Church leaders say government should re-think ‘bitter blow’ of cuts to overseas aid
Leaders from the Baptist, Methodist, Church of Scotland and the United Reformed Church have described the cuts to overseas aid as a bitter blow with devastating impact on lives and livelihoods across the globe. The Government has announced a cut of £6 billion in overseas aid order to boost the defence budget, bringing the spending down to 0.3 per cent of gross national income, down from 0.5 per cent. In a joint statement they say: “While there is a case to be made for increasing defence spending to support Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, that shouldn’t come at the cost of vital humanitarian and development programmes, which play a crucial role in promoting human security around the world. A massively reduced UK aid budget would be experienced as a bitter blow by partners and communities in the global south, especially coming so soon after the devastating USAID cuts. We urge the government to rethink its decision immediately.” The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell has also expressed concern: “Defence and development are not competing priorities; they are complementary. Properly used, development funding helps prevent conflicts, tackle instability, and build a safer, more just world. Cutting aid in this way risks exacerbating the very crises that lead to insecurity.”
Churches and civic groups in Scotland unite against the extreme far right
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, is inviting representatives from key organisations including churches, trades unions, charities and political leaders, to an event in April, to enable them to work together and unite Scotland against the “increasingly extreme far right”. Speaking at a press conference at Bute House, he said the new gathering will be an opportunity to renew public trust in politics and unite Scotland in a common cause – “for democracy and respect.” He referred to a budget vote which “demonstrated that partnership and collaboration are possible”. He said it was time “to draw a line in the sand and set out who we are and what we believe in”. Working together was the only choice for Scotland: “That is why I want to share a new initiative to bring Scotland together in common cause. I want us to work together to agree a common approach to asserting the values of our country, to bringing people together and creating a cohesive society where everyone feels at home”.
The Pope ‘continues to show slight improvement’
On Wednesday evening, the Holy See Press Office provided the following update on Pope Francis’ health: “The Holy Father’s condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours. The mild kidney insufficiency observed in recent days has subsided. A chest CT scan carried out last night showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation. Blood tests conducted today confirmed the improvement seen yesterday. The Holy Father remains on high-flow oxygen therapy but has not experienced any asthma-like respiratory episodes today. Respiratory physiotherapy is continuing. Despite the slight improvement, his prognosis remains guarded. This morning, the Holy Father received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon, he resumed his work.” The Pope’s 2025 Lent message on pilgrimage is here
Catholic bishop of Plymouth position is vacant again
The Catholic bishop named by the Pope as the next Bishop of Plymouth has declined the appointment three months after his installation was mysteriously delayed. The Catholic Herald explains that Auxiliary Bishop Philip Moger of Southwark was due to be installed at Plymouth Cathedral when he announced that the ceremony would not go ahead because concerns of “a personal nature” had been raised. But now he is declining the appointment altogether. He was the second person appointed to the job in a year. The first, Canon Christopher Whitehead, was forced to step aside due to accusations, since proved unfounded.
Christian decline in America ‘levels off‘
Latest data from the Pew Research Centre suggests that the decline in the number of Americans who identify as Christian, is levelling off. The Religious Landscape Study involved questioning around 37,000 people and found 62 per cent of US adults call themselves Christians, a figure that has stayed stable since 2019. Prior to this, the number of Christians fell steeply, from 78 per cent in 2007. The authors cannot tell whether this stability will endure. The survey also found the US remains overwhelmingly spiritual with 83 per cent believing in God or a universal spirit and 86 per cent believing that people have a soul or spirit. About seven in 10 Americans believe in heaven, hell or both. Pew Research study here. Associated Press report here.
Sir Robert Buckland becomes Third Church Estates Commissioner
Former Tory MP Sir Robert Buckland has been appointed the new Third Church Estates Commissioner, becoming chair of the Mission, Pastoral and Church Property Committee, as well as the Bishoprics and Cathedrals Committee. He is from Llanelli, and was a barrister and part time Crown Court judge before becoming MP for South Swindon in 2010, a seat he held until 2024 when he lost to Labour’s Heidi Alexander. During his parliamentary career he rose to become Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. He said he hopes to ensure the church’s “rich history and future mission” is secured for many generations to come.
Holocaust survivor Rose Girone dies aged 113
Rose Girone, the world’s oldest known Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 113. The Jewish Chronicle reports on her long life, from being born in Poland, fleeing Nazi Germany for Shanghai, and surviving financially through her love of knitting, selling items of clothing in the war and opening a knitting shop, which she sold aged 68. Her family moved to America and she spent her last ten years in a nursing home. She leaves her daughter Reha Bennicasa, her daughter’s family, “and countless friends and admirers”.
‘Woodhenge’ ancient ritual wooden circle found in Denmark
The Guardian reports that a timber circle believed to be around 4,000 years old, has been found in Aars, North Jutland, in Denmark. Archaeologists from Vesthimmerlands Museum, came across the wooden posts during an excavation at the site. The area has a diameter of 30 metres and seems related to Stonehenge, probably used for ritual worship of the sun and nature.
Ramadan lights herald global Muslim festival
The lights went on in Regent Street, in the centre of London, last night, to mark the Muslim festival of Ramadan, which starts on Friday 28 February, or Saturday 1 March, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted, and lasts until Sunday 30 March. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, worship and pray, and gather for community meals as the daily fast ends. Associated Press explainer here
RMC Briefing links: Recordings of our briefing on the launch of the British Muslim Network are available via links on our website here
