Locked down, lost faith: Non-attendance is weakening connection
The coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns could see increasing numbers of more nominal religious believers abandon their faith, as they lose the habit of worship.
Islam
New board of scholars is unifying fragmented Muslim communities
The British Board of Scholars and Imams, offering guidance and advice to the country’s disparate Muslim communities, has seen its work turbocharged in the pandemic.
The Covid cash crisis for religion: social action may be cut and Victorian churches shut
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way that religion is financed in England, and this will change the religious — and physical — landscape of the country.
Comment on places of worship remaining open in lockdown England
Places of worship can remain open during the lockdown in England, but Imam Qari Asim urges caution in the face of a serious threat to health and life; and Bishop Sarah Mullaly says some churches will continue online only.
Faith stories to watch out for in 2021
Christopher Lamb outlines four religion stories to look out for in 2021 – faith groups dealing with the pandemic, a new faith department in UK government, Pope Francis in Iraq and Joe Biden’s faith values impacting America.
Mosque massacres could not have been stopped, report says
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the New Zealand Christchurch mosque attack reveals Muslims’ experience of racism, discrimination and being suspected of terrorism
France’s laïcité is preventing freedom of belief and encouraging the jihadist
Andrew Brown asks how France can address the recent savage Jihadi violence, and hears experts suggest that the secular state makes a free discussion of the problems of religious extremism impossible for policy makers.
Explainer: France crisis over Islam
France has been further engulfed in a crisis over Islam and terrorism after a second knife attack in October left three people dead.
French backlash against Muslims after teacher beheaded
Anti-Islamic sentiment is rising in France after a history teacher was beheaded for showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed to his class. Muslim leaders have condemned the attack as against the teachings of Islam.
Kruger report calls for a new deal for faith groups . . . but is it just hot air?
Danny Kruger MP was asked by the Prime Minister to report on how faith groups contributed to civil society in the lockdown. He suggests a new deal between the state and faith groups to provide ongoing help.