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secularism.org.uk

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Your daily media briefing - Friday 22 January

  

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.

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Secularism in the media

 

‘Religious groups with vested interests have too much control of RE’ – NSS quoted

Recent research published by the NSS illustrates the way a lack of government leadership has left RE vulnerable to vested interests.

Mirror

 

Parliament rejects trade bill amendment aimed at protecting persecuted religious minorities from genocide

The UK parliament has rejected an amendment which would have required the government to reconsider trade deals with countries deemed by British High Court judges to be committing genocide.

Premier Christian News

 

Judge refuses to bar children from becoming Catholics

A judge has refused to make an order barring five children from formally becoming Catholics.

Premier Christian News

 

Nigeria blasphemy: Jailed 13-year-old boy wins Kano appeal

A 13-year-old boy who was handed a decade-long jail sentence for blasphemy last year will now walk free.

BBC

 

Brother of Christian imprisoned in Pakistan on blasphemy charge pleads for Biden to help

A US citizen whose brother is facing the possibility of being sentenced to death in Pakistan on trumped-up blasphemy charges is asking the Biden administration to put pressure on Pakistan to release his brother.

Christian Post

 

Covid is worsening persecution of Christians, reports charity

Christians around the world have faced increased persecution as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, including the refusal of access to emergency aid and increased surveillance and violence, a watchdog has reported.

Church Times

 

‘For President Biden, an inauguration filled with faith’

The inauguration of the new US president was "a faith-infused day" and Joe Biden's term of office is shaping up to be "unapologetically religious".

Religion News Service

 

Jesuit order in Spain apologises for decades of sexual abuse by members

The Jesuit order in Spain has admitted that 81 children and 21 adults have been sexually abused by 96 of its members since 1927, and has apologised for the "painful, shameful and sorrowful" crimes.

The Guardian

 

Backlash against decision to honour former tennis player Margaret Court in Australia

Margaret Court, the former Australian tennis player and now a Pentecostal minister, will be recognised with Australia's highest honour. The decision has sparked a backlash from critics of her views on LGBTQ+ issues.

The Guardian

  

Latest from the NSS

 

Christian nationalism is a key part of Trump’s legacy

Alastair Lichten argues that understanding Christian nationalism is essential to understanding the presidency of Donald Trump and its consequences for the world.

  

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