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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 lockdown measures in Scotland.

 

In November last year, the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said there was no evidence of places of worship contributing to the spread of the virus.

Read More »Catholic Union calls for evidence on Scottish church closures UPDATED

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 launched in November and included an online survey (which closed on 11 December) along with meetings with representative groups, including the Catholic Union.

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“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 out of work or on low wages.

 

Fair Share is one of the groups behind the new Child Food Poverty Taskforce.

Read More »“Family tax” adding to food poverty warns Catholic Union

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 the Ayrshire countryside.

Sir James has composed concertos, operas and symphonies among other works, as well as composing music for the opening of the new Scottish Parliament and the Papal Visit in 2010.

Read More »Sir James MacMillan CBE delivers annual Craigmyle Lecture

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 a devastating impact on individuals and families. Sadly, we know that it’s people on the margins of society who are the worst affected.

Read More »Catholic Union responds to the Spending Review

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.

 

The current lockdown restrictions in England, which are due to expire on 2 December, ban religious services from taking place.

Read More »MPs and peers call for Christmas church guarantee