News Briefing: from Britain and Ireland

Former Home Secretary Charles Clarke and Professor Linda Woodhead (above) have urged the Government to rethink its decision to remove a 50 per cent cap on faith-based admissions to schools. In a submission to the Government consultation “Schools that work for everyone”, which in part examines the proposal to remove the cap, they recognised that faith schools make “a very important contribution” to the national education system and praised Church of England schools for their inclusivity, but warned that Catholic schools “exist primarily to educate the children of parents who share that faith”. They wrote that the case had not been made for removing the cap, and said canon law left much room for interpretation: “it should not be made the basis of policy.”

Meanwhile the Diocese of East Anglia has revealed it plans to open eight new schools should the Government lift the cap. It said that East Anglia’s shortage of places in Catholic schools is among the most severe in the country.

The Archdiocese of Dublin has seen a further drop in the number of complaints and allegations of clerical sexual abuse this year. Figures for 2016 show four new allegations of child sexual abuse involving priests of the archdiocese. Three of these priests are deceased while the fourth is retired.

This brings to 110 the total number of priests working in Dublin against whom allegations have been made since 1940. Twelve priests or former priests have been convicted in the criminal courts; 277 civil actions have been taken against 54 priests or former priests of the diocese; 215 cases have concluded and 57 are ongoing. The cost, to date, to Dublin diocese for settlement of claims is €22.4 million.

Tribute to Clifford
Bishop Gerard Clifford who died in December aged 75 was “a tireless peacemaker and bridge-builder” the Primate of All Ireland said in a tribute. The Armagh prelate, who was appointed an auxiliary in 1991, had been forced to retire from active ministry by illness in 2013. His episcopal ministry involved working in ecumenism, education and as president of Cura, the Church’s pro-life crisis pregnancy counselling service .

An improvised retelling of the Nativity story performed by children from schools in County Down and devised by Catholic screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce (above) will be at the heart of Christmas broadcasting this year. The Nativity, on BBC Radio 4 at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, is introduced by actor Liam Neeson. Elsewhere Cardinal Vincent Nichols is due to be interviewed by Clare Balding on BBC Radio 2 on Christmas Day, ahead of a special edition of Private Passions on BBC Radio 3 with the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, at midday. On Christmas Eve Carols From King’s will be shown on BBC2 at 5.45, with Midnight Mass led by the Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, on BBC1 from 11.45. A Holy Communion service from Bristol Cathedral will be broadcast on BBC1 on Christmas Day, followed by a special edition of Songs of Praise. See also Arts p37-39.

Birthday greetings to the Pope
MPs sent a message of congratulation to Pope Francis ahead of his 80th birthday on 17 December. The motion, signed by MPs from five parties, recognises his contribution to climate change, sustainable development, welcoming refugees, prison reform, protecting religious freedom, and advancing global abolition of the death penalty. Rob Flello MP sponsored the motion.

Ampleforth investigation
The Charity Commission has launched an investigation into how Ampleforth Abbey handled allegations of sexual abuse. The investigation into the abbey, a registered charity, and St Laurence Education Trust, which runs Ampleforth College and St Martin’s Ampleforth, will examine how their trustees approached safeguarding. The commission will look into whether there was misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charities by trustees.

Rare books dating from the late fifteenth century by Thomas Aquinas and Boethius are among a number of works from the Jesuit-owned O’Brien Collection that have been given on long-term loan to the National Library of Ireland. Other works from the collection, which was left to the Jesuit Community at Milltown Park in 1899 are to be auctioned by Sotheby’s next June. The proceeds of the sale will go to the Milltown Charitable Trust for the upkeep of Jesuit churches, the care of invalid priests, relief of the poor, religious education and the maintenance and modernisation of the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy’s library.

Pupils from Wimbledon College are raising money for the Jesuit Refugee Service by taking on a series of sponsored challenges themed around the number 125 to celebrate the college’s 125th anniversary. More than 800 boys have signed up to challenges includes solving Rubik’s cubes in 125 seconds, memorising Pi to 125 decimal places, swimming 125km, memorising 125 football league team names, doing 125 press-ups every day and praying 125 decades of the Rosary.

Church leaders in London (above) have launched a social media campaign in response to the ongoing refugee crisis and reports of intolerance following Britain’s decision to exit the European Union. The campaign encourages churches of different denominations to share stories of community cohesion, using the hashtag #LondonUnited. Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “As Christians we are called to extend the hand of friendship and support to those who are most in need. In recognising and promoting the inherent dignity of every person we build a strong society and remain true to our British values.”

The Irish Bishops’ Conference has expressed its concern over the rise in homelessness across the country and decried homelessness and poor housing as an “affront to human dignity”. In a statement following its Winter General Meeting in Maynooth, the bishops appealed to all people of goodwill to support the efforts of homeless agencies to build a society where homelessness and poor housing are “eradicated forever”.

Meanwhile Cardinal Vincent Nichols and the St Vincent de Paul Society have teamed up again to create a survival pack for homeless people. The “Vinnie Pack” will contain a thermal hat, socks, gloves, a toothbrush and toothpaste as well as an information sheet.

To donate to Vinnie Packs text: VINP33 followed by the £[amount] to 70070, or donate online at: http://uk. virginmoneygiving.com/fund/svpvinniepacks.