Archbishop ‘extremely concerned’ about impact of cost of living on poorest in society
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said he is “deeply skeptical” of spillover economics and sees no moral argument for budgets that disproportionately affect the poor. Speaking to the Guardian from Australia, where he is on a two-week visit, he said he did not want to be a political party, but he did not see why the wealthy should get more money and he should there is a way to sufficiently distribute the wealth. . He was extremely concerned about the impact of the cost of living crisis on the poorest this winter, which was crashing down on us “like a monstrous wave”. During his visit, he saw the work of Anglicare SA, South Australia’s largest social services provider. Interview with the goalkeeper here >>
The late Sir David Amess MP, nominated for sainthood by a Muslim voter
A Muslim constituent of the late Sir David Amess, MP for Southend, is campaigning for him to be made a saint. Karim Annabi, an American, British and Algerian national, who now lives in Southend, told the local newspaper he was “blown away” by Sir David’s devout service to the people. He wanted to name it as a gesture of unity and to promote faith and peace. Sir David, a devout Catholic known for his unwavering faith, was stabbed to death a year ago while undergoing surgery in his constituency, in an act of terrorism that shocked the country. Bishop Alan Williams, of the Diocese of Brentwood, told the newspaper that Sir David was a “shining example” for people of all faiths, but canonization would be difficult as it would require proof of miracles performed. He said the usual procedure is for the church to write to the local diocese and for the case to be considered in Rome. That doesn’t discourage Mr Annabi, who says a Muslim naming a Catholic may be unprecedented, but “we must always strive to think of and support new ways to foster more peaceful coexistence”. Factsheet here >>
LSE opens research unit on religion and global society
A research unit on religion and global society has opened at LSE, the London School of Economics and Political Science, with a £1.25 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust. It is led by the Reverend James Walters, a practicing professor in the LSE’s Department of International Relations, director of the LSE Faith Centre, chaplain to the university and member of the General Synod of the Church of England. The unit aims to understand how faith influences the public sphere and will provide online resources, lectures, workshops and courses. The Church Times reports that the unit will focus on three themes: creating plural spaces; women of faith and peacebuilding; and climate change and interreligious relations.
Pope says global synod consultation will last another year
Pope Francis has announced that the meeting of bishops to discuss the global consultation on the future of the Church will last one year longer than planned. Speaking at the Vatican yesterday, he said more time was needed for “discernment”, to gather more opinions and consider the response. The gathering of bishops will now take place in two stages, the first in October 2023 and the second in October 2024. The “synodal” consultation involves each Catholic member, lay and clerical, giving their point of view on the Church’s response to the social problems and his own. organization and authority. AP reports that turnout in some countries has been below 10% and the process has drawn backlash from traditionalists.
Dabinderjit Singh not on Labor life peer list
Dabinderjit Singh, a former director of the National Audit Office and senior adviser to the Sikh Federation, was not placed on a list of Labor peers. The political peerages, advised by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he left office, lists 22 people from all parties and cross benchers. The Sikh Federation (UK) says Dabinderjit Singh has been denied a peerage, has been subjected to appalling treatment over the past two years and is considering legal action against Labor over the impact on his career , reputation and health. He says the decision shows that a foreign government successfully blocked a peerage and that the Sikh Federation (UK) raised the issue with Buckingham Palace. The full statement from the Sikh Federation is here >>
Tension in India fuels division in American diaspora
The Associated Press publishes a report on tensions between Hindus and Muslims in America, which is compared to the violence in Leicester last month. The article “Religious Polarization in India Seeps into the American Diaspora” quotes a university dean as saying that Hindu nationalism has divided the Indian expatriate community. The report says communities that have lived in peace so far experience fear and retaliation if they voice opinions about the Indian government. He says interfaith community groups have been set up for people of all faiths in India, in a bid to ease tensions. The AP article is here >>
Thousands of Jews migrate to Israel from Ukraine and Russia
A report by the Observer indicates that 13,000 Ukrainians of Jewish descent emigrated to Israel, and a surprisingly large number – 26,000 – emigrated from Russia, representing one in eight of Russia’s Jewish population. Another 35,000 are said to have applied and are waiting for the paperwork to be completed. The report quotes a Russian saying he did not want to be part of the appeal against Ukraine. The Israeli government has brought together departments to work on accommodation, flights and budgets for those arriving.
