Newsline 13 November 2013

Newsline 13 November 2013

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News, Blogs & Opinion

Majority of Britons believe state and church should be separate

News | Thu, 12th Dec 2013

A new Yougov poll has found that the majority of people in Britain think the Church of England should be separated from the state.

The poll asked the same questions about religion as were asked in a similar poll in 1957. It shows that in the time between the two there has been a catastrophic collapse in personal belief in the tenets of Christianity.

The poll, conducted for Prospect magazine asked "Should the Church of England and state continue to be connected?"

In 1957, 37% said it should separate with 37% saying should stay connected (26% didn't know). In 2013, 51% said church and state should separate with 27% saying it should remain connected (23% didn't know).

In response to the question "Should religious leaders such as the Archbishop of Canterbury keep out of political matters or express their views on politics?" it was a different matter. In the latest poll, 45% said they should express their views, a rise of 9% since 1957 with 41% saying they should keep out of politics, a fall of 12% since 1957.

Some of the other questions — with 2013 answers first and 1957 results in brackets — were:

"Can religion answer all or most of today's problems or is it largely old-fashioned and out-of-date?

Can answer: 10% (46%)

Old-fashioned: 58% (27%)

Don't know: 23% (27%)

"Do you believe there is life after death?"

Yes: 33% (54%)

No: 33% (17%)

Don't know: 34% (29%)

An infographic of the poll can be found on the Prospect website

Religious-right lobby succeeds in sabotaging progressive EP report on women’s reproductive rights

News | Wed, 11th Dec 2013

After an extensive and well-organised lobbying effort from the religious right, the European Parliament has, on Human Rights day, rejected a progressive Report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) authored by Portuguese MEP, Edite Estrela.

The report highlighted the need to increase the fight against gender-based violence and sexually transmitted infections, and advocated the right of women to make their own informed choices on their sexual and reproductive life, including access to contraception and abortion. Whilst non-binding, the report, if adopted would have sent a strong political message from the European Parliament in defence of these rights.

Instead, MEPs voted, by a narrow majority of 334 votes against 327, for a centre-right and far-right Resolution that undermines any further role of the EU within the area of women's rights.

The rejection of the Estrela report comes in the wake of a misleading and cynical campaign conducted by extremist religious groups and conservatives who have misrepresented the contents of the report, and used personal threats towards MEPs.

Sophia Kuby, head of European Dignity Watch, estimated it was likely that the emails MEPs received against the report exceeded 100,000. John Smeaton, chief executive of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) said the "rejection of the Estrela report proves that peaceful and prayerful grassroots lobbying by pro-lifers can have a real positive impact in the political arena".

MEP Mikael Gustafsson, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, said: "I remain ashamed and stunned that so many people still can't see how important sexual and reproductive health and rights are to achieving gender equality in the EU and beyond.

"We will continue to defend a woman's right to safe and legal abortion and access to contraception. We won't back down on calling for comprehensive, non-discriminatory sexuality education for all as well as for urgent protection of the rights of LGBTI persons in Europe. The Estrela report contained all these objectives and it is a scandal that right-wing forces have succeeded in throwing it out."

This latest development comes in the context of other recent efforts by conservative Christians to undermine the sexual and reproductive rights of women. One of which was the European citizens' initiative "One of us", which in September 2013, reached the required number of signatures (1 million) to be presented to European institutions, giving its sponsors the opportunity of meeting EU representatives. If implemented, it would mean that the EU would not provide any funds to embryonic stem cell research, IVF treatments that involve the destruction of embryos, or abortion providers of any kind.

"One of us", officially supported by Pope Francis, was funded by an Italian pro-life organisation, Fondazione Vita Nova, costing 50,000 euros. It was also backed by the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), an Evangelical anti-choice NGO based in Strasbourg. The ECLJ is the European wing of the American Centre for Law and Justice, specialising in litigation at the European Court of Human Rights where it attempts to limit recognition of LGBT's and reproductive rights.

Non-religious suffer discrimination or persecution in most countries of the world, new report finds

News | Tue, 10th Dec 2013

A report, published by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), has found that the non-religious are discriminated against, or outright persecuted, in most countries of the world. Launched on Human Rights day, the report, Freedom of Thought 2013, examines the treatment of atheists and the non-religious around the world, finding widespread discrimination by governments in every region.

Despite the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief being enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, IHEU's findings show that the overwhelming majority of countries fail to respect the rights of non-believers. Around the world, there are laws denying atheists the right to life, executing them for leaving a religion, criminalizing their criticism of religion, prohibiting them from holding public office, preventing them from working for the state, obstructing their access to public education, revoking their right to citizenship and right to marry.

Some of the report's key findings include the fact that there are 12 states in the world in which a person can face the death penalty for being an atheist, and 39 in which the law mandates a prison sentence for blasphemy, including six western countries.

12 countries in Africa, 9 in Asia, and 10 in the Middle East, were given the worst rating for committing "Grave Violations". Some of these states were found to have governments openly inciting hatred against atheists, or authorities systematically failing to prosecute violent crimes against atheists. The "crime" of apostasy was found to be punishable by death in 12 of the worst-offending states (all of which concerned leaving Islam), these were: Afghanistan, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

IHEU's research found 55 countries with 'blasphemy' laws on the books, or other laws forbidding criticism or "insult" to religion. In 39 of those, the law mandates a prison sentence for blasphemers, and in three – Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran – people can be executed for being "blasphemers". In another three states, militant Islamists acting as religious authorities in some areas are also dealing out Sharia punishment including death for "offences" to religion: namely Al-Shabaab in Somalia, Boko Haram and other Islamists in Nigeria, and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

There were six Western states to have been rated "severe" in their levels of discrimination because of their policies on blasphemy. In Denmark, Germany, Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, and Poland, people can be jailed for breaking the laws prohibiting blasphemy. In Germany and Greece the term can be up to three years.

The UK was found to have "systemic discrimination" against atheists and the non-religious. The report listed a number of contributing factors which included: the privileged constitutional status and position in official ceremonies that the established church in England and the established church in Scotland have; the privileged access that Bishops are granted to the UK parliament; Equality Act 2010 exemptions for religious organisations allowing them to discriminate in various ways, even when working under contract to provide a public service; and preferential VAT treatment for places of worship.

The discriminatory education system of the UK was also highlighted, where 'faith schools' now account for a third of all publicly funded schools – many of which are allowed to discriminate on faith grounds against pupils in their admission policies. Such schools are also permitted to discriminate against teachers on the grounds of their religious belief. A daily act of 'collective worship' is a still a legal requirement in all schools in England and Wales.

In the introduction to the report, Kacem El Ghazzali and Alber Saber, two victims of anti-blasphemy laws, in Morocco and Egypt respectively, commented that, "Freedom of thought and belief must not be compromised. When regimes violently attack people for their ideas and beliefs, all human rights suffer. Oppression of thought by the state is a sign, not of strength, but of egomania and cowardice.

"In spite of international treaties and conventions, many states discriminate in subtler but important ways. And this has a global impact. Laws against "insulting" religion in relatively secure, relatively secular countries, for example, are not only analogues of the most vicious blasphemy laws anywhere in the world, but help to sustain the global norm under which thought is policed and punished".

Non-believers are a large and growing population across the world. A detailed survey in 2012 revealed that those who identify as "atheist" make up 13%, and an additional 23% identify as "not religious".

It is the first time that the research has covered every country in the world, an inaugural edition in 2012 contained 60 countries.

You can read the Freedom of Thought 2013 report in full here (pdf).

An interactive map the results can be found here.

Scientology’s dream comes true

Opinion | Wed, 11th Dec 2013

The Supreme Court has said that Scientology is a legitimate religion. This ruling undermines the automatic presumption that all religious groups are for the "public benefit", argues Terry Sanderson.

It's not very often that you'll find me agreeing with Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, but he was right when he said that the taxpayer would not be happy to be funding Scientology.

He was speaking when the High Court ruled that the "Church of Scientology" was not a real religion after one of its adherents challenged the registrar general for refusing to register the London Church Chapel for the solemnisation of marriages under the 1855 Places of Worship Registration Act. The registrar general held that it was not a place for "religious worship".

At the time of this ruling, Mr Pickles welcomed the decision, saying that if Scientology was recognised as a religion it would also get tax breaks and taxpayers' would not want to give them to such a "controversial organisation". (Of course, there are many of us who think no religion should be getting unquestioned tax breaks, but that's another story.)

Anyway, the Supreme Court has now overturned the High Court's decision and said that Scientology is a legitimate religion because it does have religious services. The Supreme Court justices said that faiths don't have to have a central "supreme deity" to qualify as a religion. Ipso facto, Scientology is now a recognised religion in this country with all the privileges that it will potentially bring.

In France, of course, Scientology is referred to as "a totalitarian cult" and was, for a while, in danger of being banned. A French parliamentary report said Scientology should be dissolved "because of swindling, complicity, abuse of trust and other nefarious activities". The Church has been in court on more than one occasion accused of embezzlement and fraud. The German Government considers Scientology "an organization pursuing commercial interests" and rejects criticism from human rights bodies' that it treats the organisation unfairly, saying its "pseudo-scientific courses can seriously jeopardise individuals' mental and physical health, and that it exploits its members."

As a religion, Scientology may now wish to benefit from the tax breaks enjoyed by charities. A Private Members' Bill to restore the presumption that religious institutions meet the public benefit test for charitable status is currently before Parliament. The High Court's ruling certainly undermines the arguments of those calling for a reinstatement of an automatic presumption that all religious groups are for the "public benefit".

L. Ron Hubbard, the conman who invented Scientology, must be laughing his head off on whatever planet he now inhabits.

And in case you're wondering what the doctrines of Scientology amount to, you can find a description of them here.

A summary of the judgment can be found here http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2013/12/11/a-rare-win-for-scientology-supreme-court/

Big majority of disabled people support assisted dying for the terminally ill

News | Wed, 11th Dec 2013

Just 8% of disabled people surveyed in a new Yougov poll for Dignity in Dying believe that disability rights groups should maintain their opposition to assisted dying.

The first survey of disabled people specifically focused on assistance to die for the terminally ill also finds that 79% support Lord Falconer's recently-introduced assisted dying bill.

The poll was launched by Disabled Activists for Dignity in Dying (DADiD), a group set up by Dignity in Dying and coordinated by disabled people, campaigning for those who have terminal illnesses to have the right to choose an assisted death.

The survey found that of 1,036 disabled people asked, 79% support a change in the law to allow the choice of assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults within strict legal safeguards. Support dropped by just under a third when asked about support for assistance to die to non-terminally ill people.

The survey also asked disabled people what position they felt disability rights groups should take on assisted dying. 46% believed disability rights groups should remain neutral on the issue, 36% believed they should support assisted dying and just 8% felt the groups should oppose legalising assisted dying for terminally ill people. 74% of those asked would want the choice of assisted dying made available to them if they were facing the end of their lives.

Greg Judge, Co-ordinator of DADiD, said: "This new poll shows that disability rights groups do not always represent the viewpoint of disabled people on all issues. This survey shows that it is time for disability rights campaigning groups to shift to a neutral stance on the issue of assisted dying; reflecting the different and varied views of disabled people in this country rather than dismissing the opinion of the majority as irrelevant.

"This survey finds that there is little difference in levels of support for assisted dying between people with disabilities and non-disabled people, as a previous poll this year found that over three quarters of the general public support this change."

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said: "Dying people should not have to suffer against their wishes. Within upfront safeguards they should have choice and control over their own death. The current law, which turns a blind eye to compassionate amateur assistance to die, does not provide adequate safeguards. A new law will safeguard patients, protect family members and ensure the medical profession can be involved. Ultimately, Parliament must act and in doing so take account of the vast majority of people who support change regardless of whether they are religious or disabled."

Census shows Christians no longer a majority in New Zealand

News | Wed, 11th Dec 2013

The results of the New Zealand census show a similar trend to that of the rest of the developed world – with religious adherence dropping dramatically.

Census 2013 figures released this week show four out of ten New Zealanders now declare themselves non-religious – a rise of 26% and a total of 1.6 million people.

Only 1.9 million people say they are affiliated to a church, down from more than 2 million in 2006.

Victoria University professor Paul Morris, who specialises in religious studies, said: "For the first time since 1901, Christians are not the clear majority the country. The question now is: are we any longer Christian country?"

As in other Western nations, Christianity is facing a generational problem, with its older devotees dying off and the younger generations showing little interest.

The Anglican Church has lost nearly 100,000 followers, with the total dropping to just 459,000. This means that Catholicism is now New Zealand's biggest denomination with 492,000 devotees, down from 508,000 in 2006.

Most major churches saw a decline, but Pentecostal and smaller evangelical churches showed a small increase.

Anglican Bishop of Wellington Justin Duckworth admitted that his church was not connecting with younger people but he clung to the "they're spiritual but not religious" comfort blanket.

Archbishop John Dew, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, insisted Christianity was still a big part of New Zealand life. "Religion continues to be part of our make-up and identity as a nation."

But while Christianity may be dwindling, other religions, often linked with a rise in migrants, are flourishing.

Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam have all grown hugely. There are now 89,000 Hindus inNew Zealand, a rise of 16,000 since 2006. During the same period the New Zealand Indian population grew by about 50,000.

Prof Morris said what were once fringe religions in New Zealand were now, through migration, big enough to challenge established churches. "These migrant religious communities are active and growing and now represent a significant facet of our life."

The rankings:

1. No religion 1,635,348 (38.6%)

2. Catholic 491,421 (11.6%)

3. Anglican 459,771 (10.8%)

4. Presbyterian 316,329 (7.5%)

5. Christian 217,177 (5.1%)

6. Methodist 97,320 (2.3%)

7. Hindu 89,082 (2.1%)

8. Buddhist 58,212 (1.4%)

9. Baptist 53,496 (1.3%)

10. Muslim 45,963 (1.1%)

11. Pentecostal 45,777 (1.1%)

Court challenge to crucifix in Polish parliament fails

News | Tue, 10th Dec 2013

An MP in Poland has lost a court challenge to the presence of a large crucifix in the country's parliament building.

The crucifix was placed, without consultation, in the session's hall of the parliament in the middle of one night in 1997 by a Catholic MP.

Now members of the small Your Movement party asked that it be removed, but the appeals court on Monday rejected the challenge.

Judge Edyta Jefimko ruled on Monday at the Warsaw court that the crucifix is not just a religious symbol, but also one of "culture and natural identity" in the predominantly Catholic country.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he welcomed the verdict and commented that the debate over separation of church and state — which is gathering momentum in Poland — should not be expressed through "fights over whether the cross should be put up or not."

A secular opposition party, the Palikot Movement has also made attempts to have the cross removed.

In 2010 a large cross was placed outside the presidential palace and became the focus of much controversy and division. It was quietly removed to the president's chapel to stop demonstrations by secularists.

Opponents have now vowed to take the case of the parliamentary crucifix to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, claiming that their rights as non-believers are being breached.

Read this week's Newsline in full (PDF)

NSS Speaks Out

Terry Sanderson was on BBC Radio Nottingham talking about the local police upsetting Christians by creating a "Badvent Calendar" with each box revealing the photo of a wanted criminal. The story was subsequently taken up by the Daily Mail, The Times (subscription) and the Nottingham Post

Terry Sanderson was on BBC Radio Liverpool and Radio Sussex talking about the recognition of Scientology as a legitimate religion and quoted by the Independent and Russia Today.

Keith Porteous Wood was quoted in the Daily Mail in relation to the gender apartheid being practised in British universities.