Church Pastoral Aid Society issues unambiguous statement on same sex relationships
Nine trustees of the Church Pastoral Aid Society, an evangelical Church of England organisation founded in 1836, have endorsed the Evangelical Alliance’s unambiguous ten point affirmation against same sex relationships. It says they do not support same-sex partnerships or the ministry of clergy in same sex relationships, they oppose services of blessing for civil partnerships and same sex relationships as unbiblical, they affirm marriage is between one man and one woman, and support “pastoral support” for conflicted Christians: “We welcome and support the work of those individuals and organisations who responsibly seek to help Christians who experience same-sex attraction as in conflict with their commitment to live in accordance with biblical teaching. This help will involve counsel and pastoral support to live a chaste life and, as part of this process, some may seek and experience changes in the strength or direction of their same-sex attractions”. This comment and the overall statement has drawn criticism from other Anglicans, including evangelicals who belong to inclusive churches, have a different understanding of the Bible and are against conversion therapy. The Church of England’s parishes have patrons, including individuals and organisations, who have the power to appoint clergy. CPAS has the patronage of more than 690 churches, a number surpassed only by the Crown, and aims to appoint “evangelical leaders commmitted to mission”.
International survey finds widespread belief that religion does more harm than good
A survey of people in seven countries has found that half believe religion does more harm than good, and this view is shared by one third of people who claim to be religious or spiritual. The survey funded by the Templeton Religion Trust, was led by Professor Fern Elsdon-Baker from Birmingham University and conducted in the UK, the USA, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany and Spain, with 2,000 people questioned in each country. Another finding was that a majority think religious people find it hard to accept evolution, despite the fact that this is a well-established conclusion among all those surveyed. There was doubt however, about whether science alone can explain human consciousness. The survey results are here
London lawyer enlisted in campaign to save Ukraine Orthodox Church
An international lawyer based in London has been engaged by the Ukraine Orthodox Church in a campaign to prevent it being banned by the Ukraine government because of its alleged links with Russia. Robert Amsterdam, of Amsterdam and Partners LLP, has written to Rishi Sunak, President Joe Biden, and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, urging them to tell President Zelensky to stop the move which may come up for a vote in parliament his month. The Orthodox Church in Ukraine was affiliated to the Russian Orthodox in Moscow until a split in 2018, when a new Ukraine branch was formed owing allegiance to the patriarch in Constantinople. The split widened after the invasion when Patriarch Kirill in Moscow supported Putin’s war effort. Mr Amsterdam said leaders of the Ukraine Orthodox Church have faced “harassment, intimidation, sanctions and imprisonment”, but it has declared independence from Moscow and has played “a vital role in supporting the country’s efforts in the war”. He says attacks on the church are a violation of the freedom of religion guaranteed by international human rights law and the Ukrainian Constitution. Mr Amsterdam is banned from Russia after representing various opponents and fierce critics of President Putin. News of his campaign came via the PR company Media Intelligence Partners.
US nuns take legal action against gun manufacturer over mass shootings
Catholic nuns in America are taking legal action against the gun manufacturer Smith and Wesson, after 650 people were killed in 2023 in mass shooting incidents in the States. The Catholic News Agency reports that the nuns own 1,000 shares in the company, which they have accused of participating in illegal marketing tactics that attract a dangerous category of consumers and facilitate “an unrelenting and growing stream of killings.” They are particularly concerned at the manufacture of AR-15 rifles, which have been used in several recent mass shootings. Their lawyer, Jeffrey Norton, told BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme that any group with 1000 shares would have some power, but this was enhanced because the complainants are nuns.
Churches become islands in widespread floods
Several churches have been pictured flooded and unable to hold services yesterday. Premier Christian News pictures All Saints Church in South Wingfield surrounded by water. It has been closed because of flooding since last October and this time the rising water has damaged the church hall and organ, which will have to be replaced. Your Herefordshire reports that Bodenham Church and Marden Church have flooded after the river Lugg burst its banks and a volunteer is pictured in a valiant effort brushing water from the floor.
