TheDiadem Church News – Week 46,2024

TheDiadem Church News for week 46 highlights the Church’s continued focus on Social Justice, Human Dignity, and Advocacy for marginalized communities worldwide.

These stories reflect ongoing efforts to address global crises, internal Church reforms, and broader environmental and social issues impacting Europe and the world.

Week 46 events reflect the Church’s ongoing role in advocating for Justice, Peace, and Social Cohesion across Africa.

This week, TheDiadem Church News highlights Pope Francis’ continued focus on peace and humanitarian efforts, particularly addressing the conflict in Gaza.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops discussed migration, the National Eucharistic Congress, and the church’s budget at their plenary assembly.

In Asia, church leaders advocated for unity and peace amid ongoing social and political challenges,

while Africa focused on justice, addressing violence, and celebrating the legacy of seminary education in Nigeria. (The Independent , Diocese of Coventry)

In the News This Week: TheDiadem Church News – Week 46,2024

Pope Francis’ Engagements

The Pope met with Israeli hostages recently freed from Gaza, emphasizing the Church’s solidarity with victims of conflict and violence.

In Rome, he celebrated the World Day of the Poor by hosting a lunch for 1,300 underprivileged individuals after a Mass dedicated to them.

Persecution Awareness Campaigns

November is a pivotal month for raising awareness of Christian persecution.

Aid to the Church in Need is observing “Red Wednesday” on November 20,

calling attention to the millions of Christians worldwide who face severe discrimination and violence, particularly in countries like North Korea, Nigeria, and India.

Housing Crisis Advocacy

Pope Francis urged the Church of Rome to take active measures to address the city’s housing crisis, highlighting the Church’s role in social justice.

Synodal Assembly in Italy

At Italy’s first Synodal Assembly, the Pope called for “prophetic witness,” encouraging the Church to address societal challenges boldly and inclusively.

CELAM Statement

The Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) expressed solidarity with Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Nicaragua,

who was recently expelled by the government, showcasing ongoing tensions between the Church and state in the region.

In Europe this week.

Call for Peace Amid Conflicts.

The Council of Episcopal Conferences of Europe (CCEE) held its annual Plenary Assembly in Malta, emphasizing the need for peace in conflict zones like the Holy Land and Ukraine.

European bishops called for humanitarian efforts, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to violence in Ukraine and Armenia.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, provided updates on the situation in Gaza and efforts for hostages’ release.

Vatican’s Safeguarding Conference.

A conference organized by the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors focused on addressing sexual abuse within the Church.

European Catholic leaders discussed safeguarding mechanisms and reforms to improve accountability and support survivors.

Environmental Advocacy at COP29.

Pope Francis highlighted the need for a human-centered approach to climate financing during his address at the UN COP29 summit.

The 29th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP29, took place from November 11 to November 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan

He criticized the burden of ecological and financial debt that hinders sustainable development and called for global solidarity.

Celebration of Synodality in Europe.

The CCEE assembly also discussed advancing the Synodal Church model in Europe, aiming for more inclusive and participatory decision-making structures within the Church.

TheDiadem Church News – Week 46,2024

Resignation.

Archbishop Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, has announced his resignation, set for 2025.

His decision follows significant controversy surrounding his handling of historical abuse allegations within the church.

An independent review, known as the Makin Report, found that the Church of England failed to address abuse allegations against John Smyth,

a prominent church volunteer who abused dozens of boys and young men in the UK and Africa over several decades.

While the report indicated systemic failings dating back to the 1980s, it also criticized Welby for not ensuring a robust response after learning of the allegations in 2013.

Welby has publicly apologized for the church’s failures but resisted calls for immediate resignation,

stating his intention to continue working on safeguarding reforms until stepping down.

The resignation also occurs in the context of ongoing tensions within the Anglican Communion regarding theological and cultural divisions,

which have marked Welby’s tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury.

These issues have highlighted the challenges of balancing traditionalist and progressive factions within the global church.

Welby’s departure will lead to the appointment of a new Archbishop, a process involving consultation across the Church of England and the wider Anglican community.

Archbishop Justin Welby’s announcement to resign in 2025 comes in the context of multiple challenges and controversies during his tenure as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Here’s the broader context behind this decision:

1. Historical Abuse Allegations and the Makin Review

The Makin Review highlighted systemic failures in the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations involving John Smyth,

a volunteer who abused numerous boys and young men over several decades.

The report criticized Welby for his role in addressing the abuse after learning about it in 2013.

It stated that had the matter been pursued more energetically, further abuse could have been prevented, and legal action against Smyth might have been achieved.

This led to calls from within the Church and the wider community for Welby to resign, although he expressed his intent to stay and work on safeguarding reforms​

2. Tensions Within the Anglican Communion

Welby’s tenure has been marked by divisions within the Anglican Communion over theological issues, such as same-sex marriage, gender roles, and approaches to social justice.

His efforts to maintain unity have been met with criticism from both traditionalist and progressive factions, challenging his role as the symbolic head of a diverse and global communion​

3. Pressure for Institutional Reform

During his time as Archbishop, Welby has focused on modernizing the Church of England and addressing its declining membership.

However, he has faced resistance to some of these reforms, particularly from those wary of changes to traditional practices and governance.

4. His Leadership Vision

Despite controversies, Welby has championed causes such as social justice, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability,

including his recent advocacy at the COP29 climate summit.

His leadership style has often involved balancing pastoral care with a focus on public policy.

5. Looking Forward

By announcing his resignation for 2025, Welby gives the Church time to transition and identify a successor.

This decision reflects his recognition of the need for renewed leadership to navigate the challenges facing the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

In the News from Asia this week: TheDiadem Church News – Week 46,2024

Asian Church Leadership Conference (ACLC) in Hong Kong.

Over 100 participants from 46 member churches across 14 countries gathered from November 7–12, 2024.

The conference focused on nurturing hope amidst challenges in diverse Asian contexts.

Discussions highlighted themes of thriving churches, mutual support, and addressing the socio-political difficulties faced by many Asian communities.

Leaders shared success stories and strategized to bolster church vitality in the region.

Pope Francis’ Emphasis on Synodality in Asia.

The Pope continues to stress the importance of synodality, with Cardinal Czerny highlighting the need to combat exclusion and discrimination in the region.

The Church is increasingly engaging Indigenous traditions and promoting interreligious dialogue to foster unity and inclusion.

Growth of the Catholic Church in Asia.

While Western nations see declining membership, Asia is experiencing growth in Catholicism.

This includes an increase in clergy and heightened representation in the College of Cardinals.

Challenges like religious freedom and internal liturgical disputes remain, such as those involving the Syro-Malabar Church in India.

Holy See’s Efforts in Diplomacy with Asia.

The Vatican continues diplomatic activity in Asia, including agreements with Vietnam for a permanent papal representative,

and the renewal of the Sino-Vatican accord regarding bishop appointments in China.

These efforts aim to strengthen the Church’s presence and governance in the region.

In the News from Africa: TheDiadem Church News – Week 46,2024

Kenyan Bishops Address Rising Violence.

The Catholic Bishops in Kenya condemned the growing incidents of abductions, torture, and killings linked to past protests, particularly those driven by the youth in June.

They also addressed the alarming rise in femicide and called for collective action to restore peace and security in the country.

Church Advocacy in Angola.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Angola emphasized the importance of peace and freedom as major gains since the nation’s independence.

They called for reconciliation and socio-political stability to advance development.

Catholic Women’s Financial Aid in Nigeria.

The Ladies of St. Mulumba in Nigeria extended financial assistance to impoverished women and youth affected by insecurity.

These funds aim to support small-scale businesses, fostering resilience amid ongoing challenges.

Bigard Memorial Seminary Centennial in Nigeria.

The Catholic Church in Nigeria celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary.

Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke emphasized the need to preserve the legacy of faith while adapting to contemporary missions.

Protests and Church Involvement in Mozambique and DRC.

Catholic Bishops in Mozambique criticized post-election violence,

while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Bishops opposed a constitutional amendment proposal,

emphasizing the need for democratic stability and socio-economic reforms.

In the News from The United States

U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Plenary Assembly.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual Plenary Assembly,

where topics like migration, the National Eucharistic Congress, and the church’s 2025 budget were discussed.

The bishops also focused on the causes of beatification for two individuals.

National Vocation Awareness Week.

The Catholic Church celebrated National Vocation Awareness Week, promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life across the U.S.

Also Read: TheDiadem Church News – Week 45,2024 – Diademng

TheDiadem Church News – Week 46,2024