Daily media briefing
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Wed, 4 Oct 2023
The 8-year-old boy at the heart of a fight over Tibetan Buddhism
A young boy in Mongolia has been named to one of the most important positions in Tibetan Buddhism, drawing the country deeper into the political chess match between China and the Dalai Lama.
The New York Times*
The team that Turkey’s religious right loves to hate
Turkey's women's volleyball team is not just a group of athletes – they embody so much more. In recent years, they have come to represent the ongoing societal tension within Turkey between secularists and Islamist conservatives.
The New European
Tue, 3 Oct 2023
Faith primary schools admit fewer children with special educational needs and disabilities, says research – NSS quoted
Christian primary schools are admitting fewer children with special educational needs and disabilities than local authority community schools, according to research from the London School of Economics (LSE).
The i*
Susan Hall: Tory mayoral candidate criticised for suggesting Jewish people ‘frightened’ by Sadiq Khan
The Conservative candidate for London mayor Susan Hall has been accused of "dog whistle" politics after suggesting some Jewish Londoners are "frightened" of Sadiq Khan.
Evening Standard
‘Religion in Scotland’s schools: Does current law go against the rights of the child?’
"Scotland is home to one of the world's most famously stubborn national identities; pride can be our strength and our undoing. Religion is inextricably tied to national identity and given our history this is understandable. But is the law regarding religious observation in non-denominational schools truly a positive for our children's education in a globalising world?"
Bylines Scotland
‘Suella Braverman’s bigoted attack on multiculturalism shouldn’t blind us to its problems’
"In seeking to put people into ethnic, cultural and faith boxes, and to police the boundaries of those boxes, multiculturalism as a political process undermines much of what is valuable about diversity as lived experience."
The Guardian
Family of Sikh activist calls for inquest into Midlands hospital death
The family of Avtar Singh Khanda, the 35-year-old Sikh activist who died in a Birmingham hospital after a short illness this summer, is seeking a formal inquest into his death from the chief coroner for England and Wales.
The Guardian
Pope suggests Catholic Church could bless same-sex couples
Pope Francis has suggested he would be open to having the Catholic Church bless same-sex couples. Responding to a group of cardinals who asked him for clarity on the issue, he said any request for a blessing should be treated with "pastoral charity".
BBC
US: Fresno becomes second US city after Seattle to ban caste discrimination
Fresno in California is now the second US city to ban caste discrimination as authorities marked caste and indigeneity under two new protected categories into its municipal code.
The Independent*
US: Episcopalian Bishops speak of ‘pain’ of clergy disciplinary cases
The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States has acknowledged the "disappointment, pain, and grief" felt by many in the Church over the handling of recent disciplinary cases against bishops.
Church Times*
How Manipur mob violence and gang rapes ‘shamed’ India
India's prime minister has acknowledged the escalating brutality but failed to mention its ethnic character or lack of action by police
The Times*
Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples
Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible.
BBC
Mon, 2 Oct 2023
Catholic and C of E primary schools in England ‘take fewer Send pupils’ – NSS quoted
Church of England and Roman Catholic primary schools take fewer pupils with disabilities or special needs than other local schools in England, according to research that suggests faith-based admissions requirements deter pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Guardian
Suella Braverman turns down Archbishop of Canterbury talks over immigration
Home secretary Suella Braverman has turned down an invitation to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury over his concerns about her approach to immigration, according to reports.
The Independent*
Priest asks EHRC for statutory review of racism in Church of England
A priest who uncovered a letter in which a bishop described him in racial stereotypes has asked the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate racism in the Church of England.
Church Times*
Scottish politicians 'influenced by religion' when voting
Almost two-thirds of MSPs want more freedom to vote with their conscience, a survey of Holyrood politicians has found.
The Herald
Top Indian diplomat blocked from Glasgow gurdwara visit
India has complained to the Foreign Office after a top diplomat was confronted by protesters at a gurdwara in Glasgow. The High Commission of India said Vikram Doraiswami had been invited to the place of worship to discuss community and consular issues.
BBC
Relationship between bishops and government could be "unfixable" after migration clashes
A former senior advisor to Bishops in the House of Lords has said their relationship with Government could be "unfixable" after the two groups have repeatedly clashed over illegal migration.
Politics Home
A Belgian bishop says the Vatican has for years snubbed pleas to defrock a pedophile ex-colleague
A prominent Belgian bishop on Wednesday criticized the Vatican for failing to defrock a former bishop who admitted sexually abusing children, saying it had led to massive frustration with the highest Roman Catholic authorities.
Associated Press
Baltimore Archdiocese files for bankruptcy before new law on abuse lawsuits takes effect
The Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore on Friday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization days before a new state law goes into effect removing the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims and allowing victims to sue their abusers decades after the fact.
Associated Press
US Episcopalian Sunday figures nearly halved over past decade
Sunday attendance at Episcopal churches in the United States has almost halved in the past decade. It has fallen by 43 per cent to an average of 373,000.
Church Times*
At least 59 people killed in twin attacks on mosques in Pakistan
At least 59 people have died in bomb attacks on two mosques in Pakistan as the country's deteriorating security situation was laid bare on a public holiday held to celebrate the prophet Muhammad's birthday.
The Guardian
LGBT+ Ugandans tortured, starving and evicted due to anti-gay law
Less than four months on from the Anti-Homosexuality Act being signed in Uganda, gay and trans people are starving, homeless and facing increasing persecution.
ITV
Canada's Sikhs are grateful - and afraid - after Trudeau's India allegations
Canadian Sikhs are grateful to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for giving voice to their fears and standing up to India at the risk of severe backlash from New Delhi, which he said could be linked to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader.
Reuters
Fri, 29 Sep 2023
Disgraced Soul Survivor vicar Mike Pilavachi could be banned from working with children
It comes amid calls for the charismatic evangelist to be stripped of his MBE following concerns about his leadership spanning 40 years.
The Telegraph*
British Sikhs concerned over lack of security advice after activist’s murder in Canada
Sikh Federation wants ministers to set out how UK activists will be protected, after killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Guardian
Abortion protest buffer zones take effect in NI
Anti-abortion protests can no longer be held directly outside specific health clinics in Northern Ireland where abortions are carried out.
BBC
Pope’s own abuse commission blasts system that leaves victims ‘wounded and in the dark’
An advisory body created by Pope Francis in 2014 has condemned what they described as a failure on the part of Church authorities in abuse prevention.
Crux
China’s persecution of Uyghurs extends to those it once favoured
The punishment of Rahile Dawut speaks volumes.
The Economist*
Disabled Muslim man lynched in Delhi after eating at Hindu temple
Family says he was not a thief and had picked up food from the offering because he was hungry.
Independent
9/11 suspect ‘admitted White House was fourth target’
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed made 'voluntary confession' at Guantanamo, court told.
The Times*
Thu, 28 Sep 2023
First look at Coronation Street’s first gay wedding
As they prepared for their ceremony, the couple realised they would have to compromise on certain details and go for a civil ceremony as the Church of England still does not allow same-sex marriages.
The Sun
No 10 backs threat to leave human rights convention
Suella Braverman has been authorised by Downing Street to float the prospect of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Times*
Anglesey dad fears Buddhist group brainwashed son
Elwyn Lloyd-Jones, of Penmon, Anglesey, is one of several people who have raised concerns about the New Kadampa Tradition.
BBC
Victims of church abuse march to Rome
A group of Catholic Church abuse victims and their advocates have called on Pope Francis to enforce "zero tolerance" against clerical sex abuse, after completing a six-day pilgrimage to Rome carrying a large wooden cross.
Premier Christian News
Persecution of Mallorca’s Jews finally acknowledged
After centuries of disdain, shame and silence, regional parliament recognises suffering of xuetes, forced to convert to Catholicism in 1400s.
The Guardian
UN criticises France’s ban on its Olympic athletes wearing headscarves
Dress codes should not be imposed on women, spokesperson says, after Paris Games ban affecting French athletes.
The Guardian
Netanyahu calls for calm after Tel Aviv Yom Kippur clash
Secular and religious Israelis clashed in Dizengoff Square after activists attempted to segregate worship.
The Jewish Chronicle
Killing of Canadian Sikh leader reignites historic fight
Decades-long separatist movement gets new fire with 'credible allegations' that India is behind murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Guardian
US: As Muslims’ status as political punching bag fades, some are fighting against LGBTQ+ acceptance
In battles against LGBTQ+ acceptance, it is often white evangelicals pushing for book bans or boycotts over beer brands or bathing suits. In this case, Muslims are leading the fight.
LA Times
Wed, 27 Sep 2023
Majority of religious people back legalising assisted dying, poll suggests
More than two thirds of religious people said they would support a UK assisted dying law in polling described by campaigners as showing the public is "crying out for change".
Express and Star
Ofcom fines Islam Channel £40,000 after it broadcasts antisemitic documentary
Broadcasting watchdog fines the Islam Channel over broadcast of The Andinia Plan - a one-hour documentary examining a conspiracy theory which originated in a neo-Nazi publication.
Jewish News
Scotland: Anger at speed of progress on buffer zones at abortion clinics
The call comes as the 40 Days for Life group begins its latest six-week presence outside abortion facilities.
BBC
Objections were small beer, says pint-pulling vicar
Beer pumps set up inside a church as part of a town's cultural festival proved a success — but were a step too far for some members of the congregation.
Church Times*
Inside the vast digital campaign by Hindu nationalists to inflame India
It is part of a wider effort by the right-wing forces to wield technology in pursuit of a Hindu nationalist agenda that seeks to marginalise religious minorities and suppress criticism.
The Washington Post*
Can the Pope survive the Rupnik scandal?
Rome is wondering what he knew about historic crimes.
UnHerd
US: Less-redacted report on Maryland church abuse still redacts names of church leaders
The names of five Catholic church leaders remained redacted amid ongoing appeals, prompting criticism of the church by victims' advocates.
Independent
Fights break out in Tel Aviv over gender segregated Yom Kippur service
An orthodox group attempted to enforce a traditional service despite Supreme Court ban.
The Jewish Chronicle
Florida’s controversial new SAT alternative
It's been called the "Christian-backed" SAT, which isn't entirely incorrect, as before this month the test was only accepted in admissions to private, faith-based colleges.
The Guardian
Kent doctor given warning for praying with patient during mental health appointment
The 73-page findings said: "This conduct does not meet with the standards required of a doctor and his actions have undermined public confidence and the public's trust in the medical profession."
KentLive
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