all Israeli diplomats. Jewish community organisations have said they are devastated and shocked.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism organised a vigil outside the Israeli embassy and said: “These are the real colours of the ‘Free Palestine’ movement. Anybody surprised by this horrific double murder has had their head in the sand. We are locked in a battle for the soul of the West.” The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, condemned the attack, but an Israeli government minister said “the world must hold to account the irresponsible leaders in the West who give backing to hatred against Jews and Israelis”.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were employees of the Israeli embassy and due to be engaged. They were shot as they left an American Jewish Committee reception for young professionals and diplomats. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, reportedly chanted “Free Palestine” and was arrested at the scene. Jewish News report here.
CofE bishops condemn ‘war of aggression’ in Gaza
Church of England bishops issued a statement on the war in Gaza, following their meeting in York. They say: “We cry out in protest at the death, destruction and suffering that men, women and children have endured in Gaza, Israel and the region these last 20 months. We abhor war in all its forms and see it as a sign of human brokenness. Nothing justifies the heinous terror attacks committed by Hamas on October 7 2023. In such circumstances, nations have a right to self-defence in line with international law, and to hold perpetrators to account. Yet, the Government of Israel has shown through its statements and actions that this is no longer a defensive war, but a war of aggression. We strongly affirm that the Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza and the West Bank have a right to live in peace and security in their homeland. Any forced displacement of people would constitute an egregious breach of international humanitarian law.” Full statement here.
Revived parish pilgrimages connect with the environment
Parish pilgrimages are being revived as a way of helping connect communities with their environment. Traditionally, many churches have walked round the boundaries of their parishes on Rogation Sunday, which this year falls on 25 May. Recently, there has been renewed interest in parishes taking part in these community treks, so the British Pilgrimage Trust decided to explore and expand the idea. Within a short time, more than 20 churches nationwide had signed up for the event this weekend, many for the first time. It is not just adults taking part; schools and animals are equally involved. Kenneth Wilson, known as the Highway Cellist, is cycling 2,000 miles around the UK, intent on visiting all 42 Anglican cathedrals to perform a 50-minute meditation on the seven last words of Jesus integrated with the Bach Cello suite as a personal offering. Angela Youngman’s report here.
Bid for Catholic schools in the US blocked by Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court has blocked an attempt from two Catholic dioceses to establish the first US taxpayer-funded religious charter school in Oklahoma. The case involved religious rights that challenged the constitutional separation of church and state. The Conservative justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case, because she is a former professor at Notre Dame Law School, which represents the school’s organisers. The remaining eight justices were equally divided, 4-4, which meant the lower court’s decision blocking the case stands. Guardian story here.
St Teresa’s body on display for the first time in a century
The body of St Teresa of Avila, who has been dead for more than 440 years, has drawn tens of thousands to Spanish church. St Teresa was a pillar of Spain’s 16th-century Counter-Reformation and embodies the passion of Spain’s old faith, and her remains were last displayed more than a century ago. “She looks good for her age,” one pilgrim said as she gazed at the saint’s corpse, dressed in the habit of her Carmelite order and reposed in an open silver coffin at the convent in Alba de Tormes to the west of the country. Isambard Wilkinson, writing in The Times, comments: “As Catholicism wanes in Spain, the fervour serves as a reminder that the faith still holds a grip on many hearts and that the church still enjoys a privileged status.”
