Religion News 1 May

Locked down and locked in poverty The annual report of Christians Against Poverty has outlined the plight of “families in  inescapable destitution, households locked in poverty, and children growing up in desolate homes”. It says the coronavirus pandemic means families struggling financially struggling risk being pushed over the edge. The charity offers face-to-face debt management […]

Some churches will reopen soon, but keep your distance and no hymn-singing

By Tim Wyatt, 30 April 2020 Boris Johnson has pledged to unveil the government’s plan to begin to relax the lockdown. He told the daily press conference that details would be published next week. Although the prime minister gave no specifics, attention is now turning to how places of worship could be reopened. The conversation […]

Coronavirus and Religion update – 30 April 2020

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, led the first national assembly for the online Oak National Academy this morning. He encouraged those watching to acknowledge their difficult feelings and tough times during the lockdown, and then hope for the future, calling on the experience of Nelson Mandela as an example. The Church of England has […]

Analysis: The Catholic Schism in the USA

Comment by Andrew Brown Underneath the workings of the coronavirus, all the old religious hatreds simmer on. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the US Catholic church in an election year. One faction among the bishops supports Donald Trump almost as fervently as white Evangelicals do; the other regards him as an enemy of […]

Snake oil, bleach and lies: how virus brings out the worst in ‘religion’

By Andrew Brown Two of the most dangerous conspiracy theories about the coronavirus are being peddled by men who claim religious authority. The idea that drinking industrial bleach will cure Covid-19 was endorsed by President Donald Trump, although he later pretended this had not happened. It came originally from Mark Grenon, who claims that his […]

Faith charities volunteer for the front line

By Tim Maby Faith-based charities have mobilised and joined forces to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic effect on British society. They are reported to make up a quarter of the charity sector in Britain and an online seminar of the Religion Media Centre was told that the lives of young people are a major concern. […]

Bible and Koran sales up: spirituality grows during the Covid crisis

by Tim Wyatt There are increasing signs that the coronavirus pandemic may be causing a surge of interest in religion and spirituality. A number of faith groups have reported that, even as their places of worship have been shut down, engagement has gone up. Some churches have seen virtual congregations for livestreamed worship which are […]

For the first time in 1,000 years, Hajj faces cancellation

By Tim Wyatt As Muslims around the world begin to settle into the first Ramadan under lockdown, minds are turning to the next milestone in the Islamic calendar: the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to travel to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city — now in Saudi Arabia […]

Appointment of Trevor Phillips under fire

Trevor Phillips

By Lianne Kolirin Leading British Muslims have criticised the selection of Trevor Phillips to advise an inquiry into why so many coronavirus victims come from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Public Health England has asked Mr Phillips, the former chairman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, to “provide expert support” on why […]

Let us pray . . and here’s the number to call

woman making phone call

By Lianne Kolirin The coronavirus has shut all Britain’s places of worship and their doors remain closed to all who pray. It’s time to use your phone. The Church of England has launched a dial-a-prayer service. The national phoneline, named Daily Hope, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the […]