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- Vatican excommunicates bishops from Society of St. Pius X in ongoing schism
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Vatican excommunicates bishops from Society of St. Pius X in ongoing schism
2:03 pm
Media Lens: Vatican excommunicates bishops from Society of St. Pius X in ongoing schism
The Vatican has excommunicated bishops from the Society of St. Pius X, a breakaway Catholic group. This decision highlights the ongoing schism between the Society and the Catholic Church.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
The Vatican announced the excommunication of several bishops belonging to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a breakaway group from the Catholic Church. This decision, which marks a significant escalation in a long-standing jurisdictional dispute, was communicated to the faithful through a formal pronouncement from church officials in Vatican City.
The excommunication serves as a response to the group’s persistent refusal to adhere to the Vatican’s teachings and the authority of the Pope. Despite previous attempts at reconciliation, including talks initiated by Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican concluded that SSPX’s actions had reached a point of no return, necessitating this decisive measure.
Status quo
The Vatican recently excommunicated six bishops associated with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a group in schism from the Roman Catholic Church. This decision follows a prolonged dispute over the SSPX’s rejection of several Church reforms and teachings, particularly since its founding in 1969. The excommunication is part of the Church’s efforts to address ongoing tensions related to the society’s practices and beliefs.
Confirmed facts
- The Vatican has excommunicated six bishops from the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX).
- The SSPX has been in schism with the Catholic Church for decades.
- The excommunication comes after the SSPX bishops defied warnings from the Pope.
- This decision was reported by multiple news outlets, including NPR, CNN, and Reuters.
Preconceptions
- Reuters prioritizes the *excommunication of bishops* from the Society of St. Pius X by the Vatican, emphasizing the *implications for the ultra-conservative faction* of the Catholic Church while providing less context on the historical background of the schism.
- CNN focuses on the *warnings issued by Pope Leo* to the breakaway group, emphasizing the *consequences of disobedience* over the specific names of those excommunicated, thus reducing individual recognition.
- CBS News highlights the *decades-old feud* between the Church and the SSPX, stressing the *return of this controversy to the forefront* without delving deeply into the individual actions of the bishops involved.
- NPR underscores the *declaration of schism* by the Vatican, providing a broader historical perspective while minimizing the *personal narratives of the excommunicated bishops*.
Elisions
- Reuters emphasizes the historical context and longstanding tensions between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X, while CNN focuses on recent events leading to the excommunication without much historical depth.
- CBS News provides detailed descriptions of the bishops involved and the implications of the excommunication, whereas NPR briefly mentions the event without delving into the broader implications.
- While all sources acknowledge the excommunication, only NPR explicitly links it to the societal schism, leaving a gap in how the other outlets frame the significance of this schism in contemporary Catholicism.
One story, four angles
Reuters – Members of rebel Catholic group in schism, excommunicated, Vatican says
Publication: Reuters | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The excommunication of bishops from a traditionalist group highlights ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church.
Key differences:
1. Reuters emphasizes “rebel Catholic group,” framing them as outsiders, showcasing their defiance with the phrasing “in schism.”
2. The article highlights the “Vatican’s” authoritative stance, positioning the Church as a decisive force against dissension.
3. It briefly mentions previous warnings from the Vatican to elaborate the context and severity of their actions.
Bias: Selection: Focus on the rebellious nature of the group | Language: “rebel” and “schism” suggest division | Omission: Limited exploration of historical context or theological factors.
Assessment: The reader is led to view the excommunicated bishops as definitively casting themselves outside the Catholic norm.
CNN – Breakaway Catholic group excommunicated after defying warnings from Pope Leo
Publication: CNN | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The article portrays the excommunication as a consequence of blatant defiance against papal authority.
Key differences:
1. CNN highlights the “warnings from Pope Leo,” suggesting a historical backbone that portrays the bishops’ actions as intentionally insubordinate.
2. The use of “breakaway” emphasizes the schismatic nature of the group, underscoring their separation from traditional Catholicism.
3. The framing positions the Vatican’s authority as central to the narrative, depicting this event as a rightful defensive step against disobedience.
Bias: Selection: Focuses exclusively on the group’s defiance | Language: “breakaway” implies a clear moral judgment | Omission: Lacks perspectives from the excommunicated bishops, which would provide a fuller picture.
Assessment: The piece leads readers to view the excommunication as a justified response to rebellion against sacred authority.
CBS News – Catholic Church says 6 bishops from ultra-conservative SSPX society excommunicated as decades-old feud reopens
Publication: CBS News | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: The narrative emphasizes the Church’s long-standing conflicts with the SSPX, framing the excommunication as a continuation of historical disputes.
Key differences:
1. CBS identifies the group as “ultra-conservative,” hence presenting them as extreme, which alters the reader’s perception of their legitimacy.
2. The mention of a “decades-old feud” hints at a more complex and enduring rift, invoking curiosity about the historical context.
3. It’s focused on the legal aspects of the excommunication, providing a more comprehensive view of the Vatican’s administrative decisions.
Bias: Selection: Emphasizes the ultra-conservative stance of the group | Language: “decades-old feud” dramatizes the schism | Omission: Minimal detail on the perspectives from the bishops involved.
Assessment: Readers may interpret the excommunication as a re-engagement with an overdue issue rather than an isolated incident.
NPR – Vatican declares Society of St. Pius X in schism, excommunicates bishops
Publication: NPR | Intensity: (5/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: The focus is on the Vatican’s authoritative declaration regarding the schism and its implications.
Key differences:
1. NPR uses the term “declares,” which underscores the Vatican’s evaluative role in identifying the group as officially schismatic.
2. The article provides a balanced view, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the theological issues at play without excessive dramatization.
3. Emphasizes the implications of the excommunication, including potential repercussions within the Catholic community and broader society.
Bias: Selection: Focus on Vatican’s stance | Language: “declares” reflects authority | Omission: Limited inclusion of reactions from the SSPX or their supporters, which could deepen understanding.
Assessment: The article positions the excommunication as a formal and potentially contentious step indicative of deeper theological divisions.
Among the recent articles, NPR provides a factual commentary, stating the Vatican’s declaration of the Society of St. Pius X as in schism, signaling a stronger emphasis on authority. Conversely, CNN frames the event as a breakaway group defying papal warnings, reflecting an escalatory narrative that amplifies conflict. While Reuters offers a middle-ground perspective, describing bishops excommunicated after years of tension. Thus, NPR’s framing stands out as the most stable, while CNN’s approach escalates tensions. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
Reuters
Members of rebel Catholic group in schism, excommunicated, Vatican says
CNN
Breakaway Catholic group excommunicated after defying warnings from Pope Leo
CBS News
NPR
Vatican declares Society of St. Pius X in schism, excommunicates bishops
Controversial late penalty eliminates Senegal from World Cup against Belgium
1:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Controversial penalty ends Senegal’s FIFA World Cup run against Belgium
Senegal’s national football team lost 3-2 to Belgium in a dramatic World Cup round of 32 match in Seattle, having initially led 2-0. A controversial late penalty was awarded against Senegal following a VAR review, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
The “Archivo VAR” platform noted excessive VAR intervention during the match, stating that the challenge did not warrant a review as the contact was initiated by Belgian player Youri Tielemans. Despite significant controversy surrounding the penalty decision, there has been no official statement from FIFA regarding any review of the match or the actions of the referee.
The Senegalese football federation expressed its discontent over the penalty decision, stating it undermines the integrity of the game, while players reflected on their performance, with defender Krepin Diatta admitting, “We have to accept that we failed at our mission.” Following this controversy, discussions regarding possible appeals against the referee’s decision are expected, alongside calls for a comprehensive review of VAR procedures in future tournaments.
What remains unclear — The extent of any potential disciplinary actions against the referee or VAR officials involved in the controversial penalty decision remains unspecified.
Controversial late penalty eliminates Senegal from World Cup against Belgium
Sport|World Cup 2026Controversial penalty ends Senegal’s FIFA World Cup run against Belgium
Late VAR penalty leads to fury as Senegal blows 2-0 lead, loses 3-2 to Belgium in dramatic World Cup round of 32 exit.
Published On 2 Jul 20262 Jul 2026
The penalty awarded against the Senegalese national team in the final moments of their match against Belgium on Wednesday caused widespread controversy after it led to their elimination from the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, in a harsh turn of events that saw the “Lions of Teranga” go from leading 2-0 to losing 3-2.
Honduran referee Said Martinez awarded a penalty kick at the end of the second period of extra time, after a VAR review, following a challenge by Senegal’s Lamine Camara on Belgian captain Youri Tielemans, with the score tied 2-2 and the match heading towards a penalty shootout.
The “Archivo VAR” platform, which specialises in analysing refereeing decisions, said that VAR intervened excessively during the match, confirming that it was Tielemans who extended his foot in front of Camara, causing the contact.
The platform added, via its account on “X,” that the incident did not warrant VAR intervention, explaining that it was the Belgian player who forced the contact entirely, and that the situation did not amount to the clear and obvious error needed to justify the referee reviewing the decision.
The decision triggered a wave of controversy on social media, with one fan writing: “This is 100% robbery. Senegal have been robbed. How is this a penalty? Belgium do not deserve to go through corruption.”
Sports content creator Sneako blamed the result on match ‘”rigging”.
“Rigged! Senegal should storm the pitch right now. Leave the pitch and go home. This is rigged!”
Another sports fan wrote: “I’m sorry, but this was never a penalty. Camara went to clear the ball, but it was Tielemans who got in his way. Senegal was robbed, and it should have been Belgium going out.”
Spanish sports journalist Manolo Lama commented: “They stole the Africa Cup of Nations from them, and now they’re stealing all the solidarity with Senegal at the World Cup too.”
Senegal’s Habib Diarra, front, celebrates scoring their first goal with Ismail Jakobs, back, during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Belgium and Senegal in Seattle, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) (AP)
Egyptian journalist Mohamed Saeed linked the incident to what happened in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, writing: “You can feel that the penalty awarded against Senegal in the final seconds was a harsh lesson and a difficult test. After the scenes from the Africa Cup of Nations final, I think that if it weren’t for the change in the rules around the withdrawal incident, this scene could have repeated itself.”
Another sports fan, Fares Ahmed, wrote that football ”teaches lessons” and the outcome brought back the memory of Senegal at the tournament in Morocco.
“They took advantage of the tournament’s vulnerable position and the host’s need to make it a success, and used that to impose their pressure,” Ahmed wrote. “Today, the scene was almost repeated against Belgium — a penalty in the final minutes, objections, and disbelief over the decision — but this time there was no threat of withdrawal, because you can’t risk penalties like that in a tournament the size of the World Cup.”
Drawing a connection between the two events, one follower wrote on “X”: “When there was a clear penalty in the Morocco final, they rebelled against the decision and tarnished the reputation of African football, just because the tournament was in Morocco. But when an unclear penalty came along that eliminated them from the World Cup, they stayed silent, because this time it was in the West.”
Senegal’s Pathe Ciss #6 kneels on the pitch after Belgium were awarded a penalty during the World Cup Round of 32 match in Seattle, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 [Maddy Grassy/AP Photo]
After the dramatic penalty was awarded, Tielemans stepped up to take it and scored successfully, netting Belgium’s third goal and capping off an unexpected comeback that eliminated the Lions of Teranga.
But back on the pitch, Senegal had the run of play for 85 minutes. The African team held a two-goal lead, and had all but secured a spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
Within five minutes, it crumbled and the players were feeling it.
“We were at the heart of writing the beautiful pages of the history of our football in this world,” defender Krepin Diatta said. “And we have to accept that we failed at our mission.”
Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra said. “We had a good first half, but it wasn’t enough. A match lasts 90 minutes, and we’re devastated. It’s very tough. I don’t know what to say. When you’re on the pitch, you have to give your all, and that’s not what we did. We’ve only got ourselves to blame.”
Toronto hosts Croatia and Portugal for final World Cup clash featuring Ronaldo and Modric
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: World Cup fever engulfs Toronto for critical Ronaldo vs. Modric match
Toronto is hosting a farewell match for international football icons from Croatia and Portugal. The event marks a significant moment as these players may not participate in another World Cup.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific venues for the upcoming matches in Toronto. The matches are part of a farewell tour for key players from both national teams, coinciding with the end of their international careers.
Officials have confirmed that Toronto will be the venue for farewell matches featuring Croatian and Portuguese international stars, who are anticipated to retire from World Cup competition. The matches aim to celebrate their contributions, with tickets expected to sell out quickly amid significant public interest.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain which international icons will formally announce their retirements.
Toronto hosts Croatia and Portugal for final World Cup clash featuring Ronaldo and Modric
Toronto is hosting both Croatia and Portugal as they prepare to bid goodbye to international icons who aren’t likely to play at a World Cup again.
Trump reports over £1 billion in earnings from cryptocurrency ventures in financial disclosure
9:00 am
Get you up to speed: Trump made over $1 billion on crypto ventures last year, financial disclosure shows
President Trump reported over a billion dollars in earnings from cryptocurrency ventures for the previous year, including $635 million from his $TRUMP token and significant income from his family’s World Liberty Financial. The financial disclosures were made public on Tuesday, detailing his crypto-related income and investment ties.
World Liberty Financial, co-founded by Mr. Trump and his family, was launched during the 2024 presidential campaign and offers products such as the USD1 stablecoin and $WLF tokens. The company previously faced scrutiny for its involvement in a transaction linked to a multibillion-dollar investment by an Abu Dhabi government-owned wealth fund in Binance.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that “there are no conflicts of interest” related to President Trump’s financial disclosure, describing criticism from congressional Democrats as a “tired narrative.” Following the release, a congressional investigation into the president’s cryptocurrency dealings may be forthcoming, amid ongoing scrutiny of regulatory practices in the crypto industry.
What remains unclear — The extent to which President Trump’s connections to crypto ventures influenced regulatory decisions during his administration is not specified.
Trump reports over £1 billion in earnings from cryptocurrency ventures in financial disclosure
President Trump earned more than a billion dollars from crypto-related ventures alone last year, according to a financial disclosure released Tuesday, including from his meme coin business and his family’s cryptocurrency firm.
Mr. Trump reported $635 million in royalties from a company that issues $TRUMP, a crypto token that he launched three days before taking office for his second term.
The “meme coin” — a type of crypto asset typically used for commemorative purposes or comedic value, not as a currency — reached its peak value of $74.24 within a day of launching. On Tuesday evening, its price was $1.67, according to Coinbase.
The president also reported more than $500 million in income from token sales by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company backed by the president and his family, and around $65 million from equity sales in the firm that controls World Liberty Financial. Some $196 million in equity sales of Stablecoin Holdco LLC are also listed.
A crypto firm and issuer of tokens, World Liberty Financial was launched during the 2024 presidential campaign. It was co-founded by the president, his sons Eric and Donald Jr. and Zack and Alex Witkoff, the sons of U.S. special envoy and longtime Trump friend Steve Witkoff.
World Liberty Financial’s ventures include USD1, a “stablecoin” pegged at $1 per coin that’s designed to serve as a store of value. It also sells another crypto product, $WLF tokens, and takes 75% in net revenue from those token sales, according to the company’s public reports.
The company drew scrutiny last year, after an Abu Dhabi government-owned wealth fund used the USD1 stablecoin to facilitate a multibillion-dollar investment in the massive crypto exchange Binance. The co-founder of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, received a pardon from Mr. Trump for financial crimes. Mr. Trump has denied any connection between the pardon and the World Liberty Financial transaction, telling WTX US News last year: “I don’t know who he is.”
Mr. Trump told reporters early Wednesday that he doesn’t get involved in his personal financial dealings, and “we have funds that run my money well.” He added that he doesn’t speak to any institutions about his money, saying, “I’ve had a great career in business.”
When asked about potential conflict of interest and critics who say he’s profiting off the presidency, he replied that the stock market is going up, “so we’re all profiting.”
“If you ever, you have a 401k, how’s your 401k doing?” Mr. Trump said. “It’s been up 85%. Thank you, President Trump. So, we’re all profiting — I’m profiting because I have a lot of money and a lot of cash, and I give it to institutions. I don’t know if they know what they’re doing or not, but they buy a vast array of things.”
Many of the president’s cryptocurrency earnings last year appeared to hinge on his ties to various crypto ventures, unlike gains from the stocks or bonds that make up most Americans’ retirement funds. Many congressional Democrats have criticized his crypto wealth and pointed to the Trump administration’s support for easing regulations on the industry.
In response to questions about the financial disclosure, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told WTX US News on Tuesday that “there are no conflicts of interest.”
“This is the same, tired narrative that Democrats have pushed against President Trump, his family, and his administration for a decade,” Kelly said. “President Trump only acts in the best interests of the American public – which is why they overwhelmingly re-elected him to this office, despite years of lies and false accusations against him and his businesses from the fake news media.”
Mr. Trump’s crypto-related income vastly eclipsed his earnings from many of the real estate businesses that helped make him famous. Those included around $77 million in income from his Mar-a-Lago club, $122 million from his golf club in Doral, Florida, and upwards of $30 million apiece from golf clubs in Jupiter, Florida, Bedminster, New Jersey, and Turnberry, Scotland.
The filing offers a detailed accounting of the various other ways the president’s name generates money. An ethics official noted that Mr. Trump received a 45-day extension to file the report and “paid late filing fees related to transactions not previously reported” on earlier disclosures
He reported $4.7 million in royalties from “Trump Watches,” along with payments from Trump-branded sneakers, fragrances and guitars. Trump Restaurants LLC, a New York-based entity wholly owned by one of the president’s holding companies, reported nearly $2.9 million in food and beverage sales, according to the filing.
And his books continued to pay out — including roughly $1.9 million from “Save America” and smaller sums from “The Art of the Deal,” “Letters to Trump,” “A MAGA Journey” and an edition of the Bible in collaboration with singer Lee Greenwood.
First lady Melania Trump’s ventures also appear. The filing lists more than $10.7 million in net proceeds from a license agreement tied to the film “Melania,” about $6 million from the sale of NFTs and other collectibles and additional proceeds from her memoir.
The president listed several of his legal settlements with tech and media companies, including $16 million from a lawsuit against ABC, $16 million from WTX Broadcasting and WTX Interactive, $24.5 million from Meta, $22 million from YouTube and $8 million from X. Most of that money was paid to his future presidential library or the Trust for the National Mall, not to the president personally. WTX Broadcasting and WTX Interactive are owned by Paramount Skydance, which is the parent company of WTX US News.
As with last year’s financial disclosure, Mr. Trump listed several court judgments against him as liabilities, including a penalty in a civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James and two multimillion-dollar judgements owed to E. Jean Carroll, who accused the president of sexual abuse and defamation. (Mr. Trump denied those allegations.)
The civil fraud judgment was tossed out last year by a panel of appellate judges who found the requirement for him to pay nearly $527 million in fines plus interest was “excessive,” though they left non-financial penalties intact. The Supreme Court this week declined to hear Mr. Trump’s appeal of the jury verdict in the Carroll cases.
Two fatalities confirmed in North Shields house fire early Wednesday
8:00 am
Get you up to speed: Two dead after fire destroys house in North Shields | News UK
Two people died in a house fire on Cragside Avenue in North Shields shortly after 3.30am on Wednesday. Emergency services, including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police, responded to the incident, but despite their efforts, the victims, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s, could not be saved.
In total, five fire appliances and multiple ambulances responded to the incident following an emergency call at 03:27. An investigation is underway, with police seeking information from the public as inquiries are at an early stage.
Northumbria Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the house fire that claimed two lives in North Shields, urging anyone with information to come forward. A cordon remains in place around the affected area while neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution during the emergency response.
What remains unclear — Investigators have not disclosed the cause of the fire.
Two fatalities confirmed in North Shields house fire early Wednesday
Two people have died in a house fire which broke out shortly after 3.30am on Wednesday.
The police and fire brigade rushed to an address on Cragside Avenue in North Shields, where they found a man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s.
Despite the efforts of responders they couldn’t be saved. Police say the next of kin for both have been told.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Barry McAtominey from Northumbria Police said: ‘This is an absolutely devastating incident in which two people have tragically lost their lives.
‘All of our thoughts and condolences are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Enquiries remain at a very early stage, and with the support of our partners from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, we are determined to establish exactly what happened.’
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‘We are asking anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to come forward and share what they know.’
Two neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution, and a cordon remains in place.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that five appliances attended an incident in North Tyneside.
‘The emergency call came in to our Control Room team at 03:27, and appliances from our Tynemouth, Byker, South Shields and Gosforth Community Fire Stations were dispatched to the North Shields area. The incident involved a fire in a house. Firefighters rescued persons from the property and extinguished the blaze.’
Three ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, a duty officer, a clinical team leader and three hazardous area response team resources were sent to the scene.
Archaeologists discover new evidence in search for Ark of the Covenant in Shiloh
7:32 am
Get you up to speed: Archaeologists unearth new clue in the Ark of the Covenant mystery | News World
Archaeologists have uncovered a monumental building structure believed to be linked to the biblical Tabernacle during excavations at the ancient site of Shiloh in the West Bank. The discovery includes the southern wall of the structure, which aids in understanding its dimensions and potential use.
Excavations at the ancient site of Shiloh are ongoing, with the latest season yielding discoveries that align with biblical descriptions of the Tabernacle, enhancing understanding of the structure’s dimensions and purpose. Researchers will conduct radiocarbon testing on artifacts found within a destruction layer to clarify the site’s chronological context and its significance in Israel‘s early history.
Dr. Scott Stripling, director of the Tel Shiloh excavation, stated that recent findings enhance understanding of the site’s dimensions and its potential link to the Tabernacle, although the exact nature of the structure remains unproven. Radiocarbon testing will be conducted on the excavated contents to establish the dating of the destruction layer, shedding light on the earliest history of Shiloh prior to Israelite settlement.
What remains unclear — Researchers have not yet confirmed whether the monumental building is definitively the Tabernacle or whether the Ark of the Covenant will be found.
Archaeologists discover new evidence in search for Ark of the Covenant in Shiloh
Researchers believe they may have found walls of the Tabernacle (Picture: Mishkan Shiloh Foundation)
Archaeologists believe they’ve uncovered fresh clues that could solve one of history’s most famous mysteries.
No, not the whereabouts of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee or any of the millions of pairs of AirPods we’ve all collectively lost. We’re talking about the Ark of the Covenant.
According to the Bible, the Ark was a gold-covered chest that held the Ten Commandments before it seemingly disappeared.
The very same thing, you may recall, that turned a load of artefact-hunting Nazis into gory puddles in the 1981 Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The real Ark of the Covenant remains missing, but a dig in biblical Shiloh in Israel’s West Bank has given researchers reason to think they may have discovered something that could well bust the mystery wide open.
Fresh excavations at biblical Shiloh have uncovered much more of a monumental ancient structure (Picture: Mishkan Shiloh Foundation)
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Excavations at the ancient site have revealed more of a huge building that some archaeologists believe may have been the Tabernacle. According to the Bible, that portable sanctuary housed the gold-covered Ark after the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt.
To be clear, they’ve dug a hole they think had a building in it. Inside the building may have been the Tabernacle. Inside the Tabernacle was the Ark. Inside the Ark were the Ten Commandments. And within those were how God reckons we’re all supposed to live.
Keeping up? Excellent.
The latest breakthrough came when researchers uncovered the building’s southern wall. That allows archaeologists to reconstruct the structure’s full size and better judge what it was actually used for.
Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones spent an entire film chasing the elusive Ark of the Covenant back in the early ’80s (Picture: CBS/Getty Images)
Dr. Scott Stripling, director of the Tel Shiloh excavation for the Associates for Biblical Research, said the discovery is helping the team understand both the building’s dimensions and its purpose.
The structure runs east to west and has proportions that resemble those described for the biblical Tabernacle.
Researchers first announced last year that they’d uncovered a monumental building with dimensions that appeared to match the biblical description. The latest discoveries don’t exactly prove that’s precisely what it is, but the team says they strengthen the case.
The excavation has also produced several objects linked to worship, including altar horns, ceramic pomegranates and murex shells.
Earlier work at Shiloh uncovered more than 100,000 animal bones, mostly from sheep, goats and cattle. Many came from the animals’ right side, matching the description in Leviticus that portions from the right side were reserved for ‘priestly offerings’.
Shiloh occupies a rather central place in biblical history. Located about 20 miles north of Jerusalem, it is described as the place where the Israelites established the Tabernacle after entering the Promised Land.
The Ark of the Covenant itself remains one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
According to scripture, it was there that Joshua divided the land among the various tribes of Israel. The city was also home to the high priest Eli and the place where the prophet Samuel was raised.
The Bible presents Shiloh as Israel’s first religious and political capital. That alone would make it an important archaeological site, even before anyone mentions the Ark of the Covenant.
The Ark itself has remained one of history’s greatest mysteries for centuries. Scripture says that God’s pal Moses placed the Ten Commandments inside the gold-covered chest before it eventually vanished from the biblical record ahead of the Babylonian sack of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
If you’re wondering if all this means that archaeologists may be close to wheeling the Ark out into the daylight, don’t start putting on your sunglasses just yet. There’s not likely to be any dramatic uncrating, no glowing golden chest and, thankfully, no faces melting off skulls. Not for a while, at least.
The latest discoveries include part of Shiloh’s ancient fortification system (Picture: Mishkan Shiloh Foundation)
Instead, researchers say they’re gradually building a stronger picture of the place where the Ark may once have been kept. Archaeology isn’t always about spectacular single discoveries. Sometimes it’s just (yet another) wall that helps complete the puzzle.
Elsewhere on the site, archaeologists uncovered more of Shiloh’s northern fortifications. The remains indicate the city was defended by a bent-axis gate complex containing several rooms, offering fresh insight into how it was planned and protected.
Those discoveries also support earlier suggestions that the team may have identified the gate mentioned in the biblical account of Eli’s death.
According to that story, the elderly priest learned that the Ark had been captured by the Philistines after being taken from Shiloh into battle.
When Eli heard the news, he fell backwards from his seat near the city gate, broke his neck and died. It remains one of the Bible’s most dramatic scenes. Which is saying something for a book where someone parts an entire sea and a king has hundreds of babies murdered.
The Ark of the Covenant has inspired centuries of speculation and at least one very good 80s adventure film (Picture: Getty Images)
The contents will now undergo radiocarbon testing to establish a more precise date for the destruction layer in which they were found. The discoveries are thought to provide a pretty important window into Shiloh’s earliest history before Israelite settlement.
Despite the excitement, the researchers are quite keen to stress what they haven’t found. They haven’t uncovered the Ark of the Covenant itself and they haven’t proved beyond doubt that the monumental building is the Tabernacle.
Instead, the latest excavation season has produced more evidence that appears to fit the biblical narrative. That’s enough to make the mystery a little more intriguing, even if the world’s most famous missing chest is still proving rather difficult to track down.
Anyone got Harrison Ford’s number? It’s worth a quick text, surely.
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