Week commencing 14th March 2022

The BBC reports on the offers of help that have flooded to a Russian Orthodox Church in Oxford after it had been ransacked. Religious items were stolen, along with a collection for Ukrainian refugees. Local supporters have donated £8,000 to the church so far, in response to the break in.

Also on the BBC news website is the story of the government banning of the hijab in schools and colleges in India. A high court has upheld the ban.

The BBC reports that the Church of England is putting pressure on TotalEnergies over its decision not to cut business ties with Russia in the wake of its Ukraine invasion. The Church has investments in TotalEnergies.

Also on the BBC news website: A cathedral’s first female dean has been awarded a city’s highest civic honour after eight years in the post. The Very Reverend Jane Hedges, has been granted the Freedom of The City by Norwich City Council for her initiatives and contributions to civic life.

The Guardian reports that Pope Francis has denounced the ‘abuse of power’ which Russia has displayed in the war against Ukraine at a gathering of European Catholic representatives. The Pope also made clear his support for Ukraine in the gathering.

Local newspaper The Bolton News reported on the work of the Swaminarayan Mandir in gathering donations to send to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees. The donations were given a traditional blessing before they departed to the Ukrainian boarder.