Government reaffirms commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief
The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, says the UK is making a new commitment to the centrality of FoRB in foreign policy, In a speech at the Foreign Office, he outlined five core strands in the government’s approach to this work. He said the government believes that countries which respect FoRB are more stable, secure and prosperous and it is seeking to reduce the number of countries which curtail this freedom. Its five core strands include working with international bodies to achieve common goals, focussing on individual countries with the greatest need, strengthening international coalitions, ensuring FoRB work is “mainstreamed” in the work of the Foreign Office, and creating a stronger and wider engagement with civil society and human rights champions.
Charity Commission inquiry into Holy Trinity, Micklegate
The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity with St. John, Micklegate and St. Martin Cum Gregory, York. In a statement, the Commission says that the charity, whose working name is Holy Trinity Micklegate PCC, is a Church of England parish church situated in York city centre and was registered with the Commission in 2018. “The Commission initially engaged with the charity after it failed to submit its annual accounting information for the financial years ending 31 December 2022 and 2023. During the course of its engagement, the Commission received a report from the current trustees highlighting serious concerns about the charity’s previous financial management, and it has now escalated its case to a statutory inquiry”. The regulator’s inquiry will examine the administration, governance and management of the charity, the financial management of the charity, whether there has been any unauthorised personal benefit, whether the charity has suffered a financial loss as a result of any misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees. After the inquiry is complete, the Commission will publish a report detailing the issues examined, any action taken, and the inquiry’s outcomes.
Catholic bishops’ document on taxation and Christian morals
The Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has published a document on taxation called “Render Unto Caesar”. It offers perspectives on taxation from Catholic social thought and teaching, saying it is vital that difficult decisions facing governments across Europe, are informed by Christian moral teaching. This, it says, has to be blended with technical expertise and practical wisdom. Expert commentators, who contribute to the common good in the world of politics and come from a range of political views, have contributed essays explaining how faith, scripture and tradition can help the understanding of politics and economics. For example, in one chapter, by Ruth Kelly, the former Labour education secretary and now a member of the Vatican Council for the economy, suggests governments should offer a pluralism of provision for education and health, but where provision fails, there should be a renewal of a civil society and extended family culture, giving rise to better social relationships and a happier, healthier community. Read the 12-chapter document here
‘Social Action Hackathon’ inspires Jewish community response
Jewish News reports on the first Social Action Hackathon event, held at the JW3 community centre in north London. Organised by the consultancy Purpose Lab, in partnership with Jewish News, teachers, artists, tech experts, campaigners and faith leaders came together to discuss some of Britain’s most urgent social challenges. Among the ideas were a solar-powered sukkah (a booth created for the Sukkot festival), an interfaith podcast series and a mobile support service for those in need. They also explored community response to bridge-building, disagreements, poverty, climate change and AI. Jewish News report here
Labour ‘not doing enough’ to regain Muslim trust
One year after the general election, when an estimated half of British Muslims who had previously voted Labour, shunned the party, Hyphen Online talks to Labour councillors and reviews research to see whether the situation has changed. Samir Jeraj reports that in July 2024, pro-Gaza independents ousted Labour MPs in six areas, following a collapse in Muslim support. Local elections since then, according to polling company More in Common UK, have seen independents and rival parties gaining ground in Muslim-majority wards. While some Labour councillors told Hyphen that the party is listening, supporting them and rebuilding ties, critics argue it’s not enough. The Labour Muslim Network is urging stronger action on Gaza, Islamophobia, and community investment. The report suggests that with key local elections looming in 2026, including in London, the Midlands and the north of England, failure to reconnect with British Muslim voters could threaten Labour’s control in several councils.
Research into everyday digital life of British Muslims
Research into the everyday digital lives and experiences of Muslims in the UK, shows changes in attitudes and participation, while also being the means for an encounter with hate speech. The “Digital British Islam” research, by academics from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Edinburgh and Coventry universities, aimed to encourage more awareness of Islam in the digital space and to avoid assumptions about what Islam is online. On political engagement, it found that Muslim networking sites were important for the free flow of ideas, exchanges on Islamophobia or voter registration, but people reported that sometimes expressing controversial political ideas provoked fear of surveillance or safety, so the report recommends that policymakers work with communities to enable “spaces of trust”. Ideas of religious authority have completely changed due to the internet, and the research found self-styled leaders used slick production skills to appear authoritative, so the report suggests policy makers should check the standing of “leaders” and their sphere of influence. On gender issues, while women have improved access to religious discourse which has led to more female Muslim scholarship, digital platforms have also enabled polarised traditional views on gender divisions, and it’s suggested community groups should raise their own digital literacy to address these issues. The researchers found a declining interest in in-person meetings, with people favouring online gatherings, but the report recommends events should be synchronised so both can be provided. Read more about the report here
Archbishop: CofE unity on same-sex blessing ‘good for world’
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has addressed his diocesan synod on the controversial issue of same sex blessings. Church of England bishops have commended Prayers of Love and Faith for use in existing church services for stable, committed same-sex couples to receive prayers of blessing. But opponents say gay relationships are un-Biblical and their vigorous opposition has seen calls for a parallel organisation with their own bishops, clergy training and money. The archbishop said that “if the church could find ways of living together with its conscientious disagreement, this will not only be good for the church, but good for the world”. The issue is being discussed by working groups who will provide, in time for synod in February 2026, proposals for standalone Prayers of Love and Faith with reassurances for those who disagree; and a timetable for considering whether clergy can enter same-sex civil marriages. The bishop who was leading the workshop process, the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, has recently resigned saying he did not think an agreement could be reached under his leadership. The Church of England has confirmed there will be no replacement for him.
Bishop backs support for mothers after 20-week pregnancy loss
The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, has spoken in favour of a bill to allow bereavement leave and maternity protection to women who suffer still births from 20 weeks – a change from the existing 24 weeks. The bill, proposed by Baroness Benjamin, would also apply to women whose pregnancy is terminated and addresses the desire of parents to record the death at this earlier stage. The bishop said the bill was compassionate and sensible and spoke about a listening service his church had provided, when he was a vicar, for women who had miscarried or were facing difficult or unintended pregnancies. The bill passed its second reading in the Lords. Church Times report here
US China war of words over the Dalai Lama
Reuters reports that China has responded angrily after the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, praised the Dalai Lama during the weekend’s 90th birthday celebrations. He said the Tibetan spiritual leader had inspired “unity, peace, and compassion” and repeated support for the Tibetan people’s right to preserve their cultural and religious identity, including the freedom to choose their own spiritual leaders. But the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, is quoted saying: “The Dalai Lama is a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion. He has no right to represent the Tibetan people or decide the region’s future. The United States is in no position to point fingers at China on Tibet-related matters.”
New moderator for the United Reformed Church
Catriona Wheeler, a solicitor, elder and church secretary from Lincoln, has been inducted as Moderator of the United Reformed Church. She has been the legal adviser to the East Midlands Synod of the URC since 1997, and works as solicitor practising in the areas of commercial property, corporate law and charity law. She also conducts acts of worship and is authorised to preside at the Sacraments. Her role includes chairing the General Assembly’s November 2025 and July 2026 meetings.
New leader for the Seventh Day Adventist Church
The worldwide Seventh Day Adventist Church has elected a new president, Brazilian pastor Erton Köhler, the first leader to come from South America. The church has 23 million members in more than 200 countries and is known for beliefs that the second coming of Christ is near, and that the Sabbath Day is marked on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. Pastor Köhler is the church’s first new leader for 15 years, and hopes to use technology and social media to reach young people. There are an estimated 38,000 Adventists in England and Wales.
