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 […]
Author: James Somerville-Meikle
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 […]
Sir James MacMillan CBE delivers annual Craigmyle Lecture
The Catholic Union’s annual Craigmyle Lecture was delivered this year by the Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan CBE with the title “Music, Faith and Politics”. This year’s lecture on 24 November was delivered via video conference on account of coronavirus restrictions, with Sir James addressing Catholic Union members and supporters from his home in […]
Catholic Union responds to the Spending Review
Following the publication of the Government’s Spending Review on 25 November, the Catholic Union has issued the following response. Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, comments: “This year’s Spending Review has revealed the scale of the economic shock caused by coronavirus. “The combination of a public health emergency and an economic emergency is having […]
Catholic Union responds to reopening of churches for worship
On 23 November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, confirmed that churches in England will be able to open for worship from 3 December. The decision follows a joint call from over 70 MPs and peers to lift the ban on religious services.
MPs and peers call for Christmas church guarantee
A cross party group of over 70 MPs and peers has called on the Prime Minister to guarantee that church services will go ahead this Christmas. In a letter to Boris Johnson, they call for churches in England to be open for worship as soon as possible, and at least in time for Christmas. […]
Catholic Union responds to new national restrictions in England
Following the announcement from the Prime Minister on 31 October that church services will not be able to take place in England from 5 November – 2 December, the Catholic Union has issued the following statement.
Catholics press Charities Minister for extra support
The Catholic Union arranged a meeting with Charities Minister, Baroness Barran, to call for extra support for charities during the coronavirus pandemic. Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, and Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle, were joined by representatives of the Caritas Social Action Network and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for a […]
Catholics unite to call for enhanced Gift Aid scheme UPDATED
The Catholic Union, Caritas Social Action Network, and Catholic Bishops in England and Wales have joined forces to call for a higher rate of Gift Aid to be introduced in response to coronavirus. In their letter to the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, the Catholic groups highlight the “perfect storm” faced by many charities at this […]
Related Website
Click the logo to visit the website of The Catholic Union Charitable Trust.