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Challenging Religious Privilege

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Your daily media briefing - Friday 3 April

  

In the Media is our daily collection of news and commentary related to secularism, available delivered to your inbox. You can also read the latest news and opinion and listen to our podcasts on our website.

  

Secularism in the media

 

Charity watchdog investigates 'plague protection kit' church – NSS quoted

The charity watchdog is investigating after a faith healer allegedly offered £91 "plague protection kits" for sale to protect people from the coronavirus pandemic.

ITV News

 

Urgent probe into church over coronavirus ‘protection kit’ made of oil and string – NSS quoted

The charities regulator has launched an urgent probe into a south London church over its sale of an oil which claimed it would protect from coronavirus.

Southwark News

 

Request to increase funeral sizes in Birmingham is rejected despite plea on behalf of Muslims

A council has rejected calls to increase the maximum number of people allowed at a funeral from six to 20, after a former cabinet member wrote to the leader requesting the change for the Muslim community.

Birmingham Live

 

Muslim prayers to be broadcast on BBC radio during coronavirus mosque closures

Muslims unable to visit their mosques during the coronavirus crisis will be able to tune into their local BBC station.

Birmingham Live

 

Coronavirus-related fatalities rise to 69 among UK Jews

The number of coronavirus-related fatalities has risen to 69 among UK Jews, as of Wednesday, up from 55 the previous day, according to data collated by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Jewish News

 

Fears Muslims at greater risk of Covid-19 as people defy rules

Muslims are classed as being more 'at risk' than other communities because of cultural factors.

Birmingham Live

 

Australian High Court to announce decision on Cardinal Pell's appeal next week

Australian cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic cleric convicted of child sexual abuse charges, will learn the fate of his final appeal to the country's High Court on 7 April.

Catholic Herald

 

DUP councillor issues apology for blaming coronavirus on abortion and gay marriage

A DUP councillor has issued an apology after claiming the coronavirus pandemic is God's judgement for abortion reforms and legalising same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

The Irish News

 

Daniel Pearl murder: Pakistani court overturns death sentence of accused

A British-born Islamist militant facing execution for the 2002 kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl may walk free after a court in Pakistan commuted his sentence, and acquitted three co-accused.

The Guardian

 

Coronavirus: Indian mosque event becomes infection hotspot

Indian authorities are trying to track down almost 8,000 people who attended an event, which has also given rise to an anti-Muslim sentiment in public debate.

DW

 

Louisiana church packed for services again despite charges against pastor amid pandemic

Worshippers flocked to hear a Louisiana pastor who is facing charges for holding services despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday.

CBS News

 

China's religious minorities especially vulnerable to coronavirus, rights group warns

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has warned that the coronavirus pandemic may exacerbate the decline in religious liberty in China.

Christian Today

  

Latest from the NSS

 

Charity regulator to look into sale of coronavirus ‘protection kits’

The charity regulator is to scrutinise a church over its bishop's sale of "plague protection kits" during the coronavirus outbreak.

  

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