Mikhail Gorbachev, agent of change for political and religious freedom
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union who has died aged 91, is remembered for his policy of openness, “glasnost”, unleashing repressed forces which, according to the UN Secretary General, “changed the course of history”. New freedoms led to the fall of the Berlin wall, the end of the cold war and eventually the collapse of the Soviet Empire. He was lauded by the west and awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1990, for promoting international trust. His reforms to religious organisations in the Soviet Union guaranteed freedom of worship, forbade the government from interfering in religious activities and ended the policy of officially backed atheism. This led to rumours that he was a Christian, further embellished by his visit to the tomb of St Francis of Assisi. He felt compelled to deny the rumours, admitting to being baptised as a child but confirming his atheism.
Islamic Relief bringing humanitarian aid to victims of Pakistan floods
Islamic Relief is appealing for funds to provide humanitarian aid for more than 33 million people in Pakistan who have been affected by the floods which have devastated one third of the country. More than 1,000 people have died, 700,000 homes have been destroyed and millions have lost everything – their homes, livelihoods, all their possessions. Many are stranded in remote areas after bridges were swept away and there is an international effort to provide shelter, food and water. The Director of Islamic Relief, Tufail Hussain, has held meetings with the High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, to assess the need. Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West and an ambassador for the charity, has gone to Pakistan to support the aid effort, saying the Pakistan diaspora community in the UK is extremely concerned for family members.
Pope’s clear and unequivocal condemnation of war in Ukraine
The Pope has issued a sharp condemnation of Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying it is morally unjust and sacrilegious. His words are in response to criticism of his recent comments on the car bomb in Russia which killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of a right wing politician, whom he described as a “poor girl”. Ukraine had summoned the top papal diplomat to complain. A Vatican statement said the Pope’s words were about human life and not a political position: “As for the war of wide dimensions in Ukraine, begun by the Russian Federation, the interventions of the Holy Father Francis are clear and unequivocal condemning it as morally unjust, unacceptable, barbaric, senseless, repugnant and sacrilegious.”
Architectural watchdog criticises Church of Scotland over church closure programme
The Times reports that the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland is “extremely concerned” about the Church of Scotland’s plans to close churches, many of which are of ancient historic value. The church’s general assembly has instructed presbyteries to make recommendations on the use of buildings over the next five years, as congregations fall and costs of upkeep increase. The Times reports those at risk include a church linked to Robert the Bruce on the banks of Loch Lomond, a church in Fife approaching its 900th anniversary and a 15th-century kirk in North Ayrshire. The Society says it is the responsibility of owners to maintain buildings and give them a useful future and it is concerned “that there appears to be no coherent strategy for dealing with the closures and communicating with the public on proposals at an early stage.” The church acknowledges churches have meaning to local communities and decisions will be difficult.
Remains of Jewish victims of medieval pogrom discovered in Norwich
Human remains from 800 years ago discovered in a Norwich well, have been identified as Ashkenazi Jews who were probably victims of a medieval pogrom. Researchers writing in Current Biology used DNA, analysis of the bones, carbon dating and evidence of associated pottery to conclude their date and that they were probably victims of murder, as there was no evidence of disease. The Guardian reports that the finding is consistent with an antisemitic massacre in Norwich in AD1190, detailed by the chronicler Ralph de Diceto.
