Week Commencing 5th July 2021

10th July

From The Guardian, The Church of England has been accused of attempting to stifle debate on race and gender during this weekend’s online meeting of The General Synod. Most sessions that could spark controversy have been listed as “presentations” which may not grant the necessary time for thorough discussion.

9th July

The Guardian reports, the Church of England has rejected the call to appoint racial justice officers to every diocese in England to help combat institutional racism. A decision which has been described as shocking and disgraceful by campaigners for inclusivity and diversity.

7th July

Aljazeera reports, a French court has convicted 11 of 13 people charged with harassing a teenager for her anti-Islam videos. 18-year-old Mila, has become a divisive figure in France, seen by her supporters as a symbol of free speech, and by her critics as deliberately provocative and Islamophobic.

6th July

From The Guardian: the Labour party has lifted Trevor Phillips’ suspension for alleged Islamophobia. The anti-racism campaigner, who previously chaired the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), was temporarily banned from the party in March 2020.

5th July

In The Guardian, Pope Francis is to stay in hospital for seven days to await details of his recent surgery, though he breathing without assistance is in good condition overall.