Newsline 6 September 2013

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News, Blogs & Opinion

	Religious education falling out of favour with GCSE pupils News \| Thu, 5th Sep 2013 According to research from the Religious Education (RE) Council, the number of students taking Religious Studies GCSE has fallen for the first time in 18 years. The analysis – produced by the RE Council and National Association of Teachers of Religious Education – showed that while the number of students taking the full Religious Studies GCSE has increased by 10.6% (representing more than 239,000 16-year olds), that growth has been wiped out by an almost 30% drop in the number of pupils taking the short course, which is worth half a GCSE. This is equivalent to an overall drop of 9%. The RE Council, which has been agitating for 'strengthened' RE provision in schools ascribes this drop to the Government's refusal to include Religious Studies in the new E-Bacc, a performance measure linked to five GCSE subjects. The Government policy of no longer recognising GCSE short courses as a benchmark of a schools performance was also causing some schools to stop promoting them, claimed the RE Council. The Council's chairman, John Keast, was concerned at the decline in the short course, saying it showed "fewer teenagers are being given the chance to experience good quality religious education." However, there is a suspicion among some educationalists that the Religious Studies short course is so easy and requires no homework that many teenagers were including it simply because it was an almost guaranteed addition to their pass rate with very little effort required. The Church Times reports that RE specialists and church leaders are worried by the decline in Religious Studies. It quoted Ed Pawson, who chairs the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education as saying: "RE is a core part of Britain's education system but, as this year's results show, while the need for religious literacy has never been greater, it is becoming harder for schools to provide good RE." A "national curriculum-style review" of religious education carried out by the RE Council is due to be published next month, and the proponents of RE are to argue for the reinstatement of the GCSE short course as a contribution to school-performance outcome. Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, said: "These are powerful vested interests that are arguing for a greater emphasis on religion in schools, and they have the ear of the Government. "But it is time that we asked some fundamental questions about the lack of objectivity in the provision of religious education in schools. "Mainstream 'faith leaders' are also abusing their place in the education system in a desperate effort to revive their flagging membership. The Church of England and the Catholic Church are quite openly using their schools for proselytising – and the Government thinks this is not only acceptable, but a good thing."
	Scottish secularists accuse churches of proselytising in schools News \| Mon, 2nd Sep 2013 The Edinburgh Secular Society (ESS) has published a report criticising the increasing levels of religious proselytising and evangelising going on in Scottish schools. The report comes after a year of research by the group, with some input from the NSS Scottish spokesperson Alistair McBay. It says that non-denominational schools in Scotland are being targeted by religious groups that aim to make converts. The Times Educational Supplement Scotland (TESS) carried an article about the report in the latest edition, with comments from various religious groups. A Scripture Union Scotland spokesperson said that her organisation agreed with the ESS that "pupils have a right to hear about different faith perspectives, and that proselytising within a school context is wholly inappropriate". But the ESS's report says of the Scripture Union: "The Scripture Union's website recently, on its home page, stated: 'Help us plant seeds of faith in children and young people living near you! Do you long for more children and young people in your local area to know about God, and how much he loves them?'" Further, in a recent interview, Wayne Dixon, a Scripture Union development worker, stated: "Generally speaking our children / young people aren't coming to our churches but 99% of them are in school. We do well to be there and to encourage others to be there serving in a variety of ways. "My hope — prayer — is that by being in school and being myself I can share something of Jesus that will connect with some of this 96% [sic.] and my feedback — gut reaction — is that this is welcomed. I'm just an ordinary guy who is a Christian and I want to dispel some of the misconceptions young people have about Jesus and Christianity so at least they will give Jesus a thought. I thank God that schools have been welcoming and allowed me and others in to do just this." Moreover, the Scripture Union openly promotes a programme within schools called 'Hanging About Ministry' ('HAM'). Worryingly, this programme encourages Christian volunteers, who often gain access to school under a Religious Observation (RO) remit as 'Youth Workers', to address and interact with pupils, unsupervised, in areas of the school such as common rooms, dining halls, sports days and class registration. Wayne Dixon, a strong proponent of HAM, states: "I turn up, sign in and have a 'plan'. Usually I start in the common room before lunch, as there are usually students around and we chat about, well, anything and everything! Then the lunch bell goes and I'm out of the common room and starting my routine. I may start with lunch, where I sit with some students and chat and eat. Then I go on a walk about. There are usually some specific groups of young people whom I try to meet up with and catch up with, and this is just great. Then there is the unusual – the unplanned, but always very interesting. You should always expect the unexpected!" In Larbert High School the full-time youth worker has been given an office within the school and is part of the 10 strong Chaplaincy Team. Worryingly, he states that: "Since taking on the new office it has enabled us to make contact and build relations with students of the school who would not normally seek us out. We have a small group of about 15 students who now come in every day at the start of school and during break time and lunch. Amazing opportunity to sow seeds!!" Jon Reid, headteacher at Larbert, again denied to the TESS that there was any "hidden agenda" in the huge number of religious representatives operating in the school. The Church of Scotland was equally miffed by the ESS's report. The Rev Sandy Fraser, convener of the Church of Scotland's education committee, told the TESS: "The Church of Scotland is increasingly disappointed in the nature of these comments by the Edinburgh Secular Society," he said. "It is extremely inaccurate to suggest chaplains inveigle their way into schools. Chaplains and other community figures are in schools by invitation of the headteacher to assist in whatever way the headteacher feels is helpful to the school. Chaplains are very clear that their job is not to impose their views on the school community." Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society, said: "This report touches on something very important that is happening in schools all over the country, not just in Scotland. With the absence of young people in their churches, religious organisations are engaging aggressively in 'outreach' work in schools, a place where pupils are bound by law to attend and from which there is no escape from the proselytising intentions of these religious groups. "There is an acceptance from Governments that it is automatically 'a good thing' for evangelical groups – some of them quite extreme – to freely march into schools and use manipulative techniques to make new recruits. Reading Wayne Dixon's account of how he opportunistically inveigles himself into the confidence of pupils is really quite chilling." Mr Sanderson said that the Church of Scotland's stated "disappointment" at the ESS's comments are an attempt to deflect attention away from their activities in schools. "It's very easy for these religious representatives to deny that they have any proselytising intentions, but their activities clearly indicate otherwise." Read the ESS report here
	Islamic TV channels fined for hatemongering News \| Mon, 2nd Sep 2013 The media regulator Ofcom has imposed fines on two Islamic satellite TV channels for hatemongering. Noor TV, which broadcasts from Birmingham and is aimed at young Muslims, was fined £85,000 after a presenter launched a rant saying that it was every Muslim's duty to murder anyone who insults the prophet Mohammad. A large masthead on its website proclaims that it is "Spreading love, peace and harmony across the globe". Noor TV says its mission is to "present a balanced, moderate and true face of Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslim communities across the globe". On a programme called Message from Mustafa, the presenter Allama Muhammad Farooq Nizami was asked by a caller what punishment was due to anyone insulting Islam. Nizami replied: "One has to choose one's own method. Our way is the peaceful way but when someone crosses the limits, faith-based emotions are instigated. The mission of our life is to protect the sanctity of our beloved Lord. May Allah accept us wherever there is a need to kill a blasphemer. We are ready, and should be ready at all times, to kill a blasphemer." Several viewers immediately contacted Ofcom to complain, fearing that young people might be radicalised by the broadcast. Indeed, as well as imposing a fine, Ofcom said the comments were "likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder." It added that it was concerned that young people watching the show could become "radicalised" or take "violent and criminal action as a result of watching videos of Muslims with extreme views." The remarks were deemed to be so inflammatory that they could have inspired a repeat of the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gough, who was killed after Islamic clerics condemned his film criticising the treatment of Muslim women. Ofcom also ordered the TV station not to repeat the segment and to broadcast a statement of its findings. Mr Nizami has subsequently been fired by the station. In its statement Ofcom said Al Ehya Digital – which owns the licence for Noor TV - has not yet broadcast an apology or condemnation of Nizami's remarks and appears not to have recognised the gravity of the comments. Three years ago, Al Ehya was fined £75,000 for appealing for viewers to donate money in return for 'prayers or the receipt of a "special gift" of earth from the tomb of Prophet Mohammed.' Meanwhile Takbeer TV – a station aimed at Sunni Muslims and also based in Birmingham – was fined £25,000 for broadcasting programmes about the minority Ahmadi Muslim community and "using words that amounted to abusive treatment of the Ahmadiyya religion and the Ahmadi community more generally." In its report, Ofcon said: "For example, they [the Ahmadis] were described as having "monstrous" intentions and being both "lying monsters" and worthy of elimination by Allah, "by using worms and vermin. "One of the panellists and a caller made statements that were highly abusive to members of the Ahmadi community and their beliefs, by, for example, equating such beliefs to having "piles" and agreeing that Ahmadis require "operating on ... without ... anaesthesia"; and two callers made sustained, repeated and derogatory references to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, founder of the Ahmadiyya religion, stating, for example, that "the whole world knows... Mirza died in a shit cubicle." Ofcom considered that breaches of its rules forbidding "abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination" were particularly serious "when the abusive treatment related to a long standing and inflammatory dispute between religious groups." Ofcom understood this to be the case in this instance, with the Ahmadi minority being considered by some to be heretics and non-Muslim, especially in countries with Sunni majorities. Ofcom understood that there had been historical tensions between the two communities, which had in some instances resulted in acts of violence against Ahmadis. "Under such circumstances, broadcasters must take great care when broadcasting views that may be abusive towards such a minority religion and its followers." Ofcom said. "Takbeer TV would have been reasonably expected to take such care especially given that it is aimed at members of the Sunni Muslim community in the UK and internationally."
	Charity Commission investigates evangelical church News \| Thu, 5th Sep 2013 The Charity Commission has begun a statutory investigation into "a number of serious concerns" relating to an evangelical church called Christ Embassy, which has a registered headquarters in Folkestone, Kent. The Charity Commission released a statement this week saying it was looking into "large connected party payments" and "the potential misapplication of grant funding" by Christ Embassy, but gave no further details. Among the Trustees of the Church are Christian and Anita Oyakhilome. Christ Embassy also has "ministries" in South Africa, USA, Canada and Nigeria. Third Sector magazine, which serves the charitable and voluntary sector, reports that the ministry's UK accounts for 2011 show it had an annual income just short of £13m (of which £12.2m was voluntary income) but spent £8.1m. It had 28 full-time employees and spent £565,000 on staff costs. Christ Embassy lists its charitable activities, in the UK and abroad, as advancing the causes of Christianity and Christian education and helping people in need or suffering hardship, as well as building places of worship. The regulator, which has legal powers to demand answers from trustees, will also examine whether charitable funds have been used properly and "take remedial action if necessary". The website of the Christ Embassy promotes miracle healing sessions and offers prayers in exchange for donations.
	Pope adds to the pressure on Poland to reverse its ban on ritual slaughter News \| Tue, 3rd Sep 2013 The Pope has promised Jewish and Muslim leaders in Poland that he will do his best to overturn the ban on religious slaughter that was agreed by the Polish Constitutional Court in January. The Court ruled that ritual slaughter is incompatible with animal welfare regulations. The Pope has assigned a senior church official to "investigate" the ban, which he said was against the "religious freedom of Polish Jewry". Poland's Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich expressed gratitude for the pope's decision to get involved in the debate over Kosher slaughter, telling The Jerusalem Post that "anyone who supports shechita anywhere in the world is something that is very welcome and encouraging and especially coming from the pope, it really gives us encouragement that together with the Polish government we will find a wise and quick solution." The Pope met Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) — which represents Jewish communities outside Israel — on Monday to discuss the ban, among other issues. "The Pope specifically expressed concern about the bans on kosher slaughter in Poland and directed Cardinal Kurt Koch, the president of the Vatican's Commission for Relations with the Jews, to investigate and host a follow-up meeting as early as next week," the WJC said in a statement after their talks. The Jewish and Muslim communities each number around 20,000 to 30,000 people in Poland, a country of some 38 million people. European Union rules on the slaughter of livestock are designed to minimise suffering for animals when they are killed, but religious groups are exempted from a requirement that animals be stunned before death. Kosher and halal slaughter require an animal be killed by slitting its throat and permitting it to bleed to death while conscious. Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, said: "It is not the Pope's business to try to interfere with the democratic processes of an independent nation like Poland. We know that the Catholic Church wields inordinate power in Poland, but this should not be used to try and overturn parliamentary or judicial decisions. "If this ban is revoked after the Vatican intervenes it will be a blow to democracy in Poland. It also poses a potential threat to the independence of every other country that has a large Catholic population and whose government happens to make a decision the pope doesn't like."
	Yes, we can talk about this Opinion \| Tue, 3rd Sep 2013 London's National Theatre recently hosted a debate about freedom of speech, multiculturalism and Islam called Can we talk about this? The opening line was a question to the audience, "Are you morally superior to the Taliban?" Anne Marie Waters, who was present, wrote in a blog that "very few people in the audience raised their hand to say they were." This response, demonstrates a misconceived attempt to be seen as tolerant and 'multiculturalist'. People could not bring themselves to say their views are morally preferable to a group that, Waters points out, "denies women medical treatment, imprisons them in their homes, allows domestic violence, and executes people by stoning for having a private life or the audacity to not believe in God." They fear being labelled, racist, 'Islamophobic', or discriminating against religion. Rather, they adopt a stance that treats all moral views generated by culture or religion as equally valid ('cultural relativism'). They confuse the distinction between the right to think as you want, and the right to act as you want. It is generally disregarded that a global code of moral values has been established, and accepted by almost every nation in the world — the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). By acceding to this Declaration, over 190 nations have agreed to honour the principles of individual autonomy, equality, security, freedom of thought, belief, expression and association, subject to the norms of democratic government. In its statement of rights that apply, regardless of nationality, race, gender and social standing, the Declaration sets a morally accepted standard of behaviour for all individuals. It has no place for cultural relativism, which leads to tolerance of cruel and inhumane practice in the name of 'culture', as if culture is the single source of moral acceptability. Over 170 nations have signed the International Convention on Human Rights (ICCPR), turning the political rights set out in the UDHR into a binding agreement. While individuals may practice their internal, illiberal beliefs in private, governments have undertaken to ensure their recognition of the political rights of everyone else, even within the same family, church or any other organisation. The trouble is, not one of these nations fully accedes to their promise. Why were the UDHR and ICCPR adopted? Because it was globally agreed that the principles they enshrine are the most effective (albeit imperfect) means of promoting the well-being of humankind. They were considered superior to other moral and political principles, and therefore superior to cultural mores that did not work for the same ends. At the very least, this is what has been formally decreed by the nations of the world. So holding that moral and political practices that promote this end are superior to others is neither unduly discriminatory or racist, but invokes a globally accepted 'superior' standard of living. There is now a global inter-connectedness to the extent that indigenous people themselves often resort to the language of human rights to protect their culture from further unwanted encroachment. Cultural relativism is a flawed basis for acceptance of others' values, as acceptance is based solely on the expression of those values by others, rather than on the worth of the values themselves. If, for example, clerics justify (or condone) certain action, say, female 'circumcision' (which is in effect genital mutilation) because it is tradition, or simply decreed by some 'authority' as mandated or acceptable, this reasoning is not sufficient to establish a general moral value that cannot be criticised. However, if their reason is to prevent some harm to society in general, regardless of its religious beliefs, the argument goes to the content of the value espoused. We must be able to "address whatever reservations, doubts, and objections there are about our positions out there, in the real world, no matter what society or culture or religious tradition they come from". It is the effect of a value on society, not its source, that is the relevant consideration. Evidence is coming to light of many instances in Western countries (including Australia) that women and girls are subjected to abuse, through restrictions, demands and physical attacks including honour killing, female genital mutilation (FGM) and childhood or forced marriage. Authorities are aware of this, but are not forthright in criticising and dealing with this. Approaches range from 'sensitive treatment' to acceptance. FGM, for example is carried out on millions of women worldwide for cultural or religious reasons. Although it is proscribed in many countries, including developed nations, few prosecutions take place. FGM results in increased maternal and infant mortality and infection, extreme pain and psychological harm. It does not enhance the woman's childbearing capacity, her physical or mental well-being, or the communal good. All it does is satisfy patriarchal notions involving sexual repression, harming, rather than promoting human well-being overall, and blatantly breaching the victim's human rights. The practice can be legitimately questioned on the basis that its rejection is based on superior moral and political values. Recent publicity over FGM in Australia has resulted in a Government crackdown, despite awareness of the practice and its prohibition in the early 1990s. But, like other cultural practices that result in harm to women through denial of their moral and political rights, authorities are habitually loathe to confront the practices head-on, despite their illegality, very often because of 'cultural sensitivity' (i.e. the fear of being labelled not 'politically correct'). Compare the UK and France: "The laws which made FGM illegal were introduced in France and England at about the same time, in the mid-1980s. But whereas some 100 parents and practitioners of FGM have been convicted in France, there has never been a single prosecution in the UK". The French explain that their priority is the welfare of children. Humanists have a moral compass. It is enshrined in a globally accepted Declaration that, globally, governments have said they will follow. It is not arrogance or cultural imperialism to consider its ethical principles superior to other cultural beliefs, as the nations of the world have declared them as such. We must talk about this, pressure society to accept these principles, and demand that governments deliver on their promise. Meg Wallace is a writer and Human Rights activist based in Australia. This blog was originally published here, and was reproduced with the permission of the author. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the NSS.

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NSS Speaks Out

Keith Porterhouse Wood was on BBC Radio Sussex discussing whether a secular society should continue to have enforced observance of religious holidays. This was in relation to an application from racecourses to be able to stage fixtures on Good Friday.

Quotes of the Week

"Islam as a faith is prescriptive and authoritarian, requiring obedience to its text and its teachings, known as Sharia law. Every Islamic regime therefore, by definition, becomes totalitarian and incompatible with democracy as we know it, demanding only surrender to its dictates however sectarian they may be. This is disastrous for democracy, for freedom of thought and the right to dissent. It is intellectual death. To avoid this, there is only one sure solution: secularism, and secular democracy."
(Randolph Murray, Scotsman)

"Schools have a duty to educate children in stuff that's true, to the best of our understanding, not merely in stuff that the children's parents would like to be true."
(Tom Chivers, Daily Telegraph)

Essays of the Week

The Price paid for criticising Islam
(Anne Marie Waters, Standpoint magazine)

The Girl Guides finally dropped God – and it allowed me to make my Promise
(Ann Charles, Independent)

	Religious education falling out of favour with GCSE pupils News \| Thu, 5th Sep 2013 According to research from the Religious Education (RE) Council, the number of students taking Religious Studies GCSE has fallen for the first time in 18 years. The analysis – produced by the RE Council and National Association of Teachers of Religious Education – showed that while the number of students taking the full Religious Studies GCSE has increased by 10.6% (representing more than 239,000 16-year olds), that growth has been wiped out by an almost 30% drop in the number of pupils taking the short course, which is worth half a GCSE. This is equivalent to an overall drop of 9%. The RE Council, which has been agitating for 'strengthened' RE provision in schools ascribes this drop to the Government's refusal to include Religious Studies in the new E-Bacc, a performance measure linked to five GCSE subjects. The Government policy of no longer recognising GCSE short courses as a benchmark of a schools performance was also causing some schools to stop promoting them, claimed the RE Council. The Council's chairman, John Keast, was concerned at the decline in the short course, saying it showed "fewer teenagers are being given the chance to experience good quality religious education." However, there is a suspicion among some educationalists that the Religious Studies short course is so easy and requires no homework that many teenagers were including it simply because it was an almost guaranteed addition to their pass rate with very little effort required. The Church Times reports that RE specialists and church leaders are worried by the decline in Religious Studies. It quoted Ed Pawson, who chairs the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education as saying: "RE is a core part of Britain's education system but, as this year's results show, while the need for religious literacy has never been greater, it is becoming harder for schools to provide good RE." A "national curriculum-style review" of religious education carried out by the RE Council is due to be published next month, and the proponents of RE are to argue for the reinstatement of the GCSE short course as a contribution to school-performance outcome. Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, said: "These are powerful vested interests that are arguing for a greater emphasis on religion in schools, and they have the ear of the Government. "But it is time that we asked some fundamental questions about the lack of objectivity in the provision of religious education in schools. "Mainstream 'faith leaders' are also abusing their place in the education system in a desperate effort to revive their flagging membership. The Church of England and the Catholic Church are quite openly using their schools for proselytising – and the Government thinks this is not only acceptable, but a good thing."
	Scottish secularists accuse churches of proselytising in schools News \| Mon, 2nd Sep 2013 The Edinburgh Secular Society (ESS) has published a report criticising the increasing levels of religious proselytising and evangelising going on in Scottish schools. The report comes after a year of research by the group, with some input from the NSS Scottish spokesperson Alistair McBay. It says that non-denominational schools in Scotland are being targeted by religious groups that aim to make converts. The Times Educational Supplement Scotland (TESS) carried an article about the report in the latest edition, with comments from various religious groups. A Scripture Union Scotland spokesperson said that her organisation agreed with the ESS that "pupils have a right to hear about different faith perspectives, and that proselytising within a school context is wholly inappropriate". But the ESS's report says of the Scripture Union: "The Scripture Union's website recently, on its home page, stated: 'Help us plant seeds of faith in children and young people living near you! Do you long for more children and young people in your local area to know about God, and how much he loves them?'" Further, in a recent interview, Wayne Dixon, a Scripture Union development worker, stated: "Generally speaking our children / young people aren't coming to our churches but 99% of them are in school. We do well to be there and to encourage others to be there serving in a variety of ways. "My hope — prayer — is that by being in school and being myself I can share something of Jesus that will connect with some of this 96% [sic.] and my feedback — gut reaction — is that this is welcomed. I'm just an ordinary guy who is a Christian and I want to dispel some of the misconceptions young people have about Jesus and Christianity so at least they will give Jesus a thought. I thank God that schools have been welcoming and allowed me and others in to do just this." Moreover, the Scripture Union openly promotes a programme within schools called 'Hanging About Ministry' ('HAM'). Worryingly, this programme encourages Christian volunteers, who often gain access to school under a Religious Observation (RO) remit as 'Youth Workers', to address and interact with pupils, unsupervised, in areas of the school such as common rooms, dining halls, sports days and class registration. Wayne Dixon, a strong proponent of HAM, states: "I turn up, sign in and have a 'plan'. Usually I start in the common room before lunch, as there are usually students around and we chat about, well, anything and everything! Then the lunch bell goes and I'm out of the common room and starting my routine. I may start with lunch, where I sit with some students and chat and eat. Then I go on a walk about. There are usually some specific groups of young people whom I try to meet up with and catch up with, and this is just great. Then there is the unusual – the unplanned, but always very interesting. You should always expect the unexpected!" In Larbert High School the full-time youth worker has been given an office within the school and is part of the 10 strong Chaplaincy Team. Worryingly, he states that: "Since taking on the new office it has enabled us to make contact and build relations with students of the school who would not normally seek us out. We have a small group of about 15 students who now come in every day at the start of school and during break time and lunch. Amazing opportunity to sow seeds!!" Jon Reid, headteacher at Larbert, again denied to the TESS that there was any "hidden agenda" in the huge number of religious representatives operating in the school. The Church of Scotland was equally miffed by the ESS's report. The Rev Sandy Fraser, convener of the Church of Scotland's education committee, told the TESS: "The Church of Scotland is increasingly disappointed in the nature of these comments by the Edinburgh Secular Society," he said. "It is extremely inaccurate to suggest chaplains inveigle their way into schools. Chaplains and other community figures are in schools by invitation of the headteacher to assist in whatever way the headteacher feels is helpful to the school. Chaplains are very clear that their job is not to impose their views on the school community." Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society, said: "This report touches on something very important that is happening in schools all over the country, not just in Scotland. With the absence of young people in their churches, religious organisations are engaging aggressively in 'outreach' work in schools, a place where pupils are bound by law to attend and from which there is no escape from the proselytising intentions of these religious groups. "There is an acceptance from Governments that it is automatically 'a good thing' for evangelical groups – some of them quite extreme – to freely march into schools and use manipulative techniques to make new recruits. Reading Wayne Dixon's account of how he opportunistically inveigles himself into the confidence of pupils is really quite chilling." Mr Sanderson said that the Church of Scotland's stated "disappointment" at the ESS's comments are an attempt to deflect attention away from their activities in schools. "It's very easy for these religious representatives to deny that they have any proselytising intentions, but their activities clearly indicate otherwise." Read the ESS report here
	Islamic TV channels fined for hatemongering News \| Mon, 2nd Sep 2013 The media regulator Ofcom has imposed fines on two Islamic satellite TV channels for hatemongering. Noor TV, which broadcasts from Birmingham and is aimed at young Muslims, was fined £85,000 after a presenter launched a rant saying that it was every Muslim's duty to murder anyone who insults the prophet Mohammad. A large masthead on its website proclaims that it is "Spreading love, peace and harmony across the globe". Noor TV says its mission is to "present a balanced, moderate and true face of Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslim communities across the globe". On a programme called Message from Mustafa, the presenter Allama Muhammad Farooq Nizami was asked by a caller what punishment was due to anyone insulting Islam. Nizami replied: "One has to choose one's own method. Our way is the peaceful way but when someone crosses the limits, faith-based emotions are instigated. The mission of our life is to protect the sanctity of our beloved Lord. May Allah accept us wherever there is a need to kill a blasphemer. We are ready, and should be ready at all times, to kill a blasphemer." Several viewers immediately contacted Ofcom to complain, fearing that young people might be radicalised by the broadcast. Indeed, as well as imposing a fine, Ofcom said the comments were "likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder." It added that it was concerned that young people watching the show could become "radicalised" or take "violent and criminal action as a result of watching videos of Muslims with extreme views." The remarks were deemed to be so inflammatory that they could have inspired a repeat of the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gough, who was killed after Islamic clerics condemned his film criticising the treatment of Muslim women. Ofcom also ordered the TV station not to repeat the segment and to broadcast a statement of its findings. Mr Nizami has subsequently been fired by the station. In its statement Ofcom said Al Ehya Digital – which owns the licence for Noor TV - has not yet broadcast an apology or condemnation of Nizami's remarks and appears not to have recognised the gravity of the comments. Three years ago, Al Ehya was fined £75,000 for appealing for viewers to donate money in return for 'prayers or the receipt of a "special gift" of earth from the tomb of Prophet Mohammed.' Meanwhile Takbeer TV – a station aimed at Sunni Muslims and also based in Birmingham – was fined £25,000 for broadcasting programmes about the minority Ahmadi Muslim community and "using words that amounted to abusive treatment of the Ahmadiyya religion and the Ahmadi community more generally." In its report, Ofcon said: "For example, they [the Ahmadis] were described as having "monstrous" intentions and being both "lying monsters" and worthy of elimination by Allah, "by using worms and vermin. "One of the panellists and a caller made statements that were highly abusive to members of the Ahmadi community and their beliefs, by, for example, equating such beliefs to having "piles" and agreeing that Ahmadis require "operating on ... without ... anaesthesia"; and two callers made sustained, repeated and derogatory references to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, founder of the Ahmadiyya religion, stating, for example, that "the whole world knows... Mirza died in a shit cubicle." Ofcom considered that breaches of its rules forbidding "abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination" were particularly serious "when the abusive treatment related to a long standing and inflammatory dispute between religious groups." Ofcom understood this to be the case in this instance, with the Ahmadi minority being considered by some to be heretics and non-Muslim, especially in countries with Sunni majorities. Ofcom understood that there had been historical tensions between the two communities, which had in some instances resulted in acts of violence against Ahmadis. "Under such circumstances, broadcasters must take great care when broadcasting views that may be abusive towards such a minority religion and its followers." Ofcom said. "Takbeer TV would have been reasonably expected to take such care especially given that it is aimed at members of the Sunni Muslim community in the UK and internationally."
	Charity Commission investigates evangelical church News \| Thu, 5th Sep 2013 The Charity Commission has begun a statutory investigation into "a number of serious concerns" relating to an evangelical church called Christ Embassy, which has a registered headquarters in Folkestone, Kent. The Charity Commission released a statement this week saying it was looking into "large connected party payments" and "the potential misapplication of grant funding" by Christ Embassy, but gave no further details. Among the Trustees of the Church are Christian and Anita Oyakhilome. Christ Embassy also has "ministries" in South Africa, USA, Canada and Nigeria. Third Sector magazine, which serves the charitable and voluntary sector, reports that the ministry's UK accounts for 2011 show it had an annual income just short of £13m (of which £12.2m was voluntary income) but spent £8.1m. It had 28 full-time employees and spent £565,000 on staff costs. Christ Embassy lists its charitable activities, in the UK and abroad, as advancing the causes of Christianity and Christian education and helping people in need or suffering hardship, as well as building places of worship. The regulator, which has legal powers to demand answers from trustees, will also examine whether charitable funds have been used properly and "take remedial action if necessary". The website of the Christ Embassy promotes miracle healing sessions and offers prayers in exchange for donations.
	Pope adds to the pressure on Poland to reverse its ban on ritual slaughter News \| Tue, 3rd Sep 2013 The Pope has promised Jewish and Muslim leaders in Poland that he will do his best to overturn the ban on religious slaughter that was agreed by the Polish Constitutional Court in January. The Court ruled that ritual slaughter is incompatible with animal welfare regulations. The Pope has assigned a senior church official to "investigate" the ban, which he said was against the "religious freedom of Polish Jewry". Poland's Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich expressed gratitude for the pope's decision to get involved in the debate over Kosher slaughter, telling The Jerusalem Post that "anyone who supports shechita anywhere in the world is something that is very welcome and encouraging and especially coming from the pope, it really gives us encouragement that together with the Polish government we will find a wise and quick solution." The Pope met Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) — which represents Jewish communities outside Israel — on Monday to discuss the ban, among other issues. "The Pope specifically expressed concern about the bans on kosher slaughter in Poland and directed Cardinal Kurt Koch, the president of the Vatican's Commission for Relations with the Jews, to investigate and host a follow-up meeting as early as next week," the WJC said in a statement after their talks. The Jewish and Muslim communities each number around 20,000 to 30,000 people in Poland, a country of some 38 million people. European Union rules on the slaughter of livestock are designed to minimise suffering for animals when they are killed, but religious groups are exempted from a requirement that animals be stunned before death. Kosher and halal slaughter require an animal be killed by slitting its throat and permitting it to bleed to death while conscious. Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, said: "It is not the Pope's business to try to interfere with the democratic processes of an independent nation like Poland. We know that the Catholic Church wields inordinate power in Poland, but this should not be used to try and overturn parliamentary or judicial decisions. "If this ban is revoked after the Vatican intervenes it will be a blow to democracy in Poland. It also poses a potential threat to the independence of every other country that has a large Catholic population and whose government happens to make a decision the pope doesn't like."
	Yes, we can talk about this Opinion \| Tue, 3rd Sep 2013 London's National Theatre recently hosted a debate about freedom of speech, multiculturalism and Islam called Can we talk about this? The opening line was a question to the audience, "Are you morally superior to the Taliban?" Anne Marie Waters, who was present, wrote in a blog that "very few people in the audience raised their hand to say they were." This response, demonstrates a misconceived attempt to be seen as tolerant and 'multiculturalist'. People could not bring themselves to say their views are morally preferable to a group that, Waters points out, "denies women medical treatment, imprisons them in their homes, allows domestic violence, and executes people by stoning for having a private life or the audacity to not believe in God." They fear being labelled, racist, 'Islamophobic', or discriminating against religion. Rather, they adopt a stance that treats all moral views generated by culture or religion as equally valid ('cultural relativism'). They confuse the distinction between the right to think as you want, and the right to act as you want. It is generally disregarded that a global code of moral values has been established, and accepted by almost every nation in the world — the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). By acceding to this Declaration, over 190 nations have agreed to honour the principles of individual autonomy, equality, security, freedom of thought, belief, expression and association, subject to the norms of democratic government. In its statement of rights that apply, regardless of nationality, race, gender and social standing, the Declaration sets a morally accepted standard of behaviour for all individuals. It has no place for cultural relativism, which leads to tolerance of cruel and inhumane practice in the name of 'culture', as if culture is the single source of moral acceptability. Over 170 nations have signed the International Convention on Human Rights (ICCPR), turning the political rights set out in the UDHR into a binding agreement. While individuals may practice their internal, illiberal beliefs in private, governments have undertaken to ensure their recognition of the political rights of everyone else, even within the same family, church or any other organisation. The trouble is, not one of these nations fully accedes to their promise. Why were the UDHR and ICCPR adopted? Because it was globally agreed that the principles they enshrine are the most effective (albeit imperfect) means of promoting the well-being of humankind. They were considered superior to other moral and political principles, and therefore superior to cultural mores that did not work for the same ends. At the very least, this is what has been formally decreed by the nations of the world. So holding that moral and political practices that promote this end are superior to others is neither unduly discriminatory or racist, but invokes a globally accepted 'superior' standard of living. There is now a global inter-connectedness to the extent that indigenous people themselves often resort to the language of human rights to protect their culture from further unwanted encroachment. Cultural relativism is a flawed basis for acceptance of others' values, as acceptance is based solely on the expression of those values by others, rather than on the worth of the values themselves. If, for example, clerics justify (or condone) certain action, say, female 'circumcision' (which is in effect genital mutilation) because it is tradition, or simply decreed by some 'authority' as mandated or acceptable, this reasoning is not sufficient to establish a general moral value that cannot be criticised. However, if their reason is to prevent some harm to society in general, regardless of its religious beliefs, the argument goes to the content of the value espoused. We must be able to "address whatever reservations, doubts, and objections there are about our positions out there, in the real world, no matter what society or culture or religious tradition they come from". It is the effect of a value on society, not its source, that is the relevant consideration. Evidence is coming to light of many instances in Western countries (including Australia) that women and girls are subjected to abuse, through restrictions, demands and physical attacks including honour killing, female genital mutilation (FGM) and childhood or forced marriage. Authorities are aware of this, but are not forthright in criticising and dealing with this. Approaches range from 'sensitive treatment' to acceptance. FGM, for example is carried out on millions of women worldwide for cultural or religious reasons. Although it is proscribed in many countries, including developed nations, few prosecutions take place. FGM results in increased maternal and infant mortality and infection, extreme pain and psychological harm. It does not enhance the woman's childbearing capacity, her physical or mental well-being, or the communal good. All it does is satisfy patriarchal notions involving sexual repression, harming, rather than promoting human well-being overall, and blatantly breaching the victim's human rights. The practice can be legitimately questioned on the basis that its rejection is based on superior moral and political values. Recent publicity over FGM in Australia has resulted in a Government crackdown, despite awareness of the practice and its prohibition in the early 1990s. But, like other cultural practices that result in harm to women through denial of their moral and political rights, authorities are habitually loathe to confront the practices head-on, despite their illegality, very often because of 'cultural sensitivity' (i.e. the fear of being labelled not 'politically correct'). Compare the UK and France: "The laws which made FGM illegal were introduced in France and England at about the same time, in the mid-1980s. But whereas some 100 parents and practitioners of FGM have been convicted in France, there has never been a single prosecution in the UK". The French explain that their priority is the welfare of children. Humanists have a moral compass. It is enshrined in a globally accepted Declaration that, globally, governments have said they will follow. It is not arrogance or cultural imperialism to consider its ethical principles superior to other cultural beliefs, as the nations of the world have declared them as such. We must talk about this, pressure society to accept these principles, and demand that governments deliver on their promise. Meg Wallace is a writer and Human Rights activist based in Australia. This blog was originally published here, and was reproduced with the permission of the author. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the NSS.

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Newsline 6 September 2013

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Religious education falling out of favour with GCSE pupils

Scottish secularists accuse churches of proselytising in schools

Islamic TV channels fined for hatemongering

Charity Commission investigates evangelical church

Pope adds to the pressure on Poland to reverse its ban on ritual slaughter

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Newsline 6 September 2013

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