This is our weekly newsletter of religion news and updates about the Religion Media Centre, which we post every Friday afternoon.
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This week has been dominated by the “unspeakable atrocity” of the killing of 15 people gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. The attackers were a father and son who shot into the crowd. Tougher action was demanded against the rise of antisemitism, and police banned the phrase “globalise the intifada” chanted at marches. Civic leaders and politicians came out in support of the Jewish community, and crowds attended public Menorah lighting ceremonies in towns and cities across Britain. The story has developed every day – more links in the “More headlines” section below.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, has at last been allowed to retire at the age of 80. Catherine Pepinster looks back at his 16 years in office during a time of rapid change in the church and society. Her report is here. His successor is the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Richard Moth.
This afternoon, we held a briefing with Catholic commentators and journalists to find out more about the man and discuss what changes he might bring in. You can view the briefing again or listen to the podcast via links on this page later today >>
Our first briefing this week was a review of religion news in 2025, which has seen a rise in hate crime agains Jews and Muslims, the appointment of the first woman as Archbishop of Cantebrury, Sarah Mullaly; the election of the new Pope, Leo XIV; the appointment of a new Archbishop of Westminster, Richard Moth; and a new Faith Minister, Miatta Fahnbulleh. In the UK and the US, Christian nationalism moved into sharper focus, while talk of a “Quiet Revival” — particularly among Gen Z — gathered momentum. Leading commentators and journalists joined the discussion. View the briefing again or listen to the podcast via links on our website here.
Chaplains to the retail industry offer a listening ear, calm advice and wise support in the Christmas rush, as Britons are due to spend £24.6 billion. Angela Youngman reports on their work >>
We are in the season of Advent, leading to Christmas Day – Tim Wyatt reports here. And in the Jewish festival of Hannukah which ends on Monday – factsheet here.
This is our last weekly newsletter this year – thank you for your support in 2025. We would like to wish you, your family & colleagues a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy & prosperous new year.
More headlines ..
Here are other headlines from this week’s daily bulletins. Sign up here to receive them in your inbox every morning.
| Monday 15 December 2025 “An unspeakable atrocity” at Bondi Beach Unite the Kingdom Christmas event ‘modest and muted‘ British model of tolerance ‘needs to be defended’ Government launches faith security training scheme Andrew Graystone’s account of his years investigating abuser John Smyth Statement and legal judgment re Smyth abuse Vicar calls for Archbishop of Canterbury’s appointment to be paused over safeguarding Canadian hate speech law change ‘would criminalise religious texts’ ‘Hope, generosity and belief’: the values binding football and Christian faith |
| Tuesday 16 December Chief Rabbi says ‘crack down on hate speech’ Multiple demands for ‘globalise the intifada’ chant to be banned British Jews stand in solidarity with Australian Jewish community Christian leaders offer sympathy and prayers Australian Jews criticise federal government for missteps over antisemitism Hong Kong editor and committed Catholic Jimmy Lai faces life in prison Charity set up to offer Muslims advice on ‘a good death’ Unification Church leader a suspect in more bribery cases Christmas decorations go up at the Vatican World’s longest serving Sunday School teacher plans 75th nativity play |
| Wednesday 17 December Review of religion news in 2025 Government to ‘unveil antisemitism action plan within days’ New definition of Islamophobia leaked to the press Islamic State motivation for Bondi Beach attack on Jews Interfaith Hanukkah Menorah lighting ceremony planned in London Bishops recognise ‘deep hurt’ caused by decision to pause same sex blessings Rev Jonathan Fletcher ‘not fit to enter plea’ on indecent assault charges |
| Thursday 18 December Police arrest people chanting ‘globalise the intifada’ Funerals for the Jewish victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack Woman silently praying near abortion clinic first to be charged under new law Bishop Mariann Budde giving Christmas meditation on BBC Radio 4 BBC urged to commit to representing Britain’s diverse faiths and beliefs Calls to halt installation of Sarah Mullaly as Archbishop of Canterbury Presbyterian Church in Ireland assembly discussed ‘significant’ safeguarding failures Church of England’s director or faith and public life has died |
| Friday 19 December Widespread speculation that Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ successor will be announced today Jewish children living in fear in Britain ‘has become normalised’ Sydney Catholic cathedral Christmas light show becomes memorial to Bondi Beach victims Imam says Bondi Beach killings were abhorrent – Islamist extremists ‘do not represent Islam’ Launch of research into conversion rates to Islam in Britain Pope names progressive bishop to take over from Trump supporting Cardinal in New York FaithAction collecting concerns over impact of children bill on faith based education Chaplains offering comfort and cheer to overworked shop staff in the Christmas rush |
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