Cumbria first ecumenical county in England
On Sunday 27th November 2011 at 3pm Church leaders from the Methodist, United Reformed and Anglican Churches in Cumbria will sign an historic ecumenical Declaration of Intent. Supported by the other five main Christian denominations in Cumbria (Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Baptist, Quaker and Church of Scotland) this declaration will mean that Cumbria becomes the first ecumenical county in England with churches agreeing on a county-level to work more closely together for the sake of unity. The service in Ambleside on 27th November will be attended by Church Leaders from all 8 denominations in Cumbria, and by representatives from the national churches involved. A message of support from the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Dr Fykse Tveit, will be relayed during the service. Rt Rev James Newcome, Anglican Bishop of Carlisle said: ‘I am personally thrilled that we are taking a significant step towards an Ecumenical County’.
Pray: for the new concept of an ecumenical county, that it will become a tool empowered by God to spread the Gospel message.pray also that it will prove to be the first of many more. (1Cor.14:26)
More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=544
British Soldiers returning from Afghanistan
More and more soldiers are returning from Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many are not coping and are drinking heavily, in some cases leading to violence and wife-beating. Many have suicidal thoughts. This
is becoming a big problem and is affecting Christian families as well as non-Christians. Marriages are suffering and the children are distressed and need protection from witnessing the ugliness of the situation. Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity, said that based on the MoD figures it would mean that 51,000 veterans were likely to show symptoms of mental health problems because of their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a need for the government to recognise this problem and bring in compulsory post operation counselling for all soldiers.
Pray: that the Lord will heal memories and restore these service men and women. Please pray for the families and the healing of relationships. (Jer.8:15)
Norway: Religious extremism condemned
In the aftermath of attacks last July that killed 77 and were carried out by a self-described ‘cultural Christian,’ Norwegian Christians and Muslims on Nov. 22 jointly condemned religious extremism as ‘contrary to the teachings of our religions.’ Stating, ‘Religious extremists put themselves in the place of God and believe that they are fighting on behalf of God against the enemies of God. Religious extremism is therefore contrary to the teachings of our religions, especially with respect to the basic dignity and rights of all human beings,’ according to a news release. The statement said that religious extremism is part of the global reality, but notes it threatens the life, welfare, and rights of human beings in many local situations.
Pray: for more religious leaders to publicly adopt a balanced stance stand against religious extremism. (Pr.29:26)
Norway: Religious extremism condemned
In the aftermath of attacks last July that killed 77 and were carried out by a self-described ‘cultural Christian,’ Norwegian Christians and Muslims on Nov. 22 jointly condemned religious extremism as ‘contrary to the teachings of our religions.’ Stating, ‘Religious extremists put themselves in the place of God and believe that they are fighting on behalf of God against the enemies of God. Religious extremism is therefore contrary to the teachings of our religions, especially with respect to the basic dignity and rights of all human beings,’ according to a news release. The statement said that religious extremism is part of the global reality, but notes it threatens the life, welfare, and rights of human beings in many local situations.
Pray: for more religious leaders to publicly adopt a balanced stance stand against religious extremism. (Pr.29:26)
Greece: Greeks are turning to their faith.
Greece's economy is in dire shape, and both the country's leaders and residents face an uphill battle to escape what could become a five-year recession. Recent economic reports revealed that the recession was deeper than originally thought. And with news like that splashed across national headlines, many Greeks have turned to religion for some kind of relief. ‘The church is the last resort for everyone. Even more so when people have problems,’ said church goer Stelios Papayoannou. ‘It is human nature to forget God in good times and remember him in hard times.’ Greek worshipper Maria Libery added ‘With faith people can overcome all difficulties. This is why we flock here, to church.’ She continued ‘Times are hard everywhere. Church can bring relief to our soul and make us feel that there is something outside of this life. I believe this is why we go to church.’
Pray: for all those facing hardship due to the economic situation to find an answer in Christ. (Ps.62:8)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/November/Greeks-Attend-Church-as-Economic-Uncertainty-Grows-/
Greece: Greeks are turning to their faith.
Greece's economy is in dire shape, and both the country's leaders and residents face an uphill battle to escape what could become a five-year recession. Recent economic reports revealed that the recession was deeper than originally thought. And with news like that splashed across national headlines, many Greeks have turned to religion for some kind of relief. ‘The church is the last resort for everyone. Even more so when people have problems,’ said church goer Stelios Papayoannou. ‘It is human nature to forget God in good times and remember him in hard times.’ Greek worshipper Maria Libery added ‘With faith people can overcome all difficulties. This is why we flock here, to church.’ She continued ‘Times are hard everywhere. Church can bring relief to our soul and make us feel that there is something outside of this life. I believe this is why we go to church.’
Pray: for all those facing hardship due to the economic situation to find an answer in Christ. (Ps.62:8)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/November/Greeks-Attend-Church-as-Economic-Uncertainty-Grows-/
Christians still feel marginalised - report
A new report out from Premier Christian Media warns of a ‘strong bias’ against Christians in British public life. The media group’s report is based upon consecutive polls it has commissioned in recent years to gauge perceptions among Christians and non-Christians. Feelings of marginalisation were found to be particularly strong amongst Christians. In a 2008 survey of 500 Christians, 73% said they felt Christians were being unfairly marginalised in British society. That was followed by a C-Panel poll the following year which found that 66% of Christians felt there was greater negative discrimination towards Christians than other faiths. Although non-Christians were far less likely to agree that Christians were being marginalised, poll results revealed a sympathetic general public. Premier noted perceptions of ‘favouritism’ towards Muslims in particular and a bias towards homosexual lobby groups.
Pray: against the ongoing marginalisation of our faith in all levels of society. (Pr.10:11)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.still.feel.marginalised.report/28872.htm
Liverpool unveils UK’s first gay street signs
Liverpool has become the first city in the UK to carry a homosexual rainbow emblem on some of its street signs, despite other councils banning Christian symbols. Liverpool City councillor, Nick Small said: ‘The new signs clearly show that we are recognising where the LGBT scene is based in the city and that it is a very important part of our city life.’ The city’s enthusiasm to promote the emblem stands in contrast to other local councils that have banned Christian symbols from public display. Camden Council in North London told a church group that it could not advertise an event on religion and climate change unless it removed words like ‘Christian’ and ‘God’ from the text. Staff at Salisbury Council were told not to use the phrase ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ when talking to people because the religious reference might offend atheists.
Pray: for the authorities that make unwise decisions that go against common sense may their ideas be thwarted. (Ps.94:8)
Tesco funds Gay Pride but drops Cancer Research
Tesco has sparked outrage after dropping its support for the Cancer Research ‘Race for Life’, and announcing shortly after that it would now become a headline sponsor of Britain’s largest gay festival. The supermarket giant has supported Cancer Research for more than a decade, helping the charity raise hundreds of millions of pounds towards combating the illness – estimated to affect one in three of the population. But now the retail chain has signed a deal to become a major sponsor of Pride London, and will host the festival’s family area.
Pray: that this move by a major retail company would be looked at carefully in light of its involvement with the wider
community. (Eph.5:15)
24-7 Prayer & Alpha say fill 2012 with prayer
As the Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, Pete Greig, a founding champion of 24-7 Prayer, author of ‘Red Moon Rising’ and Director of Prayer for Holy Trinity Brompton is helping to launch a year of prayer called Kingdom Come 2012, challenging God’s people to pray that the name of Jesus will be lifted high in our lands once again. Kingdom Come 2012 is a partnership between 24-7 Prayer and Alpha to encourage thousands of churches to fill an entire year with night and day prayer, aiming to build on the success of unprecedented years of non-stop prayer across Scotland in 2010 (The Big If) and Ireland in 2011(What If?). Nicky Gumbel, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton says 'Prayer is the power behind our vision to see the re-evangelisation of our nations and the transformation of society. In 2012 we are going to be praying like never before.’ For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pray: that the Church will take up the challenge to pray in the kingdom and transformation of our nations. (Mt.6:10)