Crucifixes can be displayed in EU schools
Crucifixes can be displayed in school classrooms across the European Union, the Court of Human Rights has ruled. The decision overturned a previous ruling that the crucifix could breach the rights of non-Catholic pupils. The case was initially brought in Italy by Soile Lautsi, a Finnish-born mother whose two children attended a state school and objected to crucifixes being present in every classroom. In November 2009, the court in Strasbourg sided with Mrs Lautsi, ruling that the presence of religious symbols violated the children's right to secular education and to ‘freedom of thought, conscience and religion’. In Friday's final ruling, the court decided that ‘while the crucifix was above all a religious symbol, there was no evidence before the court that the display of such a symbol on classroom walls might have an influence on pupils’. The ruling will be binding on all 47 countries that are members of the Council of Europe, the continent's human rights watchdog. (See Prayer Alert 4509) Praise: God for this ruling and answer to prayer. (Pr.25:11) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8391092/Crucifixes-can-be-displayed-in-EU-schools.html
Pakistan: Christians killed in church attack
Two Christian men were shot dead in an attack on a Pakistan church by Muslim youths on Monday 21st March. Father of four Yunis Ilyas (47), whose family is supported by a Barnabas Fund feeding programme, and newly-wed Jameel Masih (21) were killed on the spot during the incident at a church in Hoor Camp, Hyderabad. Two others were injured; one of them, Sadiq Masih, was transferred to a hospital in Karachi, where he is in a critical condition. The incident started when Muslim youths shouted vulgar abuse at Christians arriving for a prayer service at the church. The pastor and a number of other Christians remonstrated with the boys, but they continued insulting the Christian girls. The Muslim aggressors left the scene but returned shortly afterwards with pistols and fired at Christians as they were coming out of the church. Pray: for more of God's protection over believers in Pakistan, asking Him to comfort the many who are grieving and fearful after surviving attacks. (Is.63:9) More: http://www.barnabasfund.org/two-christians-shot-dead-in-pakistan-church-attack.html
Saudi Arabia: Christian persecution
Saudi Arabia, a strict Islamic nation, has a long history of cracking down on Christians. On March 22nd two Indian Christian men working in Saudi Arabia were sentenced to 45 days imprisonment for allegedly trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. Vasantha Sekhar and Nese Yohan were detained ten days earlier in Riyadh on charges of proselytizing. Advocacy group International Christian Concern (ICC) said the workers were arrested to keep them from practicing Christianity privately in their home. ‘These two Christians have faced false charges and with false evidence, the Saudi government continues to engage in an array of severe violations of human rights as part of its repression of freedom of religion.’ ICC director told BosNewsLife in a statement. While in prison awaiting trial, their apartment was ransacked by Saudi security forces, and the men face uncertainty regarding their future. Pray: that in spite of discrimination the truth of the Gospel will spread and be understood; and Saudi negative references to Christians will end. (Is.56:7,8) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/16173-saudi-arabia-detains-indian-christians-for-proselytizing
Israel: Attacked by 54 rockets
Palestinian militants fired 54 rockets into Israel on Saturday. Meanwhile Hamas police beat up and confiscated equipment from reporters. On Monday, an IAF fighter jet struck a Gaza tunnel running along the border with Israel, as well as Hamas militants in the northern Gaza strip. IDF office released a statement saying that the Gaza tunnel was used to smuggle terrorists into Israeli territory with the intent to execute attacks against Israeli citizens see: The violence comes amid increasing calls for reconciliation between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his bitter rivals, the Islamic militant group Hamas. Abbas is seeking U.N. recognition for a Palestinian state by autumn and is lobbying for votes worldwide. Hamas also used force to disperse a reconciliation rally in Gaza. Israeli residents were advised to stay at home or in bomb shelters. Pray: for the strengthening of all civilians living under the continual threat of border attacks. (Ps.16:1) More: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/19/hamas-fires-missiles-into-israel/
Nigeria: Thousands displaced by violence
Armed Fulani tribesmen displaced 4,000 in a series of attacks on villages in Bauchi state in predominantly Muslim north. Pastor Markus Kele of the Church of Christ in Nigeria was among those killed in Lim village in the most recent attack last Wednesday. Church sources reported 463 homes, 11 shops and 13 churches set on fire in recent attacks carried out by a group of 2,000 militants from Niger, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto and other northern Nigerian states. We also need to continue to pray for Jos where sectarian violence continues with two hundred killed in 2011. The division between Muslim north and Christian south sees the Plateau State and its capital Jos sitting in the middle where Christians and Muslims are locked in a cycle of attacks and revenge killings. While some attacks on Christians are perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen seizing property many are sectarian in nature. See: Pray: for God to comfort those living in fear, and facilitate dialogue between Christians and Muslims that results in peace. (Ps.5:11,12)
Middle East: Democracy concerns
Many see toppling dictators as a victory for democracy. But within this movement are concerns for Christians. The democracy model unfolding in these lands, possibly a result of mob rule, is a democracy where Islamists are likely to control governments, exclude minority faiths and Christians live in fear. A December 2010 survey of Middle Eastern Muslims’ attitudes found 84.4% of Egyptians believe Christians converting from Islam should be publicly executed. Among Egyptians who say Islam is playing a large role in politics, 95% believe that this is a good thing. If this poll is even remotely accurate Egypt is clearly not a society ready for democracy. Look past the cover of the Muslim Brotherhood to see that contents of its book include the institution of worldwide Sharia law and establishment of a global Islamic caliphate that brings about the peace and domination of Islam forever. Pray: that revolutions will usher in a democracy that embraces minority faiths as it stands against tyranny. (Is.9:4-6) More: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/in-the-arab-spring-christians-fear-religious-freeze.html
Yemen: Perilous protests
Of all the uprisings and protests that have swept the Middle East this year none is more likely than Yemen to have immediate damaging effects on U.S. (and the west’s) counterterrorism efforts. Yemen is considered a key ally by Washington because it is home to al-Qaida's most active franchise, and if the President of Yemen’s government crumbles so will Washington's influence in Yemen. For two years the Obama administration has had a relationship of convenience with Yemen. The U.S. kept the Yemeni government armed and flush with cash. In return Yemen's leaders helped fight al-Qaida or, as often, looked the other way while the U.S. wrestled with them. A bomb mailed to Britain last year travelled from Yemen and was discovered due to ‘information received,’ by the west. Pray: for God inspired international relationships to be nurtured, and ungodly schemes to fail.(Is.9:2) More: http://www.startribune.com/nation/118415409.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiUr
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Japan: How should we pray?
Operation World states 70 percent of Japanese claim no personal religion but a majority follow rituals of Buddhism or Shintoism. Only 1.5 percent follow Christ. We can pray for God to enable the small church in Japan to reach out to the suffering and be a shining light in the middle of darkness. We can also pray that Missionaries and Christian organizations going to Japan will be anointed by God to reveal His love and compassion, so that Japanese hearts will be changed forever. We pray that the many facing an uncertain future will seek comfort in God and be strengthened and encouraged. For a summary of OMF insights into prophetic intercession for Japan click the 'info' button. Pray: for believers to be a bold witness in every circumstance, and for God to use this tragedy for good ushering many into His Kingdom in the days ahead. (Is.63:8)
Call for end to banking greed
Another financial crisis threatens unless tougher banking regulations are introduced and borrowers learn to live within their means, the Association of Christian Financial Advisers has warned. ACFA Aidan Vaughan attacked the more aggressive activities of investment bankers, namely credit derivatives, as he warned that unrestrained investment banking activities could lead to even bigger financial crises in the future. ‘ACFA strongly encourages Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, to stand up to the banks,’ he said. ‘The public is angry especially when they see bankers again earning huge bonuses when it is tax payers’ money that has rescued the day. For most people, taxes are rising, wages are static, inflation is rising, living standards are falling and government expenditure is being cut dramatically. The basic biblical principle of ‘spending less than you earn’ has been ignored on a massive scale.’ Pray:for the banking industry to adopt an open and fair approach to their role in the economic life of Britain. (Ps.15:5)
Frocks and pompoms for primary school boys
A teacher training pack, supported by a Government agency, says boys in primary schools should be encouraged to try on dresses or dance with pompoms in the cheerleading team. The pack is produced by Stonewall, Britain’s top homosexual lobby group, and has been sent to primary schools. An accompanying DVD, backed by the Teacher Development Agency (TDA), features primary school teachers giving ‘best practice’ tips from their own experience. One head teacher says pupils should be taught to be resilient to the values of their parents and grandparents. According to the Mail on Sunday, Stonewall received a £25,000 grant from the TDA, a Government agency. In addition, officials at the DfE are consulting with Stonewall on the Government’s current review of sex education guidance. The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: ‘Perhaps the most disturbing thing is teaching children to resist the values of their parents and grandparents.’ Pray: for recognition by the Government that such widely imposed curriculum changes, without parental consultation is a step too far. (Dt.5:16) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/video-frocks-and-pompoms-for-primary-school-boys/