Search begins for new Archbishop of Canterbury
The final three members of the commission to appoint the next Archbishop of Canterbury have been announced. The selection of the Rev Estella Last, David Berry and Sally-Ann Marks, who represent the diocese of Canterbury, followed a dispute over process. This completes the membership of the Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission, which will convene for its first meeting this month, followed by at least two further meetings, with the announcement of the next archbishop expected this autumn. It had been expected members would meet three times this year and its decision would be announced by Christmas. The full list of members is here.
Muslim holy sanctuary in Jerusalem ‘desecrated by Israel’
The Muslim Council of Britain has condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the annual “flag march” that drew tens of thousands of people, chanting and dancing in Jerusalem, marking Israel’s conquest of the eastern part of the city in the 1967 Six-Day War. The national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, visited the mosque compound, a flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, accompanied by government officials, Knesset members, and more than 1,500 “extremist settlers”. The MCB said: “Israel’s desecration of Islam’s third holiest sanctuary while conducting genocide in Gaza proves it is a rogue state that must face the full force of international law. No civilised nation can continue business as usual with a regime that violates the most sacred principles of humanity. Enough is enough.” Full statement here.
UK Quakers say: Attacks on Gaza are genocide
The Quakers have become the first British church to state their belief that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza. A statement from their annual meeting at the weekend says: “Radical peace-making requires us to engage with and to acknowledge truth in all its discomfort, complexity and cruelty. Since [last year], we have watched with horror as the Israeli government has deepened its collective punishment of Palestinians for the heinous, unjustified crimes of Hamas on 7 October 2023 … Guided by the testimony and judgment of Palestinians, Israelis, and genocide and legal experts … we are therefore led to say that we believe that genocide and mass displacement are under way in the actions of the Israeli government and its military towards the population of Gaza.” Full statement here.
New Liverpool archbishop offers prayers for parade victims
John Sherrington was installed as the new Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool yesterday and offered prayers for all those injured when a car crashed into people celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory. More than 50 people were injured. “The shadow of the tragic and appalling events of last night hang over the city this morning,” he said in his homily at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. “The joy of the day has turned to deep sadness and many families are affected by the trauma of the events.” Churches Together in Merseyside has also sent a message of support that urges people to “come together as a community” and, while remembering those who were hurt in the incident, to acknowledge “our city will always be defined by all that this parade was intended to epitomise”.
London bishop promoted to archbishop in Australia
Dr Ric Thorpe, the Anglican Bishop of Islington in the Diocese of London, has been elected Archbishop of Melbourne in Australia. Three other candidates, all from Melbourne diocese, were eliminated in two rounds of voting by a board of elected clergy and lay representatives. Dr Thorpe, who works primarily in church-planting across the Church of England, was ordained priest in 1997. He served at Holy Trinity, Brompton, until 2005 then in Shadwell and Bromley by Bow, until his consecration in 2015. Church Times report here.
Spectator owner challenges Musk
Sir Paul Marshall, an evangelical Christian and British media owner, has called on Elon Musk and other social media platforms to publish their algorithms and to become more accountable. Sir Paul, owner of The Spectator magazine and an investor in GB News, called on the Big Tech platforms to make big changes to the way they operated. In a lecture at Oxford University, he said: “Social media platforms like X, Bluesky or Meta should be required to publish all the algorithms that they use to analyse or influence our preferences. Elon Musk believes in open source and transparency for manufacturing. He should do the same for X.”
Bishop calls for rethink on migrants
A senior Catholic bishop has urged the UK government to rethink its plans to reorganise immigration laws in the UK. Paul McAleenan, lead bishop for migrants and refugees for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, says the proposed Home Office proposals will hit low-skilled workers the hardest. “The essential work carried out every day by people in low-paid, low-skilled roles must be recognised and valued,” he said. “Without their contribution, dedication and hard work, our hospitals, schools, and care homes might not be able to function.” Report in The Tablet here.
Number 10 shirt for sporty Pope
Sports fan Pope Leo XIV met Italian football champions Napoli at a private audience in the Apostolic Palace and was presented with a signed number 10 shirt with his name on it. Film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis, who made the presentation and is president of the Napoli team, introduced the Pope to national and Napoli coach Antonio Conte, who was described as “profoundly Catholic” and “someone who believes in God very attentively”. The Pope is known to enjoy tennis and to support the Chicago White Sox baseball team. AP report here.
