Rishi Sunak’s story shows ‘race and faith diversity is the new normal‘ in British politics
Today, on the festival of Diwali, Rishi Sunak is poised to become Britain’s first Hindu prime minister. Of Indian heritage, Sunak’s parents came to Britain from east Africa and, as he has said many times, his father was a GP and his mother a pharmacist. He is known to be committed to Hindu traditions, being teetotal and avoiding beef. After the election in 2019, he took the oath holding the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. In 2020, as chancellor, he lit candles for Diwali, the festival of lights, on the steps of 11 Downing Street. The political commentator Sunder Katwala says Sunak’s story shows “how race and faith diversity is the new normal in British politics”. Nominations for the Conservative Party leader close at 2pm today.
Commissioner says MPs are deeply committed to fundamental standards in public life
Daniel Greenberg, leading Orthodox Jewish lawyer and the next parliamentary commissioner for standards, has spoken optimistically of the deep commitment of the majority of politicians to standards in public life. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 ‘s Sunday programme yesterday, he said that whoever was chosen to lead the country, “everybody wants to see a firm commitment moving forwards to implementing really strong standards underpinning public life”. He believed it was possible to rebuild public trust in politics. “We have a strong system of standards in public life based on principles that everybody can recognise as fundamental – selflessness, integrity, accountability, honesty, openness and leadership”. He said that although there was a focus on conspicuous failures that had occurred, the debate on the standards system proved there was a very deep commitment from all sides of the house from all political parties, to applying these standards in daily life. He explained that there was a principle of accountability underpinning the Commons code of conduct, which had to balance forgiveness and humanity. “Of course, part of religion is forgiveness. But a very important part of religion is accountability. And if people feel that there is no accountability, then they will, of course, feel left out of the system”. Sunday, Radio 4, 34 minutes in >>
Vatican and China extend deal on bishop appointments
The deal between the Vatican and China over the appointment of Catholic bishops has been extended for a further two years. The Associated Press reports that full details of the agreement have never been made public but it means the Pope has the final say in selecting China’s bishops while allowing Chinese authorities input earlier in the process. The deal has caused controversy because of China’s past crackdowns on Christians. The Vatican said it was committed to “constructive dialogue” with China on implementing the accord and in improving bilateral relations “with a view to fostering the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese people”.
Salman Rushdie loses an eye and use of one hand after horrific attack
The author Salman Rushdie, who faced death threats after Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against him over his book The Satanic Verses, has lost sight in one eye and the use of a hand, after an attack on stage in New York. The stabbing attack caused three serious wounds to his neck and 15 more to his chest and body. His book was published in 1989 but immediately condemned as blasphemous, causing worldwide protests. After a period in hiding, he resumed global travel and was knighted for services to literature in 2007. A 24-year-old man is in custody charged with attempted murder and assault.
Vatican behind conference on women in leadership
The Vatican is liaising with Caritas International to organise a two-day conference on women in leadership, in Paris at the end of this week. “The Full Face of Humanity: Women in leadership for a just society”, will bring together experts from 30 countries to explore how women are working for justice, and to consider the sociological and ethical obstacles to their participation in leadership and decision-making at all levels. The agenda includes poverty, violence against women and girls, conflict and peacebuilding, education and grassroots community leadership. The event will be opened with a keynote address by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. It will be livestreamed here.
Church remains a hostile place for many non-white clergy
A study of 12 people from different ethnic backgrounds in the Church of England, says they believe it remains a hostile and unsafe place for many non-white clergy. The study, by Dr Selina Stone from St Mellitus College, says the people interviewed had experienced racism, found church groups unsafe, their ministry was hindered, they were sometimes ignored, all of which led to poor mental health which one described as repeated trauma. In its list of recommendations, the study says local churches, dioceses and the national church must all act to effect change.
Speakers’ Corner Christian preacher wins wrongful arrest case against the Met
The Metropolitan Police has paid £10,000 in damages and apologised to Hatun Tash, a Christian preacher who was wrongly arrested at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park on two occasions. She told The Times that she was a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, and is director of Defend Christ, Critique Islam, regularly involved in public debates. In May last year, she was assaulted, abused and harassed by a group of Muslim men for wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Muhammad on it while taking part in weekly debates at Speakers’ Corner. Police told her to leave and arrested her for breaching the peace. The Christian Legal Centre took up her case arguing wrongful arrest and unlawful imprisonment. Ms Tash has donated her damages payment to the Centre.
Millions read Tibetan Buddhist blogs revealing sexual abuse
Religion Unplugged draws attention to three blogs written by Tibetan Buddhists, who report sexual abuse within their communities. One attracted two million readers but also the anger of his own community which he had to leave. He had warned of the danger of guru worship, which prevented students speaking out. The article quotes the director of Inform, Dr Suzanne Newcombe, saying blogs show how the internet has made it easier for survivors of harmful groups to communicate with each other and this is an antidote to the misuse of spiritual power.
Return of the worship of Roman gods in Italy
Pietas, a religious group in Italy set up to reconstruct the ancient priestly and religious rites of Rome, has built a new temple to Apollo, in the southern city of Taranto. Pietas has recently received formal recognition as a religion, from the Italian state. The website Wildhunt says Pietas has also recently built a further four temples in Italy, though the movement is attracting people worldwide. Temple constructions follow ancient patterns with astrological alignments and an altar, which is at the centre of rituals and spiritual practice.
