Latest news with #SCW
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Couple banned from chapel told they are 'going to hell'
A couple who run community events claim they were told they are "going to hell" and were stopped from using a chapel because they are not Christians. For the last three years, Salvaged Creations Wales (SCW) have been running youth clubs, playdays, woodworking classes, and other sessions at a chapel in Markham, Caerphilly. But now Layton Jones and partner Gemma Baker, who run the community interest company, say they've been told to leave the Markham Congregational Chapel, because they're deemed "a non-Christian organisation". The couple say the decision to evict them was made by the Reverend Nick Holloway. Mr Holloway has been asked to comment. Social services face cuts over £646m budget gap Social care reform stuck over funding, expert says The couple said they were shocked at the "unfair" decision, which they believe was taken without consulting the chapel's congregation. Mr Jones said there had been no issues until earlier this year, when Mr Holloway, who took up his post two years ago, informed the couple indirectly via email that they would be leaving the chapel. When the couple tried to arrange a meeting with him to discuss the reasons, Mr Jones claims the reverend launched into an "angry" tirade. After first being told it was due to a contractual issue, the couple said Mr Holloway told them he did not want them there as they are a "non-Christian based group". "Gemma tried to talk to him, and he just shouted in her face 'you're going to hell'," Mr Jones said. The couple, who are unmarried, told him the work of Salvaged Creations Wales was nevertheless valued in the community, and that "all our values are Christian-based". "He was having none of it," said Mr Jones. "He was very angry towards us, [saying] 'my decision is final, I will not be changing my decision, you're out'." Mr Jones and Ms Baker claim the decision appears to have been taken unilaterally by Mr Holloway, without a vote of the congregation. But the reasoning, claims Mr Jones, could potentially breach equality laws and the chapel's own policies on discrimination. "Whatever religion (or not) we are, we are entitled to use the premises of Markham Congregational Chapel," said SCW in a post on their Facebook page. "Many chapels are used for a variety of groups, AA groups, mother and toddler, youth & scouts or brownies for example." The not-for-profit organisation is now faced with finding new premises, something the couple says they can ill afford. "Due to the changes forced upon us, we are now in a position of financial hardship, much more than what we already were," the post added. Mr Jones and Ms Baker said that they had tried to appeal to the Congregational Federation, but that the chapel itself is ultimately its own entity. "We are aware of the situation at Markham," said the Congregational Federation's trust and property manager, Kate Bass, in comments made to the Caerphilly Observer. "While the church is affiliated, all governance and decisions lie solely with the individual church membership, as is the foundation of congregationalism. "We hope a resolution on the matter can be reached for all concerned.".
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Couple banned from chapel told they are 'going to hell'
A couple who run community events claim they were told they are "going to hell" and were stopped from using a chapel because they are not Christians. For the last three years, Salvaged Creations Wales (SCW) have been running youth clubs, playdays, woodworking classes, and other sessions at a chapel in Markham, Caerphilly. But now Layton Jones and partner Gemma Baker, who run the community interest company, say they've been told to leave the Markham Congregational Chapel, because they're deemed "a non-Christian organisation". The couple say the decision to evict them was made by the Reverend Nick Holloway. Mr Holloway has been asked to comment. Social services face cuts over £646m budget gap Social care reform stuck over funding, expert says The couple said they were shocked at the "unfair" decision, which they believe was taken without consulting the chapel's congregation. Mr Jones said there had been no issues until earlier this year, when Mr Holloway, who took up his post two years ago, informed the couple indirectly via email that they would be leaving the chapel. When the couple tried to arrange a meeting with him to discuss the reasons, Mr Jones claims the reverend launched into an "angry" tirade. After first being told it was due to a contractual issue, the couple said Mr Holloway told them he did not want them there as they are a "non-Christian based group". "Gemma tried to talk to him, and he just shouted in her face 'you're going to hell'," Mr Jones said. The couple, who are unmarried, told him the work of Salvaged Creations Wales was nevertheless valued in the community, and that "all our values are Christian-based". "He was having none of it," said Mr Jones. "He was very angry towards us, [saying] 'my decision is final, I will not be changing my decision, you're out'." Mr Jones and Ms Baker claim the decision appears to have been taken unilaterally by Mr Holloway, without a vote of the congregation. But the reasoning, claims Mr Jones, could potentially breach equality laws and the chapel's own policies on discrimination. "Whatever religion (or not) we are, we are entitled to use the premises of Markham Congregational Chapel," said SCW in a post on their Facebook page. "Many chapels are used for a variety of groups, AA groups, mother and toddler, youth & scouts or brownies for example." The not-for-profit organisation is now faced with finding new premises, something the couple says they can ill afford. "Due to the changes forced upon us, we are now in a position of financial hardship, much more than what we already were," the post added. Mr Jones and Ms Baker said that they had tried to appeal to the Congregational Federation, but that the chapel itself is ultimately its own entity. "We are aware of the situation at Markham," said the Congregational Federation's trust and property manager, Kate Bass, in comments made to the Caerphilly Observer. "While the church is affiliated, all governance and decisions lie solely with the individual church membership, as is the foundation of congregationalism. "We hope a resolution on the matter can be reached for all concerned.".
Biz Bahrain
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Biz Bahrain
Shura Council and SCW sign agreement to advance women's role in development
Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, and Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), signed a cooperation agreement between the two councils. The agreement aims to enhance coordination in the development and advancement of women's affairs across constitutional and civil institutions, support their role in public life, and ensure their integration into comprehensive development efforts. It builds on existing cooperation through the Gender Balance Committee and other legal frameworks. Al Saleh emphasised that the agreement marks a key step in strengthening institutional cooperation and joint efforts to develop policies and legislation that advance Bahraini women's active participation across all sectors. He noted that this aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also highlighted the importance of partnership with the SCW, commending its leadership under Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW, in promoting women's empowerment and integrating their needs into national development. He added that the Shura Council prioritises national goals for women's progress, recognising their key role in national development, and remains committed to supporting initiatives and legislation that uphold their rights, safeguard achievements, and enhance their role in decision-making. On her part, Dr. Shaikha Maryam bint Hassan described the agreement as a key milestone in institutional cooperation, aiming to reinforce national partnership in supporting the advancement of Bahraini women and strengthening their presence in national arenas, particularly within the legislative sphere. Dr. Shaikha Maryam bint Hassan Al Khalifa stated that the cooperation reflects the vision and guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who champions integrated national efforts to empower women as equal and active partners in development and policy-making. The agreement provides for each side to form a specialised committee to monitor the implementation of the national gender balance model. These committees will work to establish the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks to integrate women's needs using the tools and mechanisms available within each party's competencies, in line with the principle of equal opportunities and gender balance. The agreement also allows the Shura Council to invite SCW representatives to attend meetings of its permanent and ad hoc committees to provide input on draft laws and legislative proposals related to women's affairs. The agreement further aims to enhance cooperation on delegations and participation in conferences and forums at local, regional, and international levels related to women's issues, contributing to the promotion of Bahrain's parliamentary experience in supporting women's involvement in comprehensive national development. It also includes cooperation in organising joint activities, exchanging information, statistics, expertise, and conducting research and studies related to legislative proposals concerning women's affairs. BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
24-05-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Supreme Council for Women Continues Registration for Bahraini Women's Leadership Platform
The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) has announced the continued registration for the "Bahraini Women's e-Leadership Platform," an initiative aimed at highlighting female leaders across various sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The platform seeks to document the professional journeys of Bahraini women, showcase their achievements, and create new opportunities for them to further contribute to national development. Launched during the 2024 Bahraini Women's Day celebration held on December 1 at the National Theatre, the platform provides every Bahraini woman the opportunity to record her contributions to both local and international development efforts. It also serves as an incentive to increase female participation in leadership and decision-making roles, aligning with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW. The platform, available on the SCW's official website at enables Bahraini female leaders to document their professional accomplishments and leave a lasting legacy. This effort supports the SCW's ongoing mission to identify and promote female talent, ultimately contributing to the development of a new generation of inspiring and impactful women leaders in the Kingdom. The platform specifically shines a spotlight on the pivotal achievements and contributions of Bahraini women in their communities and workplaces. By offering a comprehensive space to highlight these accomplishments, the initiative aims to inspire other women to strive for excellence across all fields and to strengthen women's presence in all sectors. It also serves to reflect the nation's continued progress in empowering women and sets the tone for the next phase of leadership and advancement in Bahraini society.
Daily Tribune
02-04-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Princess Sabeeka Global Award Third Cycle Receives Broad Media Attention
The third cycle of the Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women Empowerment has attracted wide media attention. Commentators highlighted its international scope and commended its role in recognizing exceptional efforts to promote women's empowerment at both the institutional and individual levels. Dr. Lulwa Bu Dalamah, a columnist at Al Ayam, described the launch of the new cycle as a major milestone. She noted that it demonstrates Bahrain's commitment to gender equality and its innovative approach to addressing women's issues. Ali Hussain, journalist and media commentator, emphasized the Award's contribution to Bahrain's global reputation. He said it offers a strong example of how inclusive development and sustainable empowerment can be supported. He also highlighted the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), in leading this initiative.
