Pope Francis praises humility of predecessor who resigned
Twenty new cardinals were created at a consistory ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, bringing the number of cardinals created by Pope Francis to 83, of the total 132 who are under 80 and able to vote for the next Pope. The move is regarded as enhancing the power of his appointees to elect his successor, amid suggestions that Francis, like his immediate predecessor Benedict, is considering retiring due to ill health rather than carry on until the end of his life. The speculation was further fuelled by his visit to L’Aquila, the burial place of Pope Celestine V, who resigned in 1294 to return to life as a hermit and whom Pope Francis praised for his humility in relinquishing power.
Cardinals include one from England, a Dalit and a missionary to Mongolia
The Associated Press reports that among the new cardinals is Archbishop Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, India, the first member of the Dalit community, considered the lowest rung of India’s caste system, to become a cardinal; San Diego Bishop Robert Walter McElroy, who opposed a campaign to deny communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights; an Italian missionary in Mongolia, Giorgio Marengo; and Archbishop Arthur Roche. the former Bishop of Leeds and Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. His appointment, as Christopher Lamb reports, brings the number of cardinals from England to three, for the first time since the end of the 19th century.
Campaigners for women’s ordination arrested in Rome
The cardinals met for a two day meeting discussing proposed reforms to the Vatican which would give laity positions of responsibility, not just clerics. It would also elevate the roles of the departments dealing with sex abuse and charitable work. The reforms are in line with the spirit of openness to ideas from the whole church in the synodical process, involving discussions in every parish at every level. In Britain and Ireland, that process has led to a universal call for women to be recognised more and outside the meeting in Rome, campaigners for women’s ordination, with banners on cardinal red umbrellas, were arrested, apparently for having not received prior permission to protest. They were eventually freed by police.
Young people seeking spirituality pray more than older generation
A survey commissioned by the Church of England has found that young people under 34 pray more than older people aged over 55. Compiled by Savanta ComRes from 2073 people, the data shows 56 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds say they have prayed, compared to 41 per cent of older people. The Rev Dr Stephen Hance explained while younger people may be under-represented in church, this isn’t indicative of a lack of interest in faith. In an uncertain world, they are exploring spirituality and find that prayer makes sense to people “in an age when mindfulness and meditation are more popular than ever”.
Plea for religion to be a specialism in every sociology department
A report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences indicates that the study of religion has plummeted in the last ten years, with around 40 per cent fewer students graduating. The graph indicates that the study of computer science and science subjects that lead to specialised careers have risen rapidly. American academics have responded on social media saying academic job adverts don’t include religion as a category. Professor Sam Perry, University of Oklahoma, says: “Every sociology department should have at least one prof who studies/teaches religion. Not just someone who ALSO does religion. A sociologist of religion. If you lack that, treat it like you would if you lacked a race or gender scholar”.
Turkish pop star jailed for a “ joke” about religious schools
The Turkish pop star Gülşen has been arrested and held in custody awaiting trial, accused of inciting hatred and enmity over a joke she made about Turkey’s religious schools at a concert in April. The Associated Press reports that a film on social media shows her joking that one of her musician’s perversion stemmed from attending a religious school. It resulted in a campaign calling for her arrest, but now there is outrage that this was done. She has offended Muslims in the past for supporting LGBTQ rights and wearing revealing clothes on stage. The arrest has been defended by the Justice and Development party, AKP, which has many members who graduated from Islamic religious schools. AP says: “The number of religious schools in Turkey has increased under Erdoğan, who has promised to raise a “pious generation”.
Kindertransport “Purbeck Schindler” hero honoured
Latin teacher, Trevor Chadwick, who helped to bring hundreds of Jewish children to safety in England from the Nazis, has been recognised by a life size statue in his home town, Swanage, in Dorset. Known as the “Purbeck Schindler”, he worked with Sir Nicholas Winton to smuggle 669 Jewish children out of Czechoslovakia before the start of World War Two, by helping to forge exit passes. He was among a group of six people who organised eight trains for children to escape, but his war efforts remained private until a fund raising campaign began three years ago, to honour his place in history. Story and pic here
What happened at Greenbelt?
After two years of cancelled festivals, the Greenbelt Festival, “artistry, activism and belief”, returned to Boughton House near Kettering with a full programme enjoyed by nearly 12,000 punters. Under largely blue skies, Greenbelt’s usual concerns around refugees, poverty and inclusion were headlined – not surprisingly – by a hard-hitting punch around the climate crisis with the theme “Wake Up”. Paul Northup, Creative Director, Greenbelt Festival, said: “We wanted a theme for 2022 that was simple, direct and full of energy and hope. Something that would well and truly shake us from our slumber”. The poet and polymath Kae Tempest topped the performance bill but there were other high profile names sharing their insight and wisdom at the festival including two notable atheists Richard Dawkins and Brian Eno. Theological balance was maintained with the likes of Rowan Williams, Brian McLaren and GB regular John Bell. The organisers were as ever keen to keep the mix eclectic and surprising with music performances from the Menstral Cramps and Jeremy Loops alongside the energetic House Gospel Choir and the rising rap star Guvna B while a strong speaker line up included social commentator Paul Mason, award winning children’s author Onjali Rauf, Reni Eddo Lodge the author of Why I no Longer talk to White People about Race and the soul baring US pastor Nadia Bolz Weber. 2023 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Greenbelt and will begin a day earlier on Thursday, for the first time, ending on Bank Holiday Monday.
