Ban on Christian advert upheld
A judge has upheld a government decision to ban an advert calling on Christians to report their experience of marginalisation in the work place. Premier Christian Radio and its magazine publications division CCP Ltd had challenged the decision, made by the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC), on the grounds that it restricted freedom of speech. The RACC claimed the advert had a political objective and broadcasting it would infringe provisions of the 2003 Communications Act that ban political advertising. At the London High Court, Mr Justice Silber upheld the ban and ruled the original RACC decision was both ‘rational and lawful’. Justice Silber said the advert tried ‘to make changes to society’ through its request for information from the public. He also concluded that the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's stance on the issue wasn't 'anti-Christian'. Premier's Chief Executive Peter Kerridge says he's disappointed by the ruling and believes it raises more questions than answers.
Pray: that the planned appeal would lead to a reversed decision. (Is.5:16)
More: http://www.premier.org.uk/news/current/Ban%20on%20Christian%20advert%20upheld.aspx
Church leader challenges Ken Livingstone on Islam comments
The pastor of one of the largest churches in Britain has challenged Ken Livingstone over his claim that he will make London a ‘beacon of Islam’. Colin Dye, the senior pastor of Kensington Temple church, has written a letter to London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone following his controversial comments on Islam last month. In a speech at the North London Central Mosque, Mr Livingstone told the audience that he was determined to ‘educate the mass of Londoners’ about Islam. ‘I want to spend the next four years making sure that every non-muslim in London knows and understands its words and message. That will help to cement our city as a beacon that demonstrates the meaning of the words of the Prophet’, he said. Running for mayor for the fourth time, Mr Livingstone spoke to assembled Muslims at the controversial mosque and described Mohammed’s words in his last sermon as ‘an agenda for all humanity.’ (See Prayer Alert 12-2012)
Pray: that Colin Dye’s letter will challenge Mr Livingstone’s ideas and remind him of our Christian roots. Mt.15:13)
Christians harnessing Facebook to share faith
Christians in the UK are turning increasingly to social media sites like Facebook to share their faith, new research has found. In a survey on attitudes to online mission by Christian Vision and Premier Christian Media, 64% said they were using social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to share their faith in an intentional way. Of the 700 Christians surveyed, 84% agreed that the online space was a huge mission field. More than two-thirds (71%) said they post links to Christian sites or content with missional values, while 73% said they intentionally post or link to content in order to share their faith. Interestingly, the study found that interaction with social media was prolific across the age spectrum, rather than just among young people.
Pray: that the Church will grasp hold of the new technologies to share our faith. (1Cor.9:23)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.harnessing.facebook.to.share.faith/29753.htm
Sweden: Plans deportation of Iranian Christians despite dangers
There was concern over the plight of several Iranian Christian asylum seekers in Sweden after Swedish authorities decided to deport them despite fears they may be jailed or even executed there, Christians said. It comes after Swedish authorities reportedly already deported one asylum seeker, identified as Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15 this year. ‘We are four Iranian human rights activists who object to the racist politics of the Swedish government towards the asylum seeker's community and strongly condemn the deportation of Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15, 2012,’ said activists in a statement distributed by Mohabat News. They said they have urged Sweden to immediately release asylum seekers including Christians Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, Yasin Elyasi and Mohammad-Reza Hamedian Esfahani from a detention centre. Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, told Swedish media in February that ‘If it is Jesus' will for me to return to Iran, I'll submit to his will and he will protect me Himself.’
Pray: for wisdom for the authorities as they consider deportation and pray that they will release those involved. (Ps.25:15)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/21376-sweden-plans-deportation-iranian-christians-despite-dangers
Sweden: Plans deportation of Iranian Christians despite dangers
There was concern over the plight of several Iranian Christian asylum seekers in Sweden after Swedish authorities decided to deport them despite fears they may be jailed or even executed there, Christians said. It comes after Swedish authorities reportedly already deported one asylum seeker, identified as Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15 this year. ‘We are four Iranian human rights activists who object to the racist politics of the Swedish government towards the asylum seeker's community and strongly condemn the deportation of Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15, 2012,’ said activists in a statement distributed by Mohabat News. They said they have urged Sweden to immediately release asylum seekers including Christians Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, Yasin Elyasi and Mohammad-Reza Hamedian Esfahani from a detention centre. Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, told Swedish media in February that ‘If it is Jesus' will for me to return to Iran, I'll submit to his will and he will protect me Himself.’
Pray: for wisdom for the authorities as they consider deportation and pray that they will release those involved. (Ps.25:15)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/21376-sweden-plans-deportation-iranian-christians-despite-dangers
Business ethics summit begins at the Vatican
The Vatican launched a major conference today on business ethics, aimed at discussing whether or not unethical practices were at the root of the economic crisis and if ethics can prevent a future collapse, reports Catholic News Agency. ‘As we know from other sectors of society - and also in our own lives - we often ask ourselves questions and make resolutions to do things differently during and after a crisis,’ Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, commented to CNA. The three-day gathering is the co-creation of the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum and the Fidelis International Institute for Business Ethics, and is aimed at promoting ethical business practices that accord with Catholic social principles. In all, around 100 key figures from business, academia and the Church are present for the ‘Executive Summit on Ethics for the Business World.’
Pray: for all those attending that their ideas will lead to wider use of ethical practices in the business world. (Ex.23:24)
Business ethics summit begins at the Vatican
The Vatican launched a major conference today on business ethics, aimed at discussing whether or not unethical practices were at the root of the economic crisis and if ethics can prevent a future collapse, reports Catholic News Agency. ‘As we know from other sectors of society - and also in our own lives - we often ask ourselves questions and make resolutions to do things differently during and after a crisis,’ Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, commented to CNA. The three-day gathering is the co-creation of the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum and the Fidelis International Institute for Business Ethics, and is aimed at promoting ethical business practices that accord with Catholic social principles. In all, around 100 key figures from business, academia and the Church are present for the ‘Executive Summit on Ethics for the Business World.’
Pray: for all those attending that their ideas will lead to wider use of ethical practices in the business world. (Ex.23:24)
OBAMACARE BEING DECIDED BY THE SUPREME COURT
Pray that God's wisdom will be given to all those who are working through this most important issue that America has had to come to grips with for many years. Pray that the Lord will block any advancement of wrong principles within the Obamacare case and especially those that would promote abortion in any way.
The Supreme Court has just heard five-and-a-half hours of oral arguments on constitutional challenges to Obama's national health care law, and the court is expected to render its decision by the end of June. It is one of the most closely watched cases in American history, and each possible outcome carries different political ramifications.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD $5.7 MILLION FRAUD
For the sake of the unborn pray that all fraudulent activities of any organization that promotes the aborting of the unborn be exposed and brought to justice. Give thanks to the Lord that there are those who are bringing such activities to the light so that they can be dealt with by authorities responsible for illegal activities. Pray that those who have been found guilty will repent and become advocates for life.
PRAYER CAUCUSES BEING ESTABLISHED
An unprecedented nationwide network of elected leaders and citizens, are committing to realigning America with the Judeo-Christian principles of liberty!
Accomplishments:
• Formation of the strategic American Prayer Caucus Network (http://cpcfoundation.com/cpcf/statecaucuses.php), the largest and most influential network of Christian government leaders in the nation, networking members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus with hundreds of like-minded members of state and local Legislative Prayer Caucuses in action-oriented forums.
• 10 State Prayer Caucuses now formed (Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Colorado, Oklahoma, Maine, Kentucky, Florida, Michigan and Missouri) with 9 States in process.
• Citizens joined hundreds of legislators, governors, lieutenant governors and attorneys general at multiple Call To Prayer events, which were hosted and facilitated by elected leaders proclaiming their commitment to pray and protect your right to believe in God.
We cannot and must not forget that "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Though some will reject our Lord and His rightful place in our hearts and in our nation, we must not! (Contributor: Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation; http://cpcfoundation.com/)
Dear Friends,
On 12 April, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani turns 35.
But instead of planning birthday celebrations with friends and family, he remains imprisoned in Iran, living with the threat of an execution that could happen at any time.
Hence Christian Solidarity Worldwide (http://www.csw.org.uk/home.htm) is launching a month of prayer and action for him in the run-up to his birthday.
In autumn 2011, CSW's advocacy and campaigning triggered a wave of global action on behalf of Pastor Nadarkhani. It mobilised 60,000 activists on his behalf. CSW's lobbying efforts stimulated statements from international politicians and widespread media coverage.
Pastor Nadarkhani was arrested in 2009 soon after questioning the Muslim monopoly of religious instruction for children in Iran, which he felt was unconstitutional. He was charged, tried, found guilty of apostasy and sentenced to death. He's been in prison ever since and has been under pressure to renounce his faith in order to have the charges annulled and the death sentence lifted. Within the last month we received unconfirmed reports that his execution order had been signed.
Show your support - join the month of prayer! In Acts 12, we read of Peter's miraculous release from prison while the Church was earnestly praying for him. We have a vital role to play by standing in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani and praying a lifting of the death sentence, and for his unconditional release. See the link www.csw.org.uk/nadarkhani.
This year’s special focus day will be on June 3. CAF has material available. Please help to let people know about this day. Contact CAF at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Thanks for your intercession!