App to attract spiritually curious Gen Z raises $84million investment
A project to invest in the app “Glorify”, offering bible reading and prayers, has raised $84 million. Launched by Henry Costa and Ed Beccle, the app has already achieved 10 million downloads in two years, and has 2.2 million regular users who spend about three hours a day on meditation and prayer. Celebrities, including James Corden, Kris Jenner and Michael Bublé, came to Glorify through investment funds they back. Henry Costa is the son of Ken Costa, banker, Christian philanthropist and chair of Alpha International. The founders say there is a huge untapped market for religion and spirituality among millennials and Generation Z. Read Catherine Pepinster’s report here
Computer game offers chance to be a virtual miracle working Jesus
A computer game “I am Jesus Christ” enabling people to relive Jesus’ life and experience miracles first hand, is coming on the market ready for Christmas. The Telegraph describes it as a “Jesus Christ simulator”, released by developers SimulaM and PlayWay, giving players the chance to turn water into wine, destroy viruses and plagues, cure the sick, walk on water and even die and rise again. The report quotes the Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden saying “the attraction of the gaming videos is that they involve a direct engagement with Jesus”.
Pope John Paul I one step closer to becoming a saint
Pope Francis has beatified John Paul I, the last step before being declared a saint. He was Pope for just 33 days, one of the shortest in history, and died suddenly of a heart attack aged 65. He was known for being happy. The current Pope praised him for his cheerful demeanour, never growing angry or impatient and always smiling.
Sacked chaplain sues CofE and school after sermon on gender and LGBT rights
The chaplain of a private school in Derbyshire, who was sacked and reported to the police after giving a sermon on gender and LGBT rights, is taking legal action against the school and the Church of England. The Rev Dr Bernard Randall, who was employed by Trent College, was told by his diocese that he was a risk to children and may cause them anxiety, after he defended the right to question the school’s LGBT policies. He tells his story on YouTube here and today an employment tribunal starts, where he is claiming £120,000 in damages, suing the Bishop of Derby and Trent College over alleged religious discrimination and is asking to be re-instated. He is backed in his legal case by Christian Concern
Warm bank appeal in Reading
The New Beginnings Christian charity in Berkshire has launched an appeal for £100,000 to fund a 24 hour “warm bank”, offering warmth and shelter to people this winter. It usually works with the homeless but says it is now serving people in work who can’t afford heating. It also offers free hot drinks and soup, and facilities to charge phones or wash clothes.
Bristol Cathedral exhibition on past links to slavery
Bristol Cathedral has launched an exhibition, All God’s Children, exploring its connection to slavery and asking visitors for their views on removing monuments, and how it should mark its history. In 2020 Bristol became the epicentre of the debate in England over memorials to slave traders, when the statue of Edward Colston was toppled into the harbour. The Cathedral is removing the Colston window and undertaking an audit of all memorials to slavery, recognising its past links and deciding how to tell its history.
NUS president suspended for alleged antisemitism
The president of the National Union of Students has been suspended for alleged anti-Semitism. Shaima Dallali, aged 27, stepped aside in April after a tweet she wrote in 2012 was unearthed, saying: “Khaybar Khaybar O Jews… Muhammad’s army will return Gaza”. She apologised and welcomed an investigation but in May, the government cut ties with the NUJ over antisemitism. The Federation of Student Islamic Societies is threatening to launch a disaffiliation campaign against the NUS saying it has a track record of failing to help Muslim students acting in elected positions.
Visit My Mosque event opened doors this weekend
More than one hundred mosques in Britain were opened to the public this weekend for another Visit My Mosques event, organised by the Muslim Council of Britain. It aims to promote engagement between mosques and their diverse local communities. There were visits by police, talks by professors, tours and exhibitions.
