Faith and US mid-term elections
Reporters have been gauging how religion will affect the vote and turnout in the US mid-term elections, whose results will have been declared overnight. The Associated Press reports on polarised views on issues such as abortion and Christian nationalism and attempts by faith leaders to broker the middle ground. A group of progressive faith leaders from Faith in Public Life trained more than 150 poll watchers in Ohio, Florida and Georgia to prevent intimidation and violence at polling stations. Leaders held a prayer vigil on the eve of the elections, for a “healthy, multi-faith, multiracial democracy, serving the common good”. The US election day coincided with celebrations for the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh tradition, with the author Simran Jeet Singh suggesting parallels in his teaching on service and justice with social and political engagement.
Reporting the world cup in Qatar: Human rights, Islam and society
With ten days to go before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, the former Qatar international Khalid Salman gave an interview saying homosexuality is forbidden “because it is damage in the mind”. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, a mainly Muslim country, because it is considered immoral under Islamic law. Tonight (Weds 9 November) at 1800 the RMC is hosting a zoom training session on Qatar life and society, useful for all reporting on the world cup and explaining the issues involved. Sign up here >>
Made in Hull: breakaway Anglican group prepares to take CofE defectors
The consecration in Hull of three Anglican bishops for the Anglican Network in Europe is a step along the journey towards a new Anglican denomination, offering an alternative for conservative members of the Church of England who are against same sex marriage. The contentious issue will come to a head in February when a vote will be taken on allowing same sex marriage in church, with some conservative evangelicals saying they could not then remain in the same church structure. One of the new bishops, Lee McMunn, from Scarborough, said the future of the new denomination was not solely reliant on CofE defectors. The bishops intend to train and ordain their own vicars who could then start new churches and they have a list of 50 towns that need their presence. In depth report by Tim Wyatt is on our website here >>
Hindu Temple with assets of $30 billion
The Venkateswara Hindu Temple in south eastern India has revealed that it has assets of $30 billion. The sum was revealed in a white paper published by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board which runs the Temple, in the interests of transparency. It lists the assets, gold, properties and bank balances in a bounty largely built by devotees’ donations. The Temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is 1,700 years old and is said to attract 40 million pilgrims a year, paying homage to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, the god of preservation. Report here >>
Christian Legal Centre backing case against buffer zone round abortion clinic
The Christian Legal Centre is backing a pro-life group in legal action against Birmingham City Council’s imposition of a ‘buffer zone’ around the Robert Clinic, an abortion clinic in Kings Norton . “40 Days for life Birmingham” says it is unlawful, unjustified and an interference with campaigners’ rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Birmingham Live reports that campaigners have been handing out leaflets, chanting, praying, sprinkling holy water and blocking access for women making their way into the building, which had led to considerable distress.
Christian group awarded $2million after Boston city refused to fly its flag
The city of Boston has agreed to pay more than $2 million to the Christian Camp Constitution group, after it refused to fly its flag over City Hall. The case goes back to 2017 when the group wanted to fly a flag to remember the contribution of Christians to Boston. But the city objected, fearing it would violate a clause preventing the state from supporting or founding a religion. Camp Constitution’s mission statement is to enhance the understanding of America’s Judeo-Christian moral heritage and free enterprise, while exposing “abuses and perversions” which have brought the country down. The Supreme Court ruled the decision violated the group’s First Amendment rights to free speech and the financial penalty has just been announced.
French Cardinal admits abusing teenage girl
Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, aged 78, the former archbishop of Bordeaux, has admitted abusing a 14-year-old girl 35 years ago when he was a priest. In a written statement, he says he behaved in a reprehensible manner which caused serious and lasting consequences. He announced that he is withdrawing from religious duties. Last year a report said 330,000 children had been sexually abused over 70 years by priests or people working in church institutions. Guardian story here >>
Empty Jewish care home will house homeless people
A redundant Jewish care home in Brighton is being repurposed this winter to provide shelter for homeless people. Hyman Fine House was due to be sold, but the process was subject to delay. Now the owners have agreed a short-term rental deal with the homelessness charity St Mungo’s, with the rental income going back into communal use for the benefit of the elderly. Jewish News story here >>
