Thailand deports Uyghurs back to China
The Telegraph reports that Thailand has forcibly deported around 40 Uyghur asylum seekers back to China. The report says that China is pressuring countries to repatriate Uyghur men and women who had fled from persecution. Thai police have confirmed the deportations were requested by the Chinese government. Thousands fled to Thailand in 2013 -2014, hundreds have since been detained – some for 11 years, and many have been returned to China since then. A Thai government spokesperson said they had been assured by China that the Uyghur men deported would be well looked after. The Campaign for Uyghurs says the Thailand govenrment should stop deportations. Amnesty International says the repatriation is “unimaginably cruel”.
Moon watchers prepare for the start of Ramadan
Ramadan may begin in the UK today, depending on whether the new crescent moon has been sighted. HM Nautical Almanac Office suggests it might be visible using small telescopes today when sunset is 17:40, and Moonset is 18:29. But it will be easily seen tomorrow, 1 March, when sunset is 17:41 and moonset is 19:58. The advice is to look towards the setting sun on the western horizon and the moon appears nearby. This moonsighting website lists expected timings of sightings across the world and expplains how to prove it when it has been seen. The start date in the UK will be confirmed by 8pm this evening.
Jagtar Singh Johal faces 150th trial hearing today in India
Jagtar Singh Johal, aged 37 from Dumbarton, who has been in prison in India for seven years on terrorism charges, though never convicted, is expected to face his 150th trial hearing today. The Sikh Federation says it is hopeful he will be released, following talks between the Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Johal’s family. Johal was arrested in Punjab in November 2017, weeks after his wedding there.
89 per cent of Jewish university students encounter antisemitism
A survey by the University Jewish Chaplaincy has found that Jewish chaplains are providing frontline support for students facing antisemitism on campus as universities fail to offer adequate welfare services. The Jewish Chronicle reports that 89 per cent of Jewish students have encountered antisemitism at university, including being physically attacked, verbally abused, or made to feel unsafe. But only 24 per cent felt supported by institution and 94 per cent said they felt supported by chaplains.
Serious safeguarding concerns at Bangor Cathedral
The Archbishop of Wales, Andy John, has ordered a visitation into Bangor Cathedral after safeguarding concerns he describes as serious and requiring urgent attention. His letter to canons at the Cathedral was leaked to Nation Cymru and reported by the Church Times. A serious incident referral has been made to the Charity Commissioners alongside the visitation, which will focus attention on the quality of life, faith, discipline, behaviour and culture of the Cathedral. Another safeguarding review has been undertaken by the safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight. The details of the safeguarding concerns are not known.
Review into abuse by the former Bishop of Swansea
Separately, the Church in Wales has issued a statement giving further details of another review into how the church handled allegations against Anthony Pierce, who was Bishop of Swansea and Brecon from 1999 until 2008. He has admitted five counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 and will be sentenced on 7 March. The review will look at how an allegation received in 1993 was not passed to police until 2010.
Pope Francis continues to improve
The Vatican’s latest bulletin on the health of Pope Francis, says he is improving and in good spirits, after two weeks at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he is being treated for bilateral pneumonia. It says: “He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask. Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis. In the morning, the Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest. In the afternoon, after an additional physiotherapy session, he spent time in prayer in the chapel of his private apartment on the 10th floor, where he received the Eucharist. He then engaged in work activities”. He is said to have slept well, got out of bed, and continued treatment in his armchair.
Catholic Archbishop of Washington calls for compassion for migrants
The next Archbishop of Washington DC, Cardinal Robert McElroy, has called for compassion and dignity for migrants. McElroy is considered one of the more progressive bishops and an ally of Pope Francis and said that the church has a duty to speak out on moral issues in the light of faith. Speaking at a news conference in San Diego, where he has served as bishop for over ten years, he said he was concerned at legislation making it possible for enforcement officers to raid churches looking for illegal immigrants and revealed that Pope Francis has broached the topic of the border in nearly every conversation they had. Associated Press report here
‘Greater transparency required’ for Ap of Canterbury appointments board
The complicated bureaucracy involved in assembling the committee which will select the next Archbishop of Canterbury, has been examined in detail by the Rev Dr Andrew Goddard, tutor in Christian ethics and member of the Church of England Evangelical Council. In a blog, he says only six of the 17 people who will serve on the Crown Nominations Commission are known. He queries the process for elections being held for the Canterbury diocesan representatives and calculates that the Commission may include 8 to 10 women, between 7 and 9 lay people and possibly as many members from the Diocese of London as from the Diocese of Canterbury. He appeals for “greater transparency and fuller explanations about the processes leading to their selection for this important role is really necessary, ideally before their names are made public”. (CEEC) and was a member of the Co-Ordinating Group of LLF and the 2023 subgroup looking at Pastoral Guidance.
Guardian seeks input on how faith affects politics and attitudes to the environment
The Guardian is asking people to be interviewed on how faith influences their political views, particularly when it comes to the environment. Its community team wants to know how spiritual values align or clash with mainstream political narratives on environmentalism. Further details here
Drugs and alcohol used in worship of the Egyptian god “Bes”
Archaeologists have found traces of alcohol, honey, medicinal substances, drugs and human fluids in a cup used in rituals honouring “Bes”, the ancient Egyptian god of sensual pleasures. Bes cups have a carving of the god and have been found in many “Bes chambers”, in locations south of Cairo. The scientific analysis of this cup, found in a museum in Tampa, Florida, suggests it may have been used in the re-enactment of an Egyptian myth, or as a means to induce dreams, a practice widespread in temples of the Hellenistic world. Wild Hunt story here.
