On 6th March 2018, The Earl of Courtown repeated a statement on the UK’s relationship with Russia amidst speculation about an incident in Salisbury, where a man and his daughter were found unconscious outside a shopping centre. The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, made comments about speculation about the incident. Continue reading “Bishop of Leeds comments on Russia and an incident in Salisbury”
Tag: foreign affairs
Archbishop of Canterbury asks for Government’s response to events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In the House of Lords on the 6th March 2018 the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Justin Welby, asked a question he had tabled to Government about escalating violence and suppression of peaceful protests across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bishops of St Albans and Leeds question the Government about humanitarian situation in Syria
On the 22nd February 2018 the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan smith asked an urgent (Private Notice) Question in the House of Lords about the humanitarian situation in Eastern Ghouta in Syria. The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, also asked a question during the follow-up. Both the Bishops’ contributions can be found below.
Syria: Eastern Ghouta – Private Notice Question
The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to respond to the crisis in Eastern Ghouta in Syria. Continue reading “Bishops of St Albans and Leeds question the Government about humanitarian situation in Syria”
Bishop of Winchester raises attacks on Christians in Sudan
On the 22nd February 2018 Baroness Cox asked Her Majesty’s Government “what is their assessment of the situation in Sudan, with particular reference to violations of human rights and access to those in need of humanitarian aid”. The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Tim Dakin, asked a follow-up question about the arrest of Christian leaders and the demolition of churches and schools.
The Lord Bishop of Winchester: My Lords, since 2011 there have been reports that the Government in Sudan have arrested Christian leaders, demolished churches and prevented church properties from being registered. My Anglican colleagues from the Sudan advised me that church schools are able to open only four days a week, because the Government require that schools are closed on Fridays and Saturdays—of course, Sunday is a holy day for Christians. How much more can the Government ensure that the rights of religious minorities are respected in Sudan?
Continue reading “Bishop of Winchester raises attacks on Christians in Sudan”
Archbishop of Canterbury receives answer to written question on Democratic Republic of Congo
On 19th February 2018 the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, received an answer to a written question on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The question was originally tabled on 5th February 2018.
The Archbishop of Canterbury: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to recent reports of civilian deaths and arrests following the crackdown on peaceful Church protests by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Continue reading “Archbishop of Canterbury receives answer to written question on Democratic Republic of Congo”
Bishop of Coventry asks Government about repatriation of Rohingya people
On 31st January 2018 the Bishop of Coventry, Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, received a written answer from Government about the Rohingya people in Burma:
The Lord Bishop of Coventry:To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the governments of (1) China, (2) Laos, (3) the Philippines, (4) Russia, and (5) Vietnam, regarding the announcement on 16 January that Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to repatriate Rohingya people; and what was the outcome of those discussions. Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry asks Government about repatriation of Rohingya people”
Bishop of Durham asks government about development aid to Burundi
On the 23rd January 2018 Lord Bruce of Bennachie asked the Government “how much Official Development Assistance they will spend on supporting sustainable public services and good governance in sub-Saharan Africa over the next two years.” The Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, asked a follow up question about the recent instability in Burundi.
The Lord Bishop of Durham: My Lords, given both the recent political instability and the current consultation on reforming the constitution in Burundi, and the forced displacement of more than 400,000 people, how do the Government intend to support sustainable public service through ODA in countries such as Burundi where conflict is preventing the basic functions of governance? Continue reading “Bishop of Durham asks government about development aid to Burundi”
Bishop of Durham asks Government about link between development aid and commitments to religious freedom
On Thursday 18th January 2018 Lord Suri ask Her Majesty’s Government “what assessment they have made of the recommendations of the report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion and Belief, Article 18: From Rhetoric to Reality.” The Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, asked a follow-up question:
The Lord Bishop of Durham: My Lords, noting recommendation 5, will Her Majesty’s Government provide detail about how DfID assesses its partners’ commitment to freedom of religion and belief when determining where the funding goes around the world? Continue reading “Bishop of Durham asks Government about link between development aid and commitments to religious freedom”
Bishop of Durham highlights work of schools and places of worship to support Commonwealth Summit
On Monday 15th January 2018 Baroness Berridge asked Her Majesty’s Government “how they will ensure the engagement of faith leaders in events around the Commonwealth Summit in April.” The Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, asked a follow up question:
The Lord Bishop of Durham: My Lords, the Minister may not be aware of the initiative of the lord-lieutenant of County Durham in having a schools conference in the lead-up, which will end up in Durham Cathedral. Will the noble Lord commend the work in schools, cathedrals and other major places of worship to engage in such things to enhance the Commonwealth conference? Continue reading “Bishop of Durham highlights work of schools and places of worship to support Commonwealth Summit”
Bishop of Coventry leads debate on the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in post-conflict Iraq
On 11th January 2018 the Bishop of Coventry, Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, led a debate in the House of Lords on the question: “to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their post-conflict strategy for protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq.” His speech is reproduced in full below, as is that of the Government minister responding. All speeches by those taking part in the debate can be read here.
The Lord Bishop of Coventry: My Lords, imagine what it was like, having been hounded out of one’s home when Daesh took control of Mosul, to be back there on Christmas Eve among 2,000 worshippers for the first celebration of the Mass in three and a half years. But then imagine the scene only hours afterwards— not only the church but also the city again almost entirely bereft of Christians because it is still not safe enough for them to return permanently.
What can be done to give Christians, Yazidis, Turkmen, Sabeans, Yarsanis, Shabaks and other vulnerable religious and ethnic communities in Iraq confidence that they have a future in their own land—and why is it vital for that land and that region that their confidence is regained? Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry leads debate on the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in post-conflict Iraq”
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