Bid for new law to protect kids from internet porn
The first attempt at a law introducing an opt-in system to protect children from being bombarded by online pornography has been launched in the House of Lords. A Private Member’s Bill has been introduced by Baroness Howe with the backing of Christian charity Care. The Bill would require internet service providers and mobile phone operators to block internet porn, unless a customer aged 18 or over asks to have access to such content. A Private Member’s Bill rarely becomes law unless the Government gets behind it. Claire Perry MP, who recently convened a cross-party enquiry into online child safety, said she was pleased the issue was being raised. She said: ‘The Howe Bill addresses very effectively one of the greatest challenges for UK parents today, protecting children online. It is a timely and important piece of legislation that I hope will have a big impact.’
Pray: that this Private Members Bill will receive Government backing and become law. (Ne.1:11)
Swiss assisted suicides rise sevenfold in 11 years
The number of assisted suicides for Swiss residents has risen by 700 per cent in the space of 11 years, according to new figures. In what is believed to be a first, Switzerland’s Federal Statistics Office has published official statistics showing how many people ended their lives by assisted dying between 1998 and 2009. Almost 300 Swiss residents died in this manner only in the year 2009, compared to just 43 in 1998. The vast majority of people were over 55, and the figures also showed that women were more likely to be killed by assisted suicide than men. Figures from Dignitas, a Swiss suicide clinic, showed that the organisation helped 1,298 people commit suicide between 1998 and 2011. The news follows a debate in the House of Commons last week, where an attempt to undermine the law against assisted suicide was unanimously rejected by MPs. The Commons gave unanimous backing to an amendment encouraging the development of specialist palliative care services.
Pray: that this growing trend would be halted. Also pray for the adoption of specialist palliative care such as has been introduced in the UK. (Pr.15:24)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/swiss-assisted-suicides-rise-sevenfold-in-11-years/
Swiss assisted suicides rise sevenfold in 11 years
The number of assisted suicides for Swiss residents has risen by 700 per cent in the space of 11 years, according to new figures. In what is believed to be a first, Switzerland’s Federal Statistics Office has published official statistics showing how many people ended their lives by assisted dying between 1998 and 2009. Almost 300 Swiss residents died in this manner only in the year 2009, compared to just 43 in 1998. The vast majority of people were over 55, and the figures also showed that women were more likely to be killed by assisted suicide than men. Figures from Dignitas, a Swiss suicide clinic, showed that the organisation helped 1,298 people commit suicide between 1998 and 2011. The news follows a debate in the House of Commons last week, where an attempt to undermine the law against assisted suicide was unanimously rejected by MPs. The Commons gave unanimous backing to an amendment encouraging the development of specialist palliative care services.
Pray: that this growing trend would be halted. Also pray for the adoption of specialist palliative care such as has been introduced in the UK. (Pr.15:24)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/swiss-assisted-suicides-rise-sevenfold-in-11-years/
Eurozone unemployment reaches near 15-year high
Unemployment in the eurozone reached its highest level in almost 15 years in February, with more than 17 million people out of work, and economists saying they expected job office queues to grow even longer later this year. Joblessness in the 17-nation currency zone rose to 10.8% - in line with a Reuters poll of economists - and 0.1 points worse than in January, Eurostat said on Monday. ‘We expect it to go higher, to reach 11% by the end of the year,’ said Raphael Brun-Aguerre, an economist at JP Morgan in London. ‘You have public sector job cuts, income going down, and weak consumption. The economic growth outlook is negative and is going to worsen unemployment.’ February's level - last hit in June 1997 - marked the 10th straight monthly rise and contrasts sharply with the United States where the economy has been adding jobs since late last year.
Pray: that the unemployment figures would begin to reduce. Pray that governments would be able to get to grips with the economic situation.
More: http://www.euractiv.com/socialeurope/eurozone-unemployment-reaches-near-15-year-high-news-511926
Eurozone unemployment reaches near 15-year high
Unemployment in the eurozone reached its highest level in almost 15 years in February, with more than 17 million people out of work, and economists saying they expected job office queues to grow even longer later this year. Joblessness in the 17-nation currency zone rose to 10.8% - in line with a Reuters poll of economists - and 0.1 points worse than in January, Eurostat said on Monday. ‘We expect it to go higher, to reach 11% by the end of the year,’ said Raphael Brun-Aguerre, an economist at JP Morgan in London. ‘You have public sector job cuts, income going down, and weak consumption. The economic growth outlook is negative and is going to worsen unemployment.’ February's level - last hit in June 1997 - marked the 10th straight monthly rise and contrasts sharply with the United States where the economy has been adding jobs since late last year.
Pray: that the unemployment figures would begin to reduce. Pray that governments would be able to get to grips with the economic situation.
More: http://www.euractiv.com/socialeurope/eurozone-unemployment-reaches-near-15-year-high-news-511926
“The warning last month from Representative Peter King, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, was blunt: An investigation by his staff had determined that "hundreds" of people he described as "Iranian and Hezbollah terrorists" were in the United States. But interviews with U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials, as well as private experts, about the Iranian-sponsored group paint a more nuanced picture. There is a threat, though whether it is imminent or extensive is far from clear, they say. An alarming part of the officials' assessments focuses on the apparent surveillance missions that Iranian diplomats and possible Hezbollah operatives have been seen conducting at sensitive targets such as New York subways and bridges, and at nuclear power plants and tunnels elsewhere in the United States in the past 10 years.”
www.Newsmax.com, April 5
Please pray for the foiling of terrorist plots in the USA and around the world as part of the global jihad by radicals.
The situation for religious freedom throughout Central Asia seems to be worsening across the region. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have been difficult for several years already. Christians have been arrested and heavily fined and some have spent time in prison for their faith. It has become increasingly difficult to register new churches in these nations.
However, in the past year or so, the situation has also deteriorated in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. New laws have been passed in all of these nations that greatly limit religious freedom. In Kazakhstan, churches have been raided and pastors fined or held for questioning. The new law requires all churches to re-register with the government and churches with under 50 members are not eligible for registration. In Tajikistan, the new law prohibits children or youth under the age of 18 from attending religious meetings, preventing them from attending church.
In spite of the difficulties we are not discouraged! We understand that historically the church has flourished under persecution. We are believing God for the great harvest that He has promised in this strategic part of the world! Would you agree with us in prayer for God to move across the ancient Silk Road in an unprecedented way?
INSIGHT: Aung San Suu Kyi secures parliament seat
A year ago a Burmese citizen could be arrested for mentioning the name of their beloved, ‘The Lady’. On Tuesday she was voted into parliament after winning one of 44 seats in the Burmese parliament. Although her party hardly has control of the government, these election results are a game-changing feat, and Christians across the world are praying that it is the first step in Gods provision for Burma's future governance. From Burmas elections on 1st April until the end of the year there will be sixty six international elections, and United Kingdom local elections are included in this figure. According to 1 Timothy petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving are to be made for all those in authority because God wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth. (iTim.1-5) For a brief profile of spiritual and leadership needs of each of these countries, and the date of the election please click the info button.
Pray the leadership of Burma will be virtuous, making decisions that would benefit the nation and her neighbours. (Heb.13:16-18)
http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=377&Itemid=93
Mourners pay tribute to murdered vicar
Hundreds of people have paid their last respects to Reverend John Suddards found stabbed to death in the hallway of his vicarage on St Valentine's day. On Saturday he was given a last goodbye in the church where he was installed as priest only eight-and-a-half months ago. The news of his death sent shock waves through the clergy and the close-knit community in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, about 11 miles north of Bristol. Speaking ahead of the service, The Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway, Archdeacon of Gloucester, paid tribute to Mr Suddards. He said that since Mr Suddards's death, the town had come together to support each other. He said, ' This service today and in about three weeks time the vicarage, up to this point has been a crime scene, will be having a service of prayer and blessing to open up the vicarage again. Hopefully in the summer we'll move to appoint a new priest to Thornbury.'
Pray: for John's family and congregation and for healing and new blessings in the parish. (Isa.57:19)
Christian doctor sacked following prayer e-mail
A Christian doctor is suing his employers for unfair dismissal after being sacked following his sending of a motivational prayer e-mail to colleagues and a Christmas text message to one individual. Dr David Drew’s employers at Walsall Manor Hospital complained that his behaviour was inappropriate after he e-mailed a prayer by St Ignatius Loyola to colleagues for motivation. The employment tribunal in Birmingham heard that his bosses also complained that he sent a Christmas text message to a colleague which read ‘have a peaceful Christmas’. Dr Drew started having problems with his employers after he complained about patient care at Walsall Manor Hospital. He claims that his employers responded to his complaints by accusing him of forcing his religion on colleagues. He was told that unless he agreed to the recommendations and accept them without questioning then he should resign. The hearing continues and is expected to last for three weeks.
Pray: for all involved in this dispute that they will recognise that Dr Drew has not acted inappropriately. (Ps.103:6)