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** Your daily media briefing - Friday 25 September
In the Media <[link removed]> is our daily collection of news and commentary related to secularism, available delivered to your inbox. You can also read the latest news <[link removed]> and opinion <[link removed]> and listen to our podcasts <[link removed]> on our website.
** Secularism in the media
* 700 clerics tell PM not to close churches again as part of Covid restrictions <[link removed]>
Almost 700 clerics from across the UK have signed an open letter to Boris Johnson and regional first ministers warning that Covid restrictions are causing more damage to society than the virus itself - and saying that they "must not be asked to suspend Christian worship again".
News Letter
* Chief Rabbi: ‘No circumstances in which Covid-19 app may be used’ at Shabbat <[link removed]>
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has said there are "no circumstances" in which a new Covid-19 app may be used at Shabbat. His comments come amid the launch of the app on Thursday, with an appeal sent to places of worship by the government to install it and use the technology while congregating.
Jewish News
* Court of Appeal to rule on change to UK abortion law <[link removed]>
Christian Concern is pursuing action against the Department for Health and Social Care over its change to abortion regulations, allowing women to have medical abortions at home following a phone or video consultation.
Kent Live
* Muslim man wins UK tribunal case over Cognac raffle switch <[link removed]>
A Muslim man who worked at a country house hotel has successfully sued his employer for religious harassment after he won a bottle of Cognac in a raffle at a staff party but was given a "cheap" box of chocolates instead.
The Guardian
* Chelmsford Muslim Society told planning permission needed for leisure centre plans <[link removed]>
The society bought Hamptons Sport and Leisure Centre in Great Baddow in February, but has been accused of using the centre as a place of worship without receiving permission from Chelmsford City Council.
Essex Live
* Woman receives religious 'divorce' after threatening criminal action <[link removed]>
A London woman received her get (Jewish religious 'divorce') this week after threatening to take her husband to court for coercive and controlling behaviour.
The JC
* 'Humza Yousaf’s rethink on Hate Crime Bill is the correct decision' <[link removed]>
Record View says the climbdown on the legislation will help avoid it becoming an unworkable mess.
Daily Record
* 'Britain is the weak link in Europe’s counter-extremism network' <[link removed]>
Until the UK is able to take decisive action against extremist ideology, Britain's streets will once again see bloodshed, says global terrorism expert Ron Sandee.
The Spectator
* People leaving Catholic Church in 'droves' warns McAleese <[link removed]>
Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland, has warned that people are leaving the Catholic Church "in droves", tired of "little old men" who continue to "beat the drum of obedience".
The Tablet
* German court quashes ban on mosque's call to prayer <[link removed]>
The call to prayer had been banned after a Christian couple complained that it intruded on their religious freedoms. The court ruled that the call to prayer did not violate the rights of those who heard it.
Deutsche Welle
* Slovak conservatives hope to tighten abortion law, rights groups protest <[link removed]>
Christian lawmakers in Slovakia hope to win parliamentary approval for a tightening of abortion rules in a vote expected today, part of a trend towards more socially conservative policies across parts of central Europe.
Reuters
* Stoicism protected as a belief in equality law <[link removed]>
An employment tribunal judge has ruled that Stoicism is a belief protected under the Equality Act 2010.
The Times (£)
** The latest from the NSS
* NHS trusts’ cosy relationships with Jehovah’s Witness leaders could have tragic consequences <[link removed]>
Committees of Jehovah's Witnesses who encourage patients to refuse treatments involving blood are seeking influence in hospitals – and many NHS trusts are holding the door open for them, writes Lloyd Evans.
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Disclaimer: Links are provided to external websites for information and in the interests of free exchange. We do not accept any responsibility for the content of those sites, nor does a link indicate approval or imply endorsement of those sites.
Note: Yesterday's media briefing suggested a proposed assisted dying bill had been tabled in Northern Ireland. It was instead tabled in the Republic of Ireland.
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