Monday 24th August. Please find below this week’s media update, kindly provided by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Office of Communications and Evangelisation. The briefing includes coverage from Scotland and the wider UK, together with Vatican and international developments. Please click on the link in each item to be taken to the full article.
Scotland
Bishop Keenan urges Catholics to oppose Westminster assisted-suicide bill
Link: Crux — Scottish bishops’ leader calls Catholics to fight suicide bill
At a glance
- Bishop John Keenan is urging Scottish Catholics to contact their MPs.
- The bill returns to the Commons on 11 September.
- He warns its passage could reopen the debate in Scotland.
Scottish churches welcome £1m places of worship fund
Link: Christian Today — Scottish churches welcome £1m fund for historic buildings
At a glance
- A new £1m fund will support Scotland’s listed places of worship.
- It follows the closure of the previous UK-wide scheme.
- Catholic and Church of Scotland leaders have welcomed the move.
Also seen on: Premier Christian News · Catholic Herald
UK / Ireland
Archbishop Moth backs international religious-freedom campaign
Link: Catholic Bishops’ Conference — Defend Freedom of Religion and Belief
At a glance
- Archbishop Richard Moth has backed an Aid to the Church in Need petition.
- It calls for stronger protection of religious freedom worldwide.
- The campaign focuses on Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Faith communities placed at heart of new rough-sleeping drive
Link: The Tablet — Faith communities at heart of Andy Burnham’s drive to end rough sleeping
At a glance
- Andy Burnham has launched a renewed drive to tackle rough sleeping.
- Faith communities are being given a central role.
- Churches and charities will help provide practical support and accommodation.
Catholic MP Florence Eshalomi appointed new faith minister
Link: Christian Today — Catholic MP Florence Eshalomi appointed new faith minister
At a glance
- Labour MP Florence Eshalomi has been appointed the UK’s new faith minister.
- The practising Catholic also chairs the parliamentary Friends of CAFOD.
- Her brief includes faith communities, social cohesion, and homelessness.
Pope / Vatican
Pope Leo calls for dialogue in a polarised world
Link: Associated Press — Pope Leo calls for dialogue over conflict
At a glance
- Leo warned against militarisation and growing social division.
- He called for dialogue, encounter and solidarity.
- He described young Catholics as a powerful sign of hope.
Pope Leo says AI must serve humanity
Link: OSV News — AI must serve common good, not dominate humanity
At a glance
- Leo called for stronger oversight of artificial intelligence.
- Technology must serve the common good and human dignity.
- He urged Catholic lawmakers to put conscience before technological power.
Pope Leo calls for urgent action on Congo Ebola outbreak
Link: Reuters — Pope Leo urges global action on Congo Ebola outbreak
At a glance
- Leo has appealed for international help for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The Ebola outbreak has killed more than 2,500 people.
- He called for local communities to be involved in prevention efforts.
Pope sends financial aid to earthquake-hit Colombia
Link: OSV News — Pope Leo offers prayers and financial assistance to Colombia
At a glance
- Pope Leo has sent financial assistance following Colombia’s earthquake.
- The money will address the most urgent needs of affected families.
- Further Vatican assistance could follow as recovery needs become clearer.
Worldwide
New film tells the story of Catholic martyr Blessed Stanley Rother
Link: OSV News — American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story
At a glance
- A new documentary explores the life of Blessed Stanley Rother.
- Martin Sheen narrates the story of the American missionary priest.
- Rother was killed while serving his community in Guatemala in 1981.
Catholic education described as an ‘act of hope’
Link: OSV News — Catholic education is an act of hope
At a glance
- Bishop Earl Fernandes has highlighted the evangelising role of Catholic education.
- He described Catholic schools as an “act of hope.”
- Their purpose, he said, extends beyond academics to proclaiming Christ’s love.