Islamist “hyper-extremism” could destabilise the West, according to a report that studies religious freedom in all 196 of the world’s countries.
Aid to the Church in Need’s survey of religious liberty said the “new phenomenon” had emerged since 2014 and was “unprecedented in its violent expression”.
Hyper-extremism is characterised by a “radical system of law and government”, a hostile attitude to other faiths and non-conforming Muslims, cruelty, use of social media, and a global impact “enabled by affiliate extremist groups and well-resourced support networks”.
It has had a dramatic effect on religious liberty around the world, according to the survey. Since mid-2014, one in five countries has seen a violent Islamist attack. According to the report, this has led to the refugee crisis. Such extremism is also seized on by authoritarian regimes “as a pretext for a disproportionate crackdown on religious minorities” in countries such as China where religious freedom is limited.
In the West, “this hyper-extremism is at risk of destabilising the socio-religious fabric, with countries sporadically targeted by fanatics and under pressure to receive unprecedented numbers of refugees mostly of a different faith to the indigenous communities”, the report said. “Manifest ripple effects include the rise of right-wing and populist groups; restrictions on free movement, discrimination against minority faiths and a decline of social cohesion, including in state schools.”
The report said that non-state agencies, not governments, were now the main perpetrators of religious persecution.
Campaigners seek to save Gothic Revival church
A Grade II listed church in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, is under threat of closure by the Diocese of Nottingham.
St Mary’s on the Sea in Heneage Road, Grimsby, is marked for closure and “disposal” in a review commissioned by Bishop Patrick McKinney of Nottingham.
The church, built in 1879-83 in the Gothic Revival style, has a marble altar designed by Pugin & Pugin, a painted sanctuary and beautiful stained-glass windows. It is described as “the mother church of the Grimsby area”. Two primary schools and another church in the town, St Pius X, are also marked for closure once a replacement church and school have been built.
Marcus Binney, executive president of Save Britain’s Heritage, which is campaigning to save the church, said: “St Mary’s is an important historic church in Grimsby that tells the story of the town. Its fine interior is brimming with original fittings and architectural details that should be treasured.”
He added: “Closure of such a fine building should be a last resort – and nobody’s first choice. We implore the bishop to do the right thing.”
Don’t lose hope, cardinal tells police
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor concelebrated the annual Requiem Mass for deceased police officers and staff at Westminster Cathedral last week. The Mass was sung by the Metropolitan Police choir. The cardinal thanked the police and staff for their work in keeping law and order, and also for the care they offer people every day. He urged them not to lose sight of “the great hope, the hope of God”.
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