Dr Hollingworth, former Australian Governor-General, dies
DR PETER HOLLINGWORTH, Archbishop of Brisbane 1990-2001, and Governor-General of Australia for two years subsequently, died, aged 91, on Tuesday. He resigned as the Crown’s federal representative after an independent report said that, as Archbishop, he had mishandled sexual-abuse allegations (News, 26 October 2018). Not accused of any abuse himself, Dr Hollingworth apologised in 2015 (News, 20 November 2015). In March, his current successor apologised publicly to Beth Heinrich, a survivor (News, 20 March), for the failures in dealing with her abuser, the deposed bishop Donald Shearman. Dr Hollingworth had a particular interest in poverty, social justice, and welfare policy, and was a strong supporter of the ordination of women. He was named Australian of the Year in 1991.
Ebola virus in DRC and Uganda raises concerns
THE World Council of Churches’ general secretary, the Revd Professor Jerry Pillay, has expressed “deep concern” over the spread of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared a public-health emergency: 600 cases of suspected infections, and at least 129 deaths. “This outbreak is unfolding in contexts already burdened by poverty, fragile health systems, food insecurity, displacement, and the long-term impacts of conflict,” Professor Pillay said. “Such socio-economic vulnerabilities heighten exposure to disease, limit access to timely care, and undermine the ability of individuals and communities to adopt preventive measures.” A priest in the DRC, the Revd Jean Gisore, has emailed Anglicans in Hull and elsewhere in the UK to appeal for help with education on protection from the virus, and the provision of water and hygiene equipment. Hull has a large Banyamulenge diaspora presence.
Haiti church leaders to face weapons-trafficking trial
SEVERAL church leaders in the diocese of Haiti will face trial in a weapons- trafficking case, after an appeal court reversed an earlier ruling that had previously dismissed the charges, the Episcopal News Service reports. In April, the diocese called for a full investigation and the release of churchpeople from custody (News, 10 April). In July 2022, several senior figures in the diocese were arrested on arms-trafficking charges. One of those accused, a Zimbabwean national, Vundla Sikhumbuzo, went on the run for seven years before being arrested by the Haitian national police. He was wanted in connection with the trafficking of firearms and the attempted murder of his wife.
Tasmanian estimate for abuse payouts rises to $80m
THE diocese of Tasmania, in Australia, has said that its total estimated liability for historical child sexual abuse could climb to $80 million (£60 million) over the next 15 years. The figure is more than double the diocese’s $36-million estimate from 2023, ABC News reports. The Bishop of Tasmania, the Rt Revd Richard Condie, said that the Church’s redress working group would meet to consider new options to find the additional funds needed, and that “everything is on the table.”
US government sues for RC diocesan land
THE Trump administration filed a lawsuit last week in a federal court in New Mexico against the Roman Catholic diocese of Las Cruces, in an attempt to seize 14 acres of land on a mountain that is a popular pilgrimage site outside El Paso, Crux News reports. The land is at the foot of Mount Cristo Rey, a 720-ft mountain with a 29-ft statue of Jesus at its summit, which overlooks Ciudad Juárez, El Paso, and Sunland Park, in New Mexico. The lawsuit argues that the federal government needs the land to install barriers and other technology “designed to help secure the United States-Mexico border”. The diocese, resisting the move, says: “The erection of a border wall through or along this holy site could irreparably damage its religious and cultural sanctity, obstruct pilgrimage routes, and transfer sacred space into a symbol of division. Any federal action to seize this land, construct physical barriers, or impede access to Mount Cristo Rey would constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship.”
CSW petition urges release of Nicaraguan pastor
MORE than 1000 people have signed a Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) petition to Nicaraguan embassies and consulates in eight countries — Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United States — calling for the immediate release of the Protestant pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López on the fourth anniversary of his detention. The charity says that Mr Vílchez López was beaten and detained by police officers on 15 May 2022, and falsely charged three days later with aggravated rape and minor psychological injuries against a vulnerable person. “The charges are completely unfounded,” and prison officials have refused to pass on food, medicines, and other basics, and the pastor’s Bible and reading glasses have been confiscated, CSW says.
Pope’s first encyclical out on Monday
POPE LEO’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence (AI), is due to be published on Monday. The Pope will speak at the publication event, alongside several cardinals; Professor Anna Rowlands, a theologian at Durham University; and Christopher Olah, a co-founder of Anthropic, an AI safety and research company based in San Francisco. The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, will also contribute, Vatican News reports.