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In our first RMC Briefing of 2026, we discussed the report “Questions of Hope and Hate: Faith and Faultlines in a Changing Britain”, published by the Good Faith Partnership and Hope Not Hate, which explores the politicisation of religion in Britain and recommends actions to “strengthen the institutions and relationships that allow faith to serve the common good”. View the full briefing or listen to the podcast here.
The Christian organisation “Open Doors” has published its annual “World Watch List”, showing the extent of Christian persecution across the globe in 2025. It says more than 388 million Christians faced persecution, which is eight million more than 2024. 4,849 Christians were killed because of their faith, mostly in Nigeria. The ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution puts North Korea top, and indicates that Syria has worsened dramatically, moving from 18th to 6th place >>
The US Episcopal church held an online prayer vigil in memory of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot dead by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe urged people to continue to stand with migrants and the vulnerable. The Bishop of Minnesota, Craig Loya, said “love calls us to put lives on the line and … no matter the outcome, the response, we will not be moved”. This was the latest in a number of vigils, prayer meetings and services put on by local clergy of all denominations. Some have joined groups touring the streets and alerting the community to the presence of ICE officers >>
The annual British Sikh Report 2025 revealed “an increase in fear amongst British Sikhs at levels not seen for decades”, amid far-right rhetoric and hate crime. The report also has data on political engagement, education, employment, geopolitical tensions, families and relationships.
Pete Meadows, a leading figure in British evangelicalism who helped shape several major Christian initiatives, has died aged 84. He co-founded Buzz magazine in 1965, later relaunched as Premier Christianity, as well as Spring Harvest and Premier Christian Radio. Warm tributes say he was an elder statesman, “an innovator at the highest level” >>
More headlines ..
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| Monday 12 January 2026 Iran protests driven in part by ‘opposition to imposed state religion‘ Report warns of growing politicisation of religion in Britain Pope says foundations of international coexistence are being undermined UAE limits UK university enrolment over Muslim Brotherhood fears MPs have ‘striking level of goodwill’ towards the CofE Pete Meadows, evangelical ‘elder statesman’, has died aged 84 SPCK reports surge in Bible sales China cracks down on underground church members Scheme to encourage new organists for the nation’s churches Buddhist monks on walk for peace across the United States Albania government appoints hologram ‘Diella’ to root out corruption |
| Tuesday 13 January 2026 Call for faith to unite communities as forces of division ‘grow louder’ Chief Rabbi ‘not proud of settler violence’ on the West Bank Jewish MP banned from visiting Bristol school over Israel’s action in Gaza Bishop of Oxford says Grok’s sexualised deepfake technology is ‘truly appalling’ Bishop of Chelmsford praying for peace in Iran Exeter Cathedral School announces closure US clergy prominent role in demonstrations after Renee Good’s death Historic Mississippi synagogue burned to the ground How Muslims date: the modern struggle to complete ‘half your faith’ |
| Wednesday 14 January 2026 US bishops urge Christians to stand up for immigrants whatever the cost Bishop of Greenland adamant that the country is not for sale Scottish grandmother in Scottish court facing abortion buffer zone charges Report expected today into police action over ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans Andrew Gilbert steps down from Board of Deputies vice president role US designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organisations US Catholic bishops’ president meets Trump at the White House ‘Questions of Hope and Hate’ – briefing is up on our website |
| Thursday 15 January 2026 World Watch List charts increasing Christian persecution in 2025 Crisis of freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria ‘persistent and entrenched’ Government ‘should U-turn’ on proposed Islamophobia definition CofE same sex blessing services and LGBT+ clergy marriage decisions delayed Call for BBC to strengthen commitment to religious broadcasting Franklin Graham calls for prayer as streets ‘boil over’ with hate Bid for choral evensong to be given world heritage status |
| Friday 16 January 2026 British Sikh ‘unique fear’ amid rise in far right rhetoric and hate crime Profound impact of ICE campaigns on Minneapolis churches Catholic bishops in Wales call for day of fasting against assisted dying bill Draft document suggests circumcision is potential form of child abuse Ofsted inspection after school cancelled visit of Jewish MP Report finds growing number of British-born imams David Morris to step down as assistant Bishop of Bangor The continuing popularity of parish magazines, reaching 180,000 people £5 million Methodist church project to help homeless in Folkestone Competition to find the nation’s favourite cathedral stained glass window |
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