Today’s overview of news reports with links
Labour MP to introduce same-sex marriage bill for N Ireland
https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/labour-mp-to-introduce-northern-ireland-samesex-marriage-bill-in-march-36637626.html
https://www.rte.ie/news/2018/0223/943114-same-sex-marriage-northern-ireland/
Tillerson confirms to Coveney US will appoint NI special envoy
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/tillerson-confirms-to-coveney-us-will-appoint-ni-special-envoy-1.3403593
Coverage of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Clonard Monestary in Belfast, part of his recent visit to Northern Ireland.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/archbishop-of-canterbury-praises-northern-irelands-peacemakers-on-clonard-visit-36634208.html
ll the publicans in this Cork town plan on keeping the shutters down this Good Friday
Six establishments in Newmarket have committed to stay closed.
http://www.thejournal.ie/good-friday-newmarket-pubs-2-3868834-Feb2018/
Scouting Ireland seeks to reassure its members after child safety procedures criticised
It’s been reported that the Children Minister has requested the report that criticised the organisation’s child safety procedures.
http://www.thejournal.ie/scouting-ireland-child-safety-3869162-Feb2018/
BBC News: Newspaper headlines: Meat safety fears and more questions for Corbyn
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-43177584
Week in Westminster, 19th-23rd February 2018
This week in the House of Lords bishops spoke on the importance of volunteers, the Ecumenical Marriage Bill and about nuclear weapons. They asked questions about the humanitarian crisis in Syria, women in the prison system, apprenticeships, attacks on Christians in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, social care, and child tax credits.
https://churchinparliament.org/2018/02/23/week-in-westminster-19th-23rd-february-2018/
Cult weddings in Church of England buildings could become a reality, bishop warns
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/cult-weddings-in-church-of-england-buildings-could-become-a-reality-bishop-warnsexecute1/126320.htm
News pieces on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s latest book, due to be published in March, Reimagining Britain: Foundations for Hope. Passages quoted in the Times and Telegraph include comments on the Brexit debate and issues around affordability of housing. The Mail covers the Archbishop’s comments on Sharia law.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby-book-reimagining-britain-foundations-for-hope-attacks-nimbys-and-owners-of-second-homes-vv8v5qgw3
Article on the backing by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Pope’s call for an international day of prayer for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, both facing the devastating consequences of war and famine. The Archbishop is quoted: “We are called to pray fervently for the millions of people who simply cannot take any more of this war.”
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishop-of-canterbury-backs-pope-francis-call-for-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-for-south-sudan-and-congo/126249.htm
Further coverage and reflection on the life of evangelist, Billy Graham, who died this week.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/billy-grahams-british-disciples-harness-power-of-the-internet-qkmmsh9m7
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/billy-graham-slaked-peoples-deep-thirst-for-spirituality-hn2d33q60
Billy Graham’s other legacy: Best-selling author
https://religionnews.com/2018/02/23/billy-grahams-legacy-best-selling-author/
Diocese says cardinal’s ‘nighty-night, baby’ tweet was meant for sister
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/02/23/diocese-says-cardinal-nighty-night-baby-tweet-was-meant-for-sister/
Article on a consistory court judgment that CCTV cameras in church should be turned off during worship and cameras should be located away from places where people are likely to pray privately.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/23/churches-must-switch-cctv-cameras-services-prayer-should-private/
Further coverage of the forthcoming marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Archbishop of Canterbury is quoted.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/923006/Meghan-Markle-news-Prince-Harry-royal-wedding-news-US-divorcee-Wallis-Simpson-King-Edward
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/archbishop-justin-welby-says-meghan-markles-divorce-not-problem-1663512
https://news.sky.com/story/church-has-dealt-with-meghan-markles-divorce-archbishop-of-canterbury-says-11264120
Opinion piece on handling and reporting of sexual abuse cases; includes ref to Oxfam and the Bishop George Bell case.
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/oxfam-sex-scandal-haiti-prostitutes-cholera-worse-a8224946.html
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