Survey reveals Britain's dependence on churches
To a significant extent, Britain is reliant on churches to reach out to communities and address the social needs of people amidst the financial crisis, a new study has found. The study, conducted by the Church Urban Fund, shows that 6,500 Church of England parishes offer special services to help schoolchildren, parents, new immigrants and the elderly. A total of eight out of 10 said that parishioners use their spare time to informally help those struggling with issues such as isolation, family breakdown, drug abuse, domestic violence or debt. The survey shows that donations given by churchgoers to social action projects have increased by 19 per cent to £342 million in just two years. Andrea Williams of Christian Concern commented: “The Government must ensure that its legislation – whether Charity law or equalities legislation – does not inhibit churches and Christian organisations from carrying out their service whilst maintaining an overtly Christian ethos.
Pray: for legislation to be revised so that Christians can serve their communities as Christians – not in a way that forces them to ‘leave their faith at the door'. (1Pe.3:15)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/survey-reveals-britains-dependence-on-churches
New child poverty measure ‘fatally flawed’, say British churches
Four major British churches have criticised government proposals for a new way of measuring child poverty in the UK, which they say masks the problem. The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have accused the Government’s consultation on the proposals of being "confused" and "surprisingly badly evidenced". “Child poverty is an unacceptable injustice,” said Paul Morrison, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church. “While we applaud the Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty in the UK, the proposed new measure is fatally flawed. It is a confusion of targets, measures and, most disturbingly, the Government’s beliefs about what causes poverty, backed by very little solid evidence.” “As Christians we believe that we all have a duty to take responsibility for the injustices that have become embedded in the society we have built," added Marie Trubic, United Reformed Church spokesperson on public issues.
Pray: for the Government that in seeking to address the issue of child poverty, they will listen to the people who are working with the people affected by it. (Pr.1:5)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18006
NHS must return to Christian basis - bishops
Serious failures in standards of care at Stafford General Hospital are evidence that the "marketisation of the health service has gone too far", two bishops have warned. The Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Reverend Jonathan Gledhill, and the Bishop of Stafford, the Right Reverend Geoff Annas, made the comments in the Church Times in response to an inquiry into the death of 66-year-old Gillian Astbury at the hospital in 2007. Bishop Gledhill said the investigation into the hospital had been a "long and terrible time for the people of Stafford", particularly the relatives of those who had died "unnecessarily and suffered". He said people should "not be afraid to go to their local hospital", but also expressed sympathy for NHS workers who have "borne the weight of cuts and reductions". He called for a return to the Christian values that inspired the creation of the NHS.
Pray: for a return to the Christian values that once underpinned the NHS as a caring organisation. (Gal.5:22)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/nhs.must.return.to.christian.basis.bishops/31650.htm
Me, me, me culture' of the 1980s poisoning society
An “unhealthy ‘me, me, me’ culture” which grew up in the 1980s is still “poisoning” community life in Britain, according to the Archbishop of York. In a reference to Margaret Thatcher, Dr John Sentamu said: “There is such a thing as society, and we all have our small part to play in making things better. We are interdependent beings living in community.” Dr Sentamu made his remarks as he launched a new book, “John Sentamu's Faith Stories” which follows 20 people who have made major contributions to their local communities. He said people should follow their example and “stop moaning and start doing something positive”. He added: “The unhealthy “me, me, me” culture that grew up in 1980s, has threatened to poison our relationships and our sense of community ever since. “The only way to build a wholesome society with a future, is for people to live differently, unselfishly and with hope in their hearts.
Pray: for all of us to recognise our role in a caring society. (Gal.5:14)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9873943/Me-me-me-culture-of-the-1980s-poisoning-society-warns-Sentamu.html
China is reportedly planning the development of a nuclear missile system that can hide in underground tunnels and be transported by train, making it harder for the West to monitor. The news of the rail-based missile system comes after China made major strides in the development of its nuclear program last year and raises serious questions about its so-called “no first use” pledge for its nuclear weapons.
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Iraq: Displaced children
Iraq is dangerous and difficult to live in - violence, poverty and insecurity have caused around two million people to flee abroad to other parts of the Middle East, and another 700,000 to move from their homes to other regions of Iraq. It is disorientating to leave your home as a child, not knowing where you are going, ending up in a new place with unfamiliar surroundings. Seeing your parents afraid and running away is a deeply unsettling experience. Displaced parents can’t find regular work - making it hard to provide the right food for their children. 9% of Iraqi children suffer from acute malnutrition. This can have a lifelong effect, as it stunts growth and damages their physical and mental development. Please pray for children to adjust to new homes easily and naturally. Pray for good facilities for refugees, with opportunities for work and the right support.
Pray: for children to have access to nutritious food, especially those who are suffering from malnutrition. (Is.65:22-23)
More: http://www.iraqprayer.org/children.htm
Egypt: 'Christian Winter'
Egyptians drove President Hosni Mubarak from office during ‘Arab Spring’. Revolutionaries are back with cries of ‘Leave, leave, President Morsi.’ The economy is in tatters, 90% of the 45 million under 30 are unemployed and European powers are reluctant to provide financial aid until the social unrest abates. In the background of every public debate is religion. The US and European powers have blinded their eyes to the fundamental nature of the Middle East; pressure between the Islamic majority and the Christian minority is reaching a boiling point. Christians in particular have felt the heavy hand of Mubarak's police (or their absence) when attacked by extremists. Christians have been fired, denied education, harassed and killed on the basis of their faith, which they are required to declare on official government documents. It will be a tragedy if Egypt's Christians are forced to flee after 1,300 years of successful co-existence with their Muslim neighbours.
Pray: for a modern, progressive Egypt. (Pr.2:10-12)
More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/egypts-christian-winter-89885/
America: Working against nuclear threats
Defying UN warnings, North Korea conducted its third nuclear test taking a crucial step toward its goal of building a bomb small enough to be fitted on a missile capable of striking the United States. They said the atomic test was merely its ‘first response’ to what it called UN threats, (and US trade sanctions) and said it will continue with unspecified ‘second and third measures of greater intensity’ if Washington maintains its hostility. Meanwhile, the economic battlefield between the United States and Iran continues. Behind the diplomatic contacts and the military discussions, and below the radar, there quietly operates UANI, a non-profit organization with a single aim to intensify economic sanctions on Iran until it stops its nuclear programme. Its principal method is ‘putting pressure on international companies doing business in Iran’ see.
Pray: that sanctions and pressure from China would eventually cause Iran and North Korea to re-consider their stance on shutting down nuclear development programmes. (Ps.140:8)
Somalia: Strictly Islamic state
Somali cities are chaotic yet functional. There’s a working public transport, brisk market business, electricity and running water - but people get shot as a normal part of daily life. No one takes notice anymore. They simply wait for the bodies to be cleared then quickly resume business. Armed violence is common; it’s used to deal with disagreements and generally ends in death. Many more deaths follow when the deceased’s fellow gang members retaliate. The hardest part to understand is the fact that ‘human life has lost its value’. It is astounding that there is a Church in Somalia - when believers embrace Christ they embrace martyrdom - prepared to pay the price for their faith. It is too dangerous for believers to meet openly in this strictly Islamic state. Al-Shabaab target converts to Christianity and eliminate them. Aid workers, Christian or otherwise, require tight security due to the risk of abduction.
tPray: hat al-Shabab’s influence will diminish, for Christian radio programmes to bring hope to isolated believers and for more tolerance towards Christians. (Ps.32:7)
More: http://www.worldwatchlist.us/world-watch-list-countries/somalia/
Azerbaijan: Christians under increasing pressure
Tough regulations have made it difficult for churches to complete necessary registration. The process is ‘mired in bureaucracy’ and applications are often refused. State opposition has become the ‘biggest obstacle’ facing churches in Azerbaijan today. Recently 30 police officers visited a pastor's home and told him it was illegal to spread the teachings of Jesus in Azerbaijan, despite religious freedom being guaranteed in the constitution. He was told he would be spared prison if he ceased working as an evangelist. The pastor refused and was jailed for 18 months - accused of keeping weapons. Another pastor explained, ‘They are afraid that if people become Christians they would prefer the interests of Russia over those of Azerbaijan.’ Head of the Baptist Union of Azerbaijan said, ‘At any moment the pastor of a church can be imprisoned.’ Despite this the church in Azerbaijan is growing with an estimated 10,000 members.
Pray: for God to raise up people to defend the rights of believers, for Christians to come together without fear of government, police, security services or extremists. (Ps.12:5&7)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/azerbaijan.christians.under.increasing.pressure/31593.htm