An annual report by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) says that democracy declined around the world for the sixth consecutive year in 2022 as half the world’s countries slid backwards on indicators such as freedom of expression and political participation. IDEA secretary-general Kevin Casas-Zamora stated that ‘democracy is still in trouble, stagnant at best, and declining in many places’. The six-year fall is the longest period of democratic backsliding since records began in 1975. Casas-Zamora attributed the decline to the global weakening of democratic institutions that otherwise help safeguard human rights and the rule of law. Both the United Kingdom and the United States were named as ‘backsliding’, as were Guatemala and El Salvador, which both saw widespread political turmoil and human rights violations in 2022. In eastern Europe and Asia, countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russia, and Turkey scored poorly: in Africa the decline was exemplified by a wave of coups d’etat.

News that Saudi Arabia is on course to host the 2034 football World Cup is grim. The country might not win the cup, but its capacity for state murder is world class: 112 killed this year so far and counting. However, the news should come as no surprise: its geopolitical power is rising and combining with vast wealth to ensure that objections to its human rights record are brushed aside by those in power. Before he was elected president, Joe Biden declared that Saudi would be treated as a ‘pariah state’ following the state-sanctioned murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. But once he was in the Oval Office, realpolitik intervened. His administration is now most concerned about China’s growing influence, which is why it has agreed to Saudi Arabia’s request for help in building a civilian nuclear programme - which critics fear could lead to developing nuclear weapons. US dollars could end up paying for the defence of a brutal Gulf regime that has undermined Western economies, helped Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by cutting oil supplies and keeping prices high, and continued with the catastrophic war in Yemen. In these terms, gifting Bin Salman the World Cup seems like a minor folly.

Two indigenous families in rural Mexico, previously unaware of God's existence, were profoundly impacted by audio recordings of the Gospel of Mark in their tribal language. This led them to embrace Christianity and attend church services. They said that listening to the audios helped them understand Jesus' purpose on Earth, inspiring them to accept God into their hearts. Some members had been suffering from an incurable disease but attributed their complete healing to their newfound faith. Despite a history of tribal beliefs, one family member thanked God for His Word in their language and the worker who shared the recordings. This success reinforces the importance of continuing translation efforts to bring the message of redemption and salvation to people in their native languages. Pray that everyone can access and be transformed by God's Word in the language of their hearts. Various projects, including translating the Book of Jonah, have contributed to this mission, promoting literacy and understanding in indigenous communities.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes organised a Fields of Faith event at a high school football stadium in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which drew over 3,000 attendees, mainly students. This gathering, part of a global movement, featured a pre-rally with free food, games, live music, and student testimonies of faith. Micah May, FCA South Central Arkansas's multi-area director, noted a special presence of the Holy Spirit at the event, with hundreds of students praying and lives being transformed. He mentioned a sense of revival stirring in the world and expressed gratitude for being a part of it. Similar revival gatherings for high school and college students have been occurring throughout 2023, reflecting a growing spiritual awakening. May concluded by giving glory to God, emphasising His role in these transformative experiences.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak is on a two-day trip to Israel and other Middle East countries, planning to urge leaders in the region to prevent further escalation of conflict. On 19 October he met prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then flew on to Saudi Arabia. This trip, following on from Joe Biden’s visit, comes after the recent missile strike on Al Ahli Hospital, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians. The UK is also pushing for the opening of the route into Gaza to allow humanitarian aid and the safe passage of British nationals out of Gaza. Meanwhile, foreign secretary James Cleverly travelled to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to seek humanitarian access to Gaza and the release of British hostages. The UK government has announced a £10 million aid package to support vulnerable civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with half of the funding going to the UN to address critical needs in Gaza. Defence secretary Grant Shapps also met with his US counterpart to coordinate responses to the crisis.

Migrants have returned to the accommodation barge Bibby Stockholm, which can house up to 500 individuals awaiting asylum decisions, after it was evacuated in August due to Legionella bacteria in the water supply. The Home Office has declared it ‘safe and secure’ following remediation efforts. Using it is part of a government policy to reduce the costs of housing migrants in hotels. Critics have raised concerns about the conditions on the barge, with Amnesty International likening it to ‘prison hulks from the Victorian era’. This comes after a legal challenge against housing asylum seekers on the vessel was dismissed in court. A further judicial review challenge regarding planning jurisdiction has been initiated. The Archbishop of Canterbury had previously called for a pause in the scheme for further consultation.

A study suggests that 95,000 to 167,000 people in England may have contracted Covid-19 in hospitals during the second wave of the pandemic, from June 2020 to March 2021. Researchers from Oxford University analysed data from 145 English NHS acute hospital trusts, considering factors like the availability of single rooms and vaccination of healthcare workers. The study found that 1% to 2% of all hospital admissions during this period led to hospital-acquired infections. The highest infection rates were observed in the north-west regions of England. The research underscores the importance of improving hospital design to limit the transmission of future pathogens and the need for measures to reduce hospital transmissions. Vaccination of healthcare workers was associated with lower infection rates. The findings are significant for protecting vulnerable patients, healthcare workers, and communities.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that the various schemes designed to support economically inactive individuals back into work are failing to meet their needs. A study commissioned by the LGA revealed that 51 national job support programmes are not coordinated and only a few specifically address economic inactivity. According to the Office of National Statistics, around 8.7 million people aged 16 to 64 in the UK were economically inactive between May and September. The LGA argues that many individuals who are fit for work and want a job do not receive support from job centres because they do not claim out-of-work benefits, resulting in unfilled vacancies. It called for better collaboration between Whitehall departments and local councils to address the complex reasons why people are economically inactive, such as health conditions or a lack of skills.

78 ordinands and clergy in training within the Church of England sent a letter to the House of Bishops expressing concern over the potential introduction of same-sex blessing prayers and accompanying pastoral guidance, which they believe would depart from historic Christian teaching. This was before the bishops' recent decision to commend 'in principle' same-sex blessing prayers and announce that draft pastoral guidance will be presented to the General Synod next month. The ordinands and clergy fear that these developments will lead to fracturing within the Church of England and leave them feeling ‘vulnerable and concerned’. They requested that the prayers should not be implemented, arguing that previous decisions during the 'Living in Love and Faith' process have already reduced the number of ordinands and created uncertainty for those who adhere to orthodox beliefs within the church.

The nationwide Christmas campaign ‘Shine Your Light’ encourages Christians across the UK to unite and share the Gospel during the holiday season. Led by the National Day of Prayer and Worship, the initiative involves collaboration with a number of different denominations and ministries. ‘Shine Your Light’ aims to have the entire church in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic come together to brighten the countries like a Christmas tree, emphasising community events and activities such as nativities and family-focused gatherings. Churches are encouraged to take their message outside their buildings, sing carols, pray, share testimonies, and follow up with attendees, inviting them to other Christmas events. The campaign will run on 16 and 17 December, with an online map highlighting all participating events and resources available for local churches.