Threat of antisemitism on the rise as the world remembers the Holocaust
Political, civic and religious leaders lit candles on Holocaust Memorial Day to remember the six million Jews killed and those who survived. The memorial day is held on 27 January every year, marking the day that Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated in 1945. Reports from Europe and America warn that antisemitism is on the rise. In London, the night before the memorial day, two Jewish men were violently assaulted in an unprovoked attack outside their shop. In the incident, which was captured on CCTV, they were punched and knocked over and both required hospital treatment. An 18-year-old man has been arrested. Political leaders said it was despicable and appalling and a reminder of the continuing threat of antisemitism.
Faith Action leader warns of government paralysis in Downing Street parties scandal
The National Director of Faith Action, which receives government funding enabling networks of faith-based and community organisations to deliver front line services, has warned that the current row over parties at No 10 during lockdown has led to a paralysis in government. Daniel Singleton told a Religion Media Centre briefing that the distraction meant it was difficult to move on after the pandemic as restrictions are lifted. Developments that had been expected, for example on relationships between the government and faith groups, the “Faith New Deal”, had still not progressed. He said that like the wartime generation, society should be looking over the horizon to build a new society fit for the heroes of the Covid pandemic, but the question was whether there was the political will to invest. Watch the briefing on values in public life, on our YouTube channel
Methodist church highlights forgotten atrocities in Myanmar
The Methodist church in Britain is calling attention to atrocities in Myanmar reported by their partners. Stories include civilians tortured, jailed and burnt alive by the military; a whole village burnt to the ground and camps for displaced people raided and shelters destroyed; and hospitals and medical centres which have stopped functioning. Steve Hucklesby, policy adviser to the Joint Public Issues Team representing four denominations on public affairs, said the situation was not receiving media attention in the West. Churches in the UK are in constant communication with church partners in Myanmar, where the people want an end to the bloodshed. He says a ceasefire is desperately needed and they appeal to the UK government to work diplomatically to isolate the regime and support dialogue to end the suffering.
Archbishop of Munich vows to push for reforms after sex abuse ‘disaster‘
The Archbishop of Munich, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, has described the recent report into sexual abuse, which identified 497 victims and 235 perpetrators, as a disaster. He was criticised for failures in handling two cases and in June last year offered to resign, but this was rejected by the Pope. The Associated Press reports that the cardinal told a news conference he renewed his apologies to victims, the faithful and parishes where perpetrators were sent. He would stay in his job to push forward reforms, but if his role became a hindrance, he would once more discuss his future.
Christian charity’s campaign for 10 items of clothing in March
Tear Fund has launched a campaign for people to wear only 10 items of clothing in March, to highlight the way the “fast fashion” industry is harming the planet. People are encouraged to be sponsored for taking part in “The Great Fashion Fast” raising money for a fund which goes towards people whose livelihoods and lives are at risk from flooding and more extreme weather. It is part of the charity’s wider climate change campaign.
Crystals, meditation and healing classes for children in Hartlepool
Gina Pontoni, a jazz singer and white witch, has started magical classes for children under 16 in Hartlepool, to learn about crystals, meditation, healing and positive thinking. She opened “Gina’s Coven” in the town last year, selling crystals, incense, dream-catchers, crystal balls and tarot cards. Her business boomed despite the lockdowns, with 170 witches on her books and a thriving business online for tarot readings. Forty children have already been signed up for the course. Hartlepool Mail story here
