One rule for Jesus, another for Muhammad?

The Guardian have posted a blog on their website looking at the issue of equality of discrimination. It begins by quoting part of an interview with BBC Director General, Mark Thompson, when he was questioned on whether or not the BBC show would broadcast programmes offensive to Muslims. This, after showing the Jerry Singer Musical where Jesus is depicted as a petulant overgrown baby in a nappy - sparking outrage from many Christians.  The question was put to him that the BBC wouldn't dream of broadcasting something comparably satirical about the Prophet Muhammad. He replied: "I think essentially the answer to that question is yes."

Watch the full interview here:

One suggestion made was this was down to some Muslims' potential threats of violence, rather than just angry letters. Thompson replied: "Well clearly it's a very notable move in the game … 'I complain in the strongest possible terms', is different from 'I complain in the strongest possible terms and I'm loading my AK47 as I write'."

However, there was greater depth to Thompson's response too. He said that, "Christianity is the 'broad-shouldered', established religion of the majority in Britain, Islam is that of vulnerable ethnic minorities, 'who may already feel in other ways isolated, prejudiced against, and where they may well regard an attack on their religion as racism by other means'. This perhaps gives a better suggestion as to why the BBC does treat Christians differently to Muslims. He then goes on to point out that also, people need to understand the emotional force of "what blasphemy feels like to someone who is a realist in their religious belief". It is clear that religious beliefs cannot simply be compared with rational, propositional statements.

The blogger poses two questions:

Is it true that Muslims still constitute a vulnerable, disadvantaged minority in the UK?
And if so, is this the right way in which to display special sensitivity?

His conclusion is this:

Difficult though it is, we must never abandon the quest for equal liberty under law. Everyone is entitled to what the philosopher Ronald Dworkin calls "equal respect and concern". That does not mean treating everyone exactly the same in every circumstance. But whenever you hear anyone (including me or you) arguing for unequal treatment of any kind, shine the searchlight and take a closer look. The same evangelical Christian who complains of unequal treatment from the BBC will vociferously oppose gay marriage. The same European liberal who argues passionately that newspapers should be free to publish cartoons of Muhammad will defend laws criminalising genocide denial. Double standards are the warning signals of a free society.

Read full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/14/one-rule-jesus-another-muhammad

How do you think we should display religious equality in our community? Is the BBC right to allow satirical shows about Christianity but not Islam? Why do you think this is the case?

Homeless Hotspots: New Charity Idea

A new charity initiative in America has drawn much criticism from the world's press. The basic idea is that in the digital age, people are not buying publications (such as the Big Issue) from homeless people. This means the small income they gained from this, has been lost.

An organisation came up with what they thought was a good idea... attach a wireless hotspot to a homeless person and get people to donate, by text, to that individual to use the internet connection.

The BBC reported people's reactions:

Comments posted to the BBH's site accused the project of being "unseemly" and "wrong".

Members of Twitter asked "what has this world come to?" and accused the project of being a "gimmick".

However, others praised the idea as being "inspirational" and a chance to create a "positive interaction between the public" and homeless people.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17345926

The advertising agency and the organisation have defended their idea and it is being used at the SXSW music festival currently taking place in Austin, Texas.

Read more: http://homelesshotspots.org/

What do you think? Is this a good idea or not? Is 'being' a wifi hotspot the same as selling a magazine in 2012?

Same-Sex Marraige: The Reaction (Part 2)

Since my last post on gay marriage (5th March - http://talkingdonkeyre.blogspot.com/2012/03/catholics-called-to-oppose-gay-marraige.html), the Catholic Church and discussion around this topic have been constantly in the news.

The full pastoral letter read out in Catholic churches across England and Wales can be read here: http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/content/download/28460/194403/file/abps-letter-marriage-march-2012.pdf

 A petition website has also been started here: http://c4m.org.uk/

 Many Catholics and non-Catholics alike have struggled with this campaign and are unclear why it is such an issue for the Church and why they should be involved.

 The Church is very clear on its teaching on homosexuality, that it is not a sin to be homosexual, but that such feelings should not be acted upon and the celibate life must be followed. It's also very clear on its teaching on marriage that it is a sacramental act that brings together in union, man and woman, in a relationship that is open to procreation.

 The government's proposal is one of law change, to define legally that same-sex couples can enjoy the same title of marriage as a heterosexual couple. It is not saying that these marriages would have to happen in Catholic Churches, nor challenging the Church's teaching on the issue.

 Therefore for many, it seems that the Catholic Church is involving itself in a secular issue and trying to impose its definition of marriage on to society. Many of those who get married in a registry office are already challenging the Church's view on marriage, as are Catholic couples who are married but using contraception. Many would argue that 'marriage' was redefined a long time ago.

 The news reporting has enabled opposition to the Catholic Church to label them further out of date and out of touch. However organisations such as Catholic Voices (http://www.catholicvoices.org.uk) have been very outspoken in their defence of the Church's position. Their website includes links to several media appearances including this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2iOxPW6N3M

This open letter has been written by a friend of mine (and old Campion boy) Simon Darvill (@simondarvill) and published yesterday. Already it has been widely circulated via Facebook and Twitter: http://simondarvill.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/an-open-letter-to-rev-vincent-nichols-archbishop-of-westminster/

 The conclusion is particularly strong:

"As stated, I am proud to be a young Catholic and proud that my Church stands up to governments when it disagrees. I may not always agree with the Church’s’ leadership on some issues but I am still, and always will be a loyal follower of the Catholic Church and respectful of its leadership.

 At a time when the poor are at risk I am asking you to stand up against the Governments attacks on the poor and vulnerable in our society and support a more equal society, including supporting a change in the legal definition of marriage to support same-sex partners."

 Another friend of mine, Alex Higgins, has written a blog post explaining how actually it was Catholics who first suggested same-sex marriage in the 1980's: http://liberalconspiracy.org/2012/03/12/a-catholic-writes-gay-marriage-was-our-idea-bishops-should-embrace-it/

 Andrew Sullivan a conservative, Catholic writer said that gay marriage would ensure:

“lower rates of promiscuity among gay men, more stable homes for the children of gay parents, less trauma in families with gay offspring, lower rates of disease transmission, [and] more independent and self-reliant members of society”.

 A gay Buddhist friend of mine concluded his views on this issue by saying: "How many gays does God have to keep making before people realise He wants them around...?"

 What do you feel? Were you in support of the letter read out last Sunday? Was it something you have struggled with? What would Jesus of Nazareth do?

NB - any opinions expressed here, or in links, are personal ones.

Take an Atheist to Church?

So suggests Karl Giberson:

He argues that many atheists simply don't understand what they are arguing against and miss many of the good things which go on inside the church.

He invites atheists to, "spend a year doing research into what real life religious people are like -- the people who are not in the headlines" instead of the abortion clinic bombings and anti-gay rhetoric which is sometimes the only things published (in parts of the US).

He concludes by saying, "I don't think a year in our church will transform your atheism into belief in God. You may leave even more convinced that Christians believe odd things. But I think your experience would help you see that our faith -- like our affection for our beloved Red Sox or our love for our glorious fall foliage -- is not an epidemic or a plague. The beliefs we pass on to our children are not harmful and abusive."

However, perhaps slightly controversially ends, "And the world is a better place because we are here."

Read more here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karl-giberson-phd/take-an-atheist-to-church_b_1327250.html

Do you agree with this idea? Do atheists really argue their case without full investigation into what exactly does go on in churches? Some atheists seem very well read (for example Dawkins), do others simply follow blindly?

KONY 2012 - Good idea or not?

This film does contain some disturbing scenes. Watch with caution.

*UPDATE*: Statement from CAFOD Brentwood:

"This film has done a great deal to raise awareness of the suffering that has been inflicted across East Africa and beyond as a result of the activities of the LRA. CAFOD and its partners been dealing with the reality of those activities and the tragic human consequences for decades now. However, we do not share the views of the organisation behind the film that the answer to this issue is more military intervention within the region, which can only serve to continue the cycle of violence, with children caught in the middle. CAFOD is working with partners in Uganda seeking to bring lasting peace and security to the region, and a life free from fear and violence to its children. To find out more about this work and how you can support please visit the CAFOD website: http://www.cafod.org.uk/uganda "

Many of you will by now have heard of, or seen KONY 2012. The 30 minute video has taken social media by storm highlighting one particular case of child soldiers in Uganda. However, as quickly as it spread, so did criticism of the organisation Invisible Children.

Their donation site actually crashed for part of yesterday as people flooded to make donations and buy wristbands in sympathy to the cause.

This blog, although a little snobby to the cause on both sides, highlights some of the issues covered elsewhere on the internet: http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/should-i-donate-money-to-kony-2012-or-not

The writers conclusion:

"The film Kony 2012 began because the filmmakers went to Uganda and met a young boy so traumatised by his experiences that he was contemplating suicide. Confronted with the grotesque reality of the atrocities, the Western filmmakers did what I hope I'd do, and resolved to help. No matter what. With that in mind, does it matter if they get paid well? Does it matter if they massage the facts? Does it matter that their charity isn't completely accountable? Does is matter that they're naive prats who think it's the white man's job to save Africa? Or is that all just pompous hypothesising by Westerners with enough freedom, information and education to look down on a simple, kind act?

Isn't it better to just stop criticising and start helping children in need? Or is that the kind of blind interventionist attitude that throws countries like Afghanistan into very, very long wars?"

There are others too: http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/post/18890947431/we-got-trouble and http://www.thewrap.com/media/article/kony-2012-viral-youtube-video-draws-celebs-%E2%80%93-and-criticism-36051

Certainly this social media 'storm' has proved the power of such networks (if needed proof after the Arab Spring), can they continue to be used for good? Surely retweeting and sharing this video couldn't possibly do any harm?

My only concern is that the reputation of charities who are genuinely doing a very good job helping child soldiers could be damaged if the claims of financial secrecy and misappropriation of funds become founded. People will be sceptical of giving and donating.

For me, I'd rather give my money to CAFOD who I have seen first hand making sure every penny is accounted for. Dermot O'Leary visited a child soldiers project with CAFOD in 2004:

www.cafod.org.uk/donate

Catholics called to oppose gay marraige plans

The Roman Catholic Church is planning to enlist the support of more than a million regular worshippers in opposition to Government plans for same-sex marriage.

Senior bishops are preparing to draw up a letter to be read at Masses across England and Wales when the Government consultation on plans to redefine marriage gets under way later this month, it is understood.

It would be only the second time in recent history that a joint pastoral letter on behalf of all Catholic bishops in England and Wales has been issued on an issue of political importance.

The move is being proposed as the debate over extending marriage to homosexual couples gathers momentum. At the weekend Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the most senior Catholic cleric in Britain, accused the Coalition of trying to “redefine reality” and branded the proposals a “grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right”.

Although the proposals would not extend to Scotland, he argued that they would nevertheless “shame the UK in the eyes of the world”.

Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9122677/Catholics-will-be-called-to-oppose-gay-marriage.html

The more controversial first reporting of this came from a letter written to the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/9121424/We-cannot-afford-to-indulge-this-madness.html

Do you think Catholics Bishops are right to get politically involved in this issue? Do you think the term 'marraige' should be used by homosexual couples? What difficulties can you see arising? WHy do you think Cardinal O'Brien came in for such fierce criticism? Do you think some Catholics will find this difficult to agree with?

Margaret Mizen & The Jimmy Mizen Foundation

On 2nd March 2012, students at Sacred Heart of Mary were very fortunate and privilaged to hear Margaret Mizen speak openly and honestly about her life experiences, including the death of her 16 year old son Jimmy.

Margaret spoke about the legacy of peace that her family have been building, founded on her Catholic faith. She suggested some ways in which we can all be involved in the Mizen's aim for a legacy of peace. Please take some time to read more about their story and the projects they are involved in.

Margaret would also like some feedback. If there are any students who would like to write their reflections on the talk to share with Margaret, please email them to: alewis@mary.havering.sch.uk

Students are arranging collections for the work of the Jimmy Mizen Foundation over the coming weeks.

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The Jimmy Mizen Foundation: www.jimmymizen.org

100 Days of Peace: More Than Gold: 100 Days of Peace Facebook Group BBC News

Flame Conference 2012: Guest Speakers- Barry and Margaret Mizen

Margaret and Barry Mizen working with CAFOD: Pass It On

Further Press Articles: The Independent: Faith in the Family The Sun: This Anger Must Stop The Mirror: Margaret Mizen's Moving Open Letter To Her Dead Son Jimmy The Forgiveness Project Inspire

Wikipedia: Jimmy Mizen