Living in Love and Faith: the backlash
Two bishops have condemned as “harmful” a video by “Christian Concern” in which LGBTQ+ Christians were mocked for telling their stories and homosexuality was described as evil and wickedness.
Anglican
Living in Love and Faith: ‘What it means to be human’
The Church of England has published its long- awaited resource, Living in Love and Faith, aimed at enabling Christians to explore issues of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. The timetable for considering the documents and deciding on policy could be as swift as two years.
Religion news 20 October
Archbishop warns the union of the UK is at stake because of the internal markets bill; Places of worship in Wales close for two weeks; Muslim associations raided in France
The next IICSA inquiry “will be on the treatment of LGBT+ in the church”
“Creating Sanctuary” initiative trains churches in how to safely counsel someone who is gay, following reports of violence and abuse in conversion therapy.
Conservative pressure group behind failed ‘religious discrimination’ case
A school pastoral assistant, dismissed for Facebook posts about the teaching of relationships, has lost her claim for unfair dismissal. She was defended by the conservative Christian Legal Centre.
Church of England concerned for its reputation rather than dealing with child sex abusers
Damning report into child sex abuse in the Church of England fails to convince that change will result. “Weak and non-specific” recommendations require more clarity, new processes and money.
Abuse and the Church of England – timeline
Timeline of the Church of England’s recent history of sex abuse cases and how they were handled, laid bare by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Religion news 2 October
Archbishop of Canterbury urges free school meals in holidays as well as term time; “Terrorist” applies equally to white supremacists and Muslims; First British black Muslim festival.
Religion news 1 October
Poll finds Conservatives who believe Islam is a threat to British way of life; Bishop joins call for universal benefit rise to be permanent; BJP former leaders cleared of inciting demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya.
Faiths mourn Covid’s one million dead
Faith leaders have expressed sadness and sorrow at the news that one million people have died of the coronavirus. They urge people to take responsiblity, stay safe and prevent further deaths.