Church of England LGBTQ campaigners to meet bishops at Lambeth Palace
Eight progressive Church of England groups are meeting bishops at Lambeth Palace today, as part of the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) consultation, which is seeking to create a common understanding on LGBTQ issues among opposing parties in the church. Colin Coward, from the Changing Attitudes group, disclosed in a blog that the groups were his own, the General Synod Gender and Sexuality Group, Inclusive Church, OneBodyOneFaith, MOSAIC, Diverse Church, Equal and the Ozanne Foundation. The bishops include London, Ripon, Fulham and Warrington. Colin Coward says the meetings are “the first time bishops have met corporately with representatives of inclusive and LGBTQIA+ organisations ever”. LLF says the aim of the meetings is to make sure people feel heard, and for the groups to set out their hopes and concerns. The debate on same sex relationships has been going on in the CofE since the 1980s and the LLF consultation began in 2017 when same sex marriage was proving divisive. It has involved churches across England studying literature and holding discussion meetings, listening to opposing views to try to find common ground so people with different views can stay in the same church. The General Synod will vote in February on how to move forward.
Ethical human principles should govern big tech companies
The Church of England’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group has issued a report saying the CofE wishes to be at the forefront of responsible investment in “big tech”, but requires companies to commit to four ethical concerns. They should be transparent about impact on individuals and society; give users power over the way data is collected and used; protect children and have the aim of using their technology for the common good of society. The Bishop of Manchester David Walker, said, in short, technology companies working with artificial intelligence should take a human-centred approach.
Malala calls for fair representation of Muslims in top Hollywood roles
Malala Yousafzai, the famed Nobel peace prize winner, has highlighted the fact that only four per cent of Hollywood film actors are Asian and one per cent of US television show actors are Muslim, whereas they make up 25 per cent of the population. Eastern Eye reports that she was speaking at Variety’s Power of Women event outlining her plans to tell stories of under-represented people. She founded and co-leads the production company Extracurricular, which has struck a multi-year programming deal with Apple TV+.
NGOs hold conference on state sponsored Islamophobia across Europe
Muslim NGOs from 57 European states are meeting in Warsaw for a conference highlighting “state sponsored Islamophobia” across Europe. The Middle East Eye says the Human Dimension Conference of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe will discuss the “systematic suppression of Muslim civil society across the continent”. A fringe event will say European states have enabled the targeting of Muslim minorities through discriminatory laws and policies. There is criticism of France with Perspectives Musulmanes saying it is pursuing an “Orwellian policy” of Islamophobia, dismantling all free spaces for Muslims. While the Managing Director of CAGE, accuses France of the persecution of Muslims. UK based Lighthouse Advocacy will report unethical financial ties between British higher education institutions and companies complicit in forced Uyghur labour.
Evangelical church groups launch 5D programme to work in communities
Church organisations offering front line support in the community have produced a template for other churches to follow when setting up projects in their local areas. The 5D programme has been written by Simon Hawking and Andy Frost, two evangelical leaders with experience of running community initiatives. It says many needs are physical such as providing food or shelter for the homeless, but others are deeper such as the pain of broken relationships, or of the vulnerable feeling powerless in a broken system. It suggests five steps – discern, discover, dream, design and deliver and says successful initiatives can see communities transformed. For the authors of 5D, the task is evangelistic. They say Christians have an obligation to play a part in the transformation of their community, to be good neighbours – and make disciples.
Hindu festival restores calm and joy in Leicester
The Hindu festival of Navaratri is celebrated this week, to honour the Mother Goddess Durga, associated with strength and protection, from the story that she fought a buffalo demon and restored peace. Navaratri is held at the beginning of autumn. It is Sanskrit for “nine nights” and each day of the festival is linked to the nine different goddess manifestations of Durga, with associated colours for each day, music, dancing, festival food and expensive garments. The festival is in full swing in all major cities including Leicester, the scene of distressing violence in recent weeks. The festival ends on Wednesday 5 October.
