First UK sightings of new crescent moon reported in Yorkshire
British Muslim moonwatchers have reported sightings of the new crescent moon in York and Dewsbury, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This sighting determines the date of Eid-ul-Adha, which will be celebrated 10 days later, on Friday 6 June. Despite cloudy conditions, observers from the New Crescent Society confirmed that the UK is among the first countries in the world to sight the crescent moon with the naked eye this year — a significant moment for British Muslims. Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the story of the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (Ishmael) in obedience to God’s command. The festival emphasises themes of faith, obedience, and charity, and is marked by prayer, the sacrifice of animals, and community sharing of food and resources. Read Maira Butt’s fact file on the story and customs around Eid-ul-Adha here. And another article on the work of the New Crescent Society is here
Charity Commission acts against East London Mosque Trust
The Charity Commission has taken regulatory action against East London Mosque Trust for failing to responsibly manage charity funds. In a statement, it says: “The Commission has issued an Official Warning to East London Mosque Trust over an investment deal which resulted in the loss of £1 million. The regulator found trustees failed to have sufficient oversight of the charity’s activities and it has given the charity six months to take remedial action or possibly face further regulatory scrutiny. The charity had invested £1 million in an NHS-approved supplier, expecting a 20 per cent return in six months, but the supplier was forced into administration, resulting in a loss for the charity. The charity’s trustees reported the matter to the Commission in February 2023, which the regulator reviewed as part of wider engagement with the charity. The Commission found the charity’s due diligence regarding the investment deal was not thorough enough. The regulator is also critical of the trustees’ lack of effective oversight and failure to properly scrutinise key documents concerning the investment”. The East London Mosque Trust has existed in some form since 1910, and the mosque is considered one of London’s oldest.
Stamford Hill office vandalised by Palestine Action in ‘disturbing antisemitic incident’
The group Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for an attack on the office of a property company in Stamford Hill, known for its large strict Orthodox Haredi Jewish community. Writing on Twitter / X , Palestine Action said that it targeted “the London-based landlords of Kent’s Elbit weapons factory, Instro Precision.” CCTV filmed three people smashing windows, attacking computers and furniture, and daubing red paint on the front of the office and the pavement outside, with the words “Drop Elbit” – an apparent reference to the weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, which has a factory in Kent. Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of the Shomrim security organisation, who is from Stamford Hill, said it was traumatic and “a very disturbing antisemitic incident”. He told the Jewish Chronicle that the people who run the business are Jewish but have nothing to do with Israel.
Evidence concludes in central London Quran burning case
The Press Association has reported on the second day of the case involving Hamit Coskun, aged 50, who burned a Quran outside the Turkish Consulate in central London in February and is on trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. He denies a religiously aggravated public order offence and an alternative charge of using disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Katy Thorne KC, defending, told the court: “However offensive Muslims may find the behaviour and beliefs of the defendant, he’s entitled to have them, he’s entitled to express them.” Prosecutor Philip McGhee said Mr Coskun’s argument that he was using the right to protest, was a “shield” for a “hostility” towards Islam. District Judge John McGarva will give the verdict at the same court on Monday.
Church of Scotland ‘tipping point’ of viability
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has discussed a “financial, ministerial, congregational, and denominational crisis”, which could result in the abolition of lifelong tenure for clergy. The Assembly’s recent debate is covered by the Church Times, which details the annual report of the Assembly Trustees warning that the Church is “at a tipping point in terms of its financial viability”, with a “retirement timebomb”, declining congregations and dwindling resources.
Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders is new Bishop of Doncaster
The next CofE Bishop of Doncaster is the Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, currently Vicar of Lancaster at Lancaster Priory. She has also served as Canon Precentor at Wakefield Cathedral and held parish roles in the dioceses of Southwell and Nottingham, Lichfield, and Newcastle. She is a musician and is chair of On Fire Mission, promoting charismatic and Catholic renewal in the Church of England.
Christian leaders from 29 countries discuss role of faith in healthcare
Global leaders from 29 countries will meet in Washington DC next week, for a conference on the role of faith organisations in delivering care and services. Organised by Christian Connections for International Health, with the theme Change Agents for All, the conference will bring together health professions from Africa, Asia and the US, addressing how global instability affects health systems, methods of building resilience in healthcare and how Christians should respond to the challenges.
Revised pre-US Civil War “Sacred Harp” hymn book keeps American folk tradition alive
A new edition of the 180-year-old song book “The Sacred Harp” is being edited and published in the US, according to a report from the Associated Press. The hymnal was first published in 1844, before the American civil war, and introduces songs embedded in American folk tradition of four-part a cappella harmony. The music continues to be sung by the Georgia based Sacred Harp Singers, who treasure their ancient family copies where notes are shaped as triangles, ovals, squares and diamonds. They are keeping alive memories of songs sung by grandparents going back several generations. There is a nine-member revision committee within the Sacred Harp publishing company, which aims to produce “a renewal, not a reprint”, for publication in September at the annual convention of the United Sacred Harp Musical Association in Atlanta. Report is here
