RE in the national curriculum recognises its ‘critical value in the modern world‘
The decision to place Religious Education in the national curriculum in England, has delighted RE teachers and campaigners who have been seeking improvements for years. The recommendation was made by the government’s curriculum and assessment review, after the panel heard evidence that RE was being taught not very well, and in some cases, not taught at all. One of the panel members, Dr Vanessa Ogden, told a Religion Media Centre briefing, that it was important to have high quality teaching, but there was also a recognition that the subject is “absolutely critical in a modern society, with the global nature of that world, and that of that society that we live in”. She said the transition would be “evolution not revolution” and a “task and finish” group would be set up to consult widely and take the proposal forward. View the briefing again or listen to the podcast via links here.
US Muslim reaction to election of Zohran Mamdani
The Associated Press reports on reaction among American Muslims, to the win of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. An article quotes indicuals and organisations and concludes that many see his victory as a rejection of Islamophobia and proof that New Yorkers chose policies over prejudice. Pakistani American doctor, Bukhtawar Waqas, said, “For the first time in a very long time I feel hope — as a Muslim, as a Democrat, as an American, as an immigrant.” Mamdani, aged 34, said with pride that he was a democratic socialist, campaigning on affordability, promising free buses, free childcare, and a rent freeze. He won about 90 per cent of Muslim voters, who make up roughly 4 per cent of the city’s electorate. Wa’el Alzayat of Emgage Action, an organisation which mobilises Muslim American voters in support of policies that “enable communities to thrive and democracy to flourish”, said the result is “a rebuke to those who stoke fear and spew anti-Muslim bigotry.” Political scientist Youssef Chouhoud called it “a powerful message that Muslims belong in the halls of power.”
Isle of Man Legislative Council votes to remove bishop’s vote
The Isle of Man Legislative Council has voted to remove the Bishop of Sodor and Man’s political vote, but allow them to continue to sit in parliament. The Bishop, currently Tricia Hillas, has had an automatic seat on the Legislative Council for more than a thousand years, and the right to vote in both the council and Tynwald, parliament. But the Constitution Bill 2023 would take away the vote, with one member arguing that “it is about balance and ensuring democracy continues to evolve”. A committee reviewing the implications is reported to have found that the removal of the bishop’s vote would likely lead to the Church of England reconsidering the future of a separate Diocese of Sodor and Man. The proposal must be voted through by the upper chamber on 11 November. BBC report here
Catholic bishop urges Lords to reject decriminalisation of abortion up to birth
Archbishop John Sherrington, the lead Catholic bishop for life issues, has urged the Lords to overturn clause 191 of the Crime and Policing Bill, which would allow women to procure abortions up to birth, without facing criminal prosecution. He said this would “place the health of women at greater risk as well as placing them at risk of coercion, as more women may use abortion pills to perform late-term, ‘DIY’ abortions”. He is supporting Baroness Stroud’s amendment to reinstate in-person medical consultations for women seeking to perform their own abortions, and he is calling for compassionate support and legal protection for pregnant women, mothers and their children.
Sikh celebration in parliament for birthday of founder Guru Nanak
Sikhs across the UK have celebrated the birthday of the tradition’s founder, Guru Nanak, with colourful festivities and processions. In Pakistan, more than 2,100 pilgrims from India were granted visas to attend a 10-day festival, in the first major crossing since clashes in May closed the land border between the two countries. Several Sikh organisations are planning a celebration in parliament on Tuesday 11 November.
Vatican warning to check rise of Madonna cult
A Vatican document on devotion to Mary the mother of Jesus has warned of inappropriate titles for her such as “Co-redemptrix” and “Mediatrix”, when it takes on a meaning that excludes Jesus Christ. Mother of Believers, Spiritual Mother, and Mother of the Faithful ate approved. The document’s key concern is to reaffirm Catholic doctrine that everything in Mary is directed towards the centrality of Christ. Cardinal Victor Fernández warns against “groups and publications that propose a certain dogmatic development and raise doubts among the faithful, including through social media”. The Guardian explains the advice is issued amid the spread of a cult of the Madonna.
Chair of a Bristol Mosque suspended over social media post investigation
Abdul Malik, a Green party Bristol councillor and magistrate, is being investigated by the Charity Commissionand has been suspended as chair of a mosque,after sharing a video on social media from Hamas about the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel. Mr Malik posted on Facebook that he had been “temporarily suspended” as chair of Easton Jamia Masjid while the regulator reviews a “historic social-media matter. He said: “I am confident that the process will conclude fairly and that the facts will speak for themselves”. The BBC reports the Charity Commission saying: “We have an ongoing regulatory compliance case into Easton Jamia Masjid to assess concerns regarding a trustee’s personal use of social media. As part of this case, we can confirm that we have suspended Abdul Malik as a trustee”.
Durham and Bradford Cathedrals report record visitor numbers this year
The Association of English Cathedrals is reporting that there have been record number of visitors at Bradford and Durham this year. At Bradford Cathedral, attendance has more than doubled any previous year, boosted by the city’s UK City of Culture status. A major draw was a “Weaving Stories” project, where visitors helped create a legacy tapestry on a large loom. Other events included the Cathedrals Cycle Relay and New Music Biennial. 2025 has been described as “a truly exceptional year”. Meanwhile, Durham Cathedral saw its highest-ever attendance as almost 30,000 people came to view its Magna Carta exhibition, 40 per cent higher than forecast.
