Church leaders ‘deep concern’ at Christian symbols used in Unite the Kingdom march
The presidents of Churches Together in England, leaders of major Christian denominations, have issued a statement expressing “deep concern” about the symbols and words of Christianity used at the Unite the Kingdom march in London 10 days ago. They say the Christianity on display supported views opposed to the Christian faith. During the march, large wooden crosses were held aloft, but the leaders say the cross of Christ reveals unconditional love and “must never be co-opted to support the messages that breed hostility towards others”. They say a core message of Christianity is a just spirit “which does not demonise the other simply for being other”. The Christian message, they say, “never legitimises rejection, hatred or superiority towards people of other cultures. …We wish to state clearly some of the key messages of our shared faith that are a crucial contribution to the well-being of all people in our lands”. The statement is signed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Bishop Tedroy Powell (Pentecostal), Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson (Free Churches), Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman (Lutheran), and Archbishop Nikitas (Orthodox).
Polly Toynbee: ‘Christian label offers veneer of respectability to tribal racists’
Polly Toynbee, writing in The Guardian, says that church leaders have been too timid in their response to the rise of Christian nationalism in the UK. She says the Church of England, about to choose the next Archbishop of Canterbury, needs “an unhesitating opponent of Christian nationalism”. Any notion that “Britain is well-fortified against American-style extreme evangelism” and that “it couldn’t happen here”, has been shown up by the number of people using Christian symbols on the Unite the Kingdom march. Referring to the 2021 census which showed 46 per cent describe themselves as Christian, and 37 per cent have no religion, she says: “You might think this most secular country is vaccinated against Christian nationalism. But the Christian label offers a veneer of respectability to tribal racists unlikely to fill actual pews, an identity cloak for gut nativists who abhor anyone a bit brown.” Article is here
Tim Farron: ‘Appropriation of Christianity by one political movement is heretical’
Tim Farron, Lib Dem MP known for his Christian faith, told Seen and Unseen: “The appropriation of Christianity by one political movement troubles me. Put boldly, it is heretical. Christ should shape our politics. Our politics should not be shaping our faith”. He suggested that there are two kinds of Christian nationalism. One seeks a clerical state, with laws enforcing Christianity, like a Christian version of some Islamic countries. The other, seen in Tommy Robinson’s marches, treats Christianity as a badge of Englishness, with flags, St George, myths of the past. He said that may stir patriotism, but it isn’t Christianity. He fears that when politics uses faith in this way, with a message that is not delivered lovingly or gently, then opponents of that politics will “shut their ears to the gospel”.
Methodist and URC leaders welcome UK recognition of Palestinian State
Leaders of the Methodist and URC churches have welcomed the UK government’s recognition of the State of Palestine. The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, Rev Richard Andrew and Matthew Forsyth, together with the General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, Rev Dr John Bradbury, say it marks a “significant and welcome shift in British foreign policy.. affirming the Palestinians’ inherent right to self-determination and equal participation in peace talks.” They say the recognition is a “long-overdue acknowledgment” of the peaceful struggle of millions of Palestinians for generations. They urge the use of “every diplomatic channel to secure an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a renewed commitment to a just peace”.
Jewish News: UK recognition of Palestine ‘stabbed Jews in the back’
A Jewish News editorial slams the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state as “an appeasement that would have made even Chamberlain blush”. It says: “Keir Starmer has crossed four unforgivable lines: handed Hamas the propaganda victory it’s craved since 7 October; broken the hearts of the families of 48 hostages still held – alive and dead – in Gaza; stabbed British Jews in the back for political theatre and squandered any leverage this country still had in bringing both sides towards negotiation”. Editorial is here
Pope Leo’s regular calls to the parish priest in Gaza
Pope Leo has continued the actions of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by staying in regular contact with Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. As the conflict escalates, he has reportedly assured the parish “of his concern, closeness, and prayers”. His most recent call followed an Israeli ground offensive which forced thousands to move south, while 450 people were still finding shelter in the church. Fr Romanelli told the Pope that the parish distributes food and water, keeps the pharmacy open, and serves children, young people, the elderly and sick. He regularly posts recordings of liturgy and words of hope on his social media channels. Pope Francis used to call Fr Romanelli every evening. Pope Leo has spoken to him several times, which Fr Romanelli said was a great joy and blessing.
CofE report recommends more support for ‘flying bishops’
A Church of England report recommends that more support should be given to the “flying bishops” who look after parishes which have opted out of the mainstream over objections to women priests. The report, by Canon Maggie Swinson, said the workload of the Bishop of Beverley, Stephen Race, who looks after mainly traditional catholic churches in the north, had increased after the retirement of another bishop who supported him. And the workload of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Rob Munro, who looks after evangelical churches all over the country, was unsustainable, with more parishes wanting his oversight and a structure which means he has no deputy and travels hundreds of miles. The report recommends extra support for both bishops, not necessarily by other bishops, while long term solutions are found. Women and the Church (WATCH) is campaigning for equality for women and urging a date be set for when arrangements for objectors come to an end.
US National Religious Broadcasters reaffirm free speech after Kimmel
The American National Religious Broadcasters group, whose members are Christians in the industry, has issued a statement “reaffirming freedom of speech as the cornerstone of American democracy.” This follows the suspension of TV presenter Jimmy Kimmel for comments about Charlie Kirk, and subsequent remarks by the Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr, who said broadcasters “can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.” The NRB president, Troy A. Miller, said “The strength of our democratic republic lies in its openness to diverse voices in the public square, and the government is responsible for allowing space for civil disagreement”. Jimmy Kimmel was due to return to the screen late last night after his suspension was lifted.
Charlie Kirk’s fervent memorial service ‘astounding impact’
In the United States, religious leaders have viewed the evangelical fervour at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, as an event which is galvanising people to become Christians and more engaged in church. The Associated Press has gauged reaction, starting with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, who told Fox and Friends: “This guy is a modern day St. Paul. He was a missionary, he’s an evangelist, he’s a hero. He’s one I think that knows what Jesus meant when he said, ‘The truth will set you free.’” The Rev Robert Jeffress, Trump ally from a Southern Baptist megachurch in Dallas, said: “The short-term impact of Kirk’s murder is astounding. Whether this genuine emotion translates into long-term change is yet to be determined, but I pray that it does.” AP quotes David Gibson of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University in New York, cautioning: “Past and current data show that revival is not really happening, and if there is any uptick it likely will not last”. He suggested the likely impact would be to continue to change the nature of American Christianity by making it more conservative politically. Article is here
AI generated versions of Charlie Kirk in heaven are going viral
The Religion News Service reports that AI-generated versions of the conservative Christian political campaigner, Charlie Kirk, are being shown to congregations and going viral online. In one, his AI cloned voice told the story of what happened to him on his final day and encouraged the viewer to engage in a spiritual battle and “get back in the fight”. In others, he is pictured meeting Jesus, or knocking at heaven’s door, or looking into the camera while soft piano music plays, saying: “I’m Charlie. My faith cost me my life, but now I stand forever in glory”. The article concludes that they are a form of catharsis, with grieving fans weeping as they view the films. Article is here.
