The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned that last summer’s riots may return unless the government and civil society do more to reach out to young people. Writing in the Guardian, Dr Rowan Williams attributed the unrest in part to ‘massive economic hopelessness’ and a lack of opportunities for young people. He said that many of the rioters were people who had ‘got used to being pushed to the margins and told they are dispensable’. ‘Too many feel they have nothing to lose because they are told practically from birth that they have no serious career opportunities’ he said. While the Archbishop acknowledged the selfishness of the rioters’ actions, he said that demonising destructive young people would not help to address the problem. Instead, he went on to suggest that greater consideration be given to the impact on young people in debates over spending cuts, adding that the idea of cutting provision to youth services was ‘manifestly indefensible’.

Pray: that the Government will face up to its responsibilities and challenges in reaching the young. (Dt.30:11)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/riots.could.return.without.more.effort.to.reach.young.people/28987.htm

An assistant editor at The Guardian and the Labour MP Chris Bryant have both hit out at a secularist pressure group’s attempt to ban a local council from saying prayers. Last week the National Secular Society (NSS) went to the High Court in an attempt to end Bideford Town Council’s practice of saying prayers at the start of its meetings. Commenting on the case Michael White an assistant editor at The Guardian, warned that the case raised a wider question ‘about the intolerant impulse many people have to inflict their views on others’. He said that ‘communities should surely be allowed to sort out their own arrangements’ without interference from the NSS. And Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for Rhondda, questioned why the case had even gone to court. Mr Bryant said ‘surely the 16 members of Bideford Council, who have already voted on this twice, should be allowed to pray, if they want to.’

Pray: for the Bideford Council to be empowered in their stand and for the NSS to recognise that a period of reflection is helpful before meetings. (Job.33:26)

More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/guardian-editor-and-mp-criticise-nss-prayer-case/

A campaign group which is seeking to preserve the definition of marriage for Scotland has been welcomed by the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. Archbishop Vincent Nichols said the group’s name, ‘Scotland for Marriage’, gave a ‘very positive message’. The group’s launch comes as the consultation on redefining marriage in Scotland draws to a close – the final date for submissions is 9 December. He commented that a similar message was needed for England – a public consultation on how to change the law in England and Wales will begin next year with the Westminster Government wanting to redefine marriage by 2015. The Church said it was concerned by the speed at which the Scottish Government is proceeding with the issue, saying that the debate had so far been ‘patchy’. The Church went on to reject the Government's proposal to legalise the registration of civil partnerships on religious premises. (See also Prayer Alert 47-2011 & 45.2011)

Pray: for the Church and authorities in Scotland as they consider marriage. (Heb.13:4)

More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/english-rc-leader-welcomes-scotland-for-marriage/?utm_source=feed burner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+christianinstitute+%28 The+Christian+Institute%29

Metal theft from Baptist churches has risen to record levels this year. By the end of October Baptist Insurance had received 110 claims for theft of metal, already 25 more than it handled in its previous worst year. In 2008 it dealt with nearly 90 claims from the churches it insures. The total cost of the metal theft claims for 2011 stands at more than £160,000, again a record. The theft of metal from churches is linked directly to the price of lead, which rose sharply at the start of 2011. 'We have seen a huge increase in theft of metal,' said Katri Link, Baptist Insurance press officer. ' This year has been the worst year for metal theft, both in terms of number of claims and cost of claims. At the start of the year we saw the price of metal go up - the demand in the market from the Far East is high - and there is a direct correlation.' Churches everywhere have been suffering, although 2008 remains the worst year across all denominations.

Pray: for the protection of church buildings from this kind of crime and increase of police and community awareness. (Dt.5:19)

More: http://www.baptisttimes.co.uk/news1.htm