Letter to Nicola Sturgeon 24.02.21
Author: James Somerville-Meikle
“Freedom of expression for believers is under threat” warns Catholic Union
The Catholic Union has warned that freedom of expression is under threat from an increasing failure to accept the legitimacy of different views in society. It follows the Catholic Union submitting evidence to the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) on a wide range of matters concerning freedom of expression. The […]
BBC Watch: Catholics on Thought for the Day
Seven Catholic commentators appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day in 2020. Research from the Catholic Union has found that out of 312 episodes of the regular Today programme slot last year – Catholics featured 35 times, representing just over 11 per cent of contributions. Thought for the Day is a […]
Catholic Union warns against undermining freedom of expression
The Catholic Union has warned against making any changes to hate crime legislation that risk undermining freedom of expression. In response to a Law Commission consultation on potential changes to hate crime laws, the Catholic Union said that “protection of the individual citizen against the weaponization of the criminal law is one of the […]
Catholic Union warns lockdowns risk fundamental rights
The Catholic Union has warned about disproportionate interference with people’s freedom of religion or belief during lockdowns imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. In evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), the Catholic Union states that the Government was slow to reopen churches after the first national lockdown. It also highlights the lack […]
Catholic Union calls for evidence on Scottish church closures UPDATED
The Catholic Union has called on the Scottish Government to publish evidence for its decision to close places of worship again. In a letter to Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Catholic Union said it was extremely concerned about the decision to close churches for private prayer and worship as part of new […]
Catholic Union meets Government’s Faith Adviser
The Catholic Union has called on the Government to respect faiths in the same way as other world views in a meeting with the Government’s Faith Adviser, Colin Bloom. The meeting was part of the evidence gathering process for the Government’s Independent Faith Engagement Review, being led by Mr Bloom. The review was […]
Catholic Union updates MPs and Peers on recent work
Ahead of the Christmas recess, the Catholic Union has sent out a parliamentary update to our supporters in both Houses of Parliament. The email update provides parliamentarians with a summary of our news and campaigns over the past few months. Our Advent edition covers our work on helping to reopen churches for services, supporting people […]
Catholic Union Briefing Note on Clergy Visas
Background briefing note on priests and religious workers entering the UK under current visa arrangements. Catholic Union Briefing Note – Clergy Visas
“Family tax” adding to food poverty warns Catholic Union
The Catholic Union has warned that the two-child cap on the childcare element of Universal Credit and Tax Credits is contributing to food poverty. In a letter to food charity, Fair Share, the Catholic Union has called for a focus on addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inconsistencies in support offered to people […]