Decision imminent for megamosque enquiry
19 Feb 2015
Eric Pickles is expected to announce a decision on London’s so-called ‘megamosque’ within the next fortnight, following a three-week public inquiry last year. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government was tasked with hearing the case after years of disputes and Newham Council’s rejection of planning application to build a large complex incorporating accommodation, a library, school and prayer halls. The original plans included capacity for at least 40,000 simultaneous attendees, although these were later scaled down due to widespread negative reaction. It is the size in particular – four times the capacity of St Paul’s Cathedral – that concerns objectors most, as well as issues regarding the usefulness of the site for the whole community. The site in Stratford has been owned by Tablighi Jamaat since 1996. A dogmatic and rigid branch of Islam, Tablighi Jamaat seeks to encourage Muslims to follow a stricter version of the faith
Thousands of bibles could be removed from university accommodation after they were branded 'inappropriate' in a multicultural environment. More than half of students surveyed at Aberystwyth University said they felt the compulsory inclusion of the book from Gideon International was 'uncomfortable' or 'unacceptable'. A proposal to have all bibles withdrawn from university-owned bedrooms will be put forward by the university's Students' Union council at a meeting later this month. A survey of students at Pentre Jane Morgan halls of residence was conducted by Aberystwyth Students' Union. It found that around 50 per cent of respondents found the compulsory inclusion of Bibles 'uncomfortable' or 'unacceptable.' The matter was raised at a student council meeting by student John David Morgan on January 22, where 50 people showed up. The motion, put forward at a student union council meeting, will be discussed later this month
Family breakdown costs taxpayer £47bn a year
19 Feb 2015
Family breakdown is set to cost the taxpayer a staggering £47 billion in 2015, according to new figures released by a leading relationship think tank. The Relationships Foundation’s ‘Cost of Family Failure Index’ calculates annually the economic effects on society as a result of families splitting up. The Index analyses the cost of benefits, housing, health and social care, policing, the courts and education. These latest figures showed that there would be a £1,546 cost to each taxpayer a year, and disclosed an overall increase of £10 billion when compared to figures released in 2009 (£37 billion). In a press release, the Foundation said, ‘the cost of family failure continues to rise’, It shows that family breakdown not only has a terrible human cost in terms of the emotional toll on all members of the family, but also an enormous financial cost to society as the taxpayer picks up the pieces.’
The Minister for Civil Society has commended the 'excellent work' that charities promoting religion do in the UK. Rob Wilson was responding to a question in the House of Commons by Sir Edward Leigh, who raised concerns over whether so called British values would trump religious values and prevent groups from teaching their own faith. In his response, the Minister said: ‘More than 25,000 registered charities involve the promotion of religion. They play a hugely important role in our communities and support those in need. I pay tribute to their excellent work. They are often first in and last out of some of our toughest communities.’ The issue was raised following a decision by the Charity Commission to remove the charitable status of a group linked to the Plymouth Brethren. It led to some feeling Christian groups could be targeted in future for bringing their faith into their charitable work.
The Government is still in talks with a drugs company over the price of the jab but figures released by the Department of Health reveal that 1,065 people, including 613 children, have contracted meningitis B since it was licensed for use. Scientists recommended that the vaccine should be given to all infants. Yet almost a year on, despite the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending Bexsero – the Department of Health has not been able to agree a price with makers Novartis since negotiations began last August. Last night Luciana Berger, the shadow minister for public health, warned that lives were being lost while the Government haggles over the cost of the vaccine. She said: ‘In the time that has passed since this life-saving vaccine was licensed, experts say more than 1,000 cases of meningitis B have been diagnosed and there are likely to have been around 100 deaths and many more children left with life changing consequences.’
Churches launch major credit union
19 Feb 2015
A group of major Churches is promoting access to responsible credit and savings with the launch of the Churches Mutual Credit Union Ltd. (CMCU). The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, joined the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev John Chalmers and the President of the Methodist Conference, The Rev Ken Howcroft, at Church House in London, to celebrate their churches' collaboration in forming the flagship credit union. The CMCU, which also includes the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Church in Wales, will offer a range of savings and loan products. Fairness will be at the heart of the CMCU's values. Initially members will be able to invest in the 'Founder Member's Bond' with ordinary savers accounts and loans becoming available in March. In due course CMCU will offer ISA savings accounts.
A survey of clergy finds loneliness is a significant problem in both wealthy and deprived areas of England. Loneliness and isolation are England’s most widespread social problems and are common even in affluent middle class areas, according the survey. The number of clergy reporting that social isolation is a major problem in their area has risen by ten per cent in the past three years. The survey published by the Church Urban Fund and the Church of England showed loneliness was the only issue to be cited by clergy as a significant problem in the majority of wealthier, as well as deprived areas. Social isolation was listed as a more common problem than unemployment, homelessness and poor housing by the 1,812 clergy who completed the questionnaire. In London, nearly three quarters of vicars said social isolation was a major or significant problem in their community. (See also Prayer Alert 04-2017)
Bishop Libby Lane launched a campaign on Monday against human trafficking, her first official engagement since becoming the Church of England's first female bishop. Bishop Lane, who was consecrated last month, visited Manchester Airport to raise awareness of the issue. Staff will be given training on the identification of at-risk passengers as part of the Travel Safe Week initiative in partnership with Border Force, the airport chaplaincy and local organisations who work with victims. Speaking to Sky News, Bishop Lane said the training would allow staff to ‘be alert to those indications that perhaps relationships between people are not all that they seem and to be able to spot the signs that people are at risk and are vulnerable. We hope that the publicity and the information in and around the airport will give those people the courage and hope to be able to turn to those who may be able to help them.’ (See also article in 04-2015 Prayer Alert.)