Teaching of Christianity in schools
The former Bishop of Rochester is urging Education Secretary Michael Gove to restore the teaching of Christianity in Britain's schools. Writing in Standpoint magazine, the Rt Rev Nazir-Ali welcomed the move to end what he calls Britain's ‘collective amnesia’ about its Christian heritage. He said Christianity was the most significant link in the story of Britain and that education should look at the vital role played by reformers in the struggle for the freedoms he says shaped the British nation and are now under threat. He wants to see schools teach children about the link between Britain today and its foundations in the Judeo-Christian traditions of the Bible. He particularly mentions the role of Christians in abolishing the slave trade, introducing universal education, improving working conditions, and caring for the sick. ‘I am glad that the Minister is setting out to remove our collective amnesia. This will also have to mean the rediscovery of our spiritual and moral identity’. Pray: for the renewal of Christian faith and values in all aspects of public life including our schools. (Isa.41:1) schools/26959.htm
Condom advertisements and young people
Condom use and their promotion in TV ads only helps to promote risk-taking behaviour in young people - behaviour that contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted disease and teenage pregnancies, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has said in a new campaign. The condom ads on UK television, which were approved by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority in March this year to be shown during children’s peak viewing hours, are ‘priming’ children to have sex in their teens, SPUC says. Also increased condom use has resulted in ‘shamefully high rates’ of sexually transmitted disease among young people, and creates a ‘false sense of security’ for teens. A briefing by another organization, the Southern Cross Bioethics Institute, says that advertisers should not be allowed to promote condoms to children. The authors quote the BBC’s own editorial guidelines that state, ‘Programmes broadcast between 5:30am and 9pm must be suitable for a family audience including children’. Pray: for the protection of young children from unnecessary and premature sexualisation. (Lev.18:21) More: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10102203.html
Christian students and 'Prayers of Freedom'
Over 200 people from all over the world gathered in Manchester Cathedral over the weekend for a candlelit Taizé service, as the Student Christian Movement (SCM) celebrates a growth in interest among students. The service on Saturday 23 October 2010 was the highlight of the 'Prayers of Freedom' weekend organised by SCM and the Taizé Community, which brought together students and young adults from more than twelve different countries, many of them studying in Britain. The success of the 'Prayers of Freedom' event is the latest indication of a growing interest amongst students in a Christian faith that links spirituality, prayer and action for social justice, says SCM. The SCM conference in February 2010 saw the highest turnout for 20 years, and organisers of the 2011 conference, which will take place from 4-6 February, are hoping for the highest turnout since the 1970s. Pray: for the student community and the SCM that many more will respond to the Gospel message. (Ps.119:9)
Imam preaches at Oxford college chapel
Two religious leaders are claiming an historic first after an Islamic Imam preached at a Christian chapel. For the first time a Muslim, Dr Taj Hargey, from the Summertown Islamic Congregation in Oxford, was welcomed to deliver a sermon at Pembroke College’s chapel. The Rev Dr Andrew Teal, of Pembroke College, said he had been trying to get a Muslim Imam to deliver a service for many years and he believed it was a first. ‘We wanted to do something which brought together Christianity and Islam, but not to create a third thing. I think what we are doing today is very unusual. The two faiths are actually very close Abraham being a key figure in both Islam and Christianity.’ Dr Hargey added: ‘It is up to Muslims and Christians in this great city of ours to show the way for the rest of the country’. Pray: for increased respect for Christianity by the Muslim community with ‘no-go’ Muslim areas a thing of the past. (Pr.9:10) More: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8474153.Muslim_preaches_at_Oxford_college_chapel/
Military Christian Organisations (MCOs)
November 6th will be a National Day of Prayer for our Armed Forces. A number of Christian organisations support the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and work closely with the Service chaplaincies. These organisations include the Armed Forces’ Christian Union; others can be seen at www.afcu.org.uk. All these organisations work together to encourage Christians serving within the Armed Forces, to pray for them, evangelise, provide Bible teaching and studies and Christian resources, to support marriages and family life and to encourage discipleship and spiritual growth. There are also links to Christians of other Armed Forces, through Military Missions International. There are 120 Military Christian Fellowships (MCFs) worldwide so far and they desire to encourage the formation of more MCFs to support and equip Christians in Armed Forces around the world. Pray: for the work of all these MCOs in the service of our Armed Forces (Heb.12:11)
Vatican meeting of Middle East Bishops
Middle East Bishops have demanded that Israel end occupation of Palestinian lands. In a final joint communiqué, they also told Israel not to use the Bible to justify ‘injustices’ against the Palestinians. While they condemned terrorism and anti-Semitism, they laid much of the blame for the conflict squarely on Israel. They listed the ‘occupation’ of Palestinian lands, Israel’s separation barrier with the West Bank, military checkpoints, political prisoners, demolition of homes and disturbance of socio-economic lives as factors that have made life increasingly difficult for Palestinians. All forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianism and Islamophobia are to be condemned. Religious leaders’ responsibilities are to promote dialogue between cultures and civilizations. That the bishops are making these ‘bold’ statements is a testament to Israel’s essential decency and humanity. The bishops know that there will be no serious consequences or massive reprisals against Christians in Israel for ‘speaking out’, whereas similar Christian criticism or questioning of an Arab government in the region, or Islamic extremism, would produce such. Pray: for even-handedness to prevail in judging Middle East issues by opinion-formers. (Pr.16:10) More: http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2010/10/singling-out-israel-isnrsquot-christian
Vatican meeting of Middle East Bishops
Middle East Bishops have demanded that Israel end occupation of Palestinian lands. In a final joint communiqué, they also told Israel not to use the Bible to justify ‘injustices’ against the Palestinians. While they condemned terrorism and anti-Semitism, they laid much of the blame for the conflict squarely on Israel. They listed the ‘occupation’ of Palestinian lands, Israel’s separation barrier with the West Bank, military checkpoints, political prisoners, demolition of homes and disturbance of socio-economic lives as factors that have made life increasingly difficult for Palestinians. All forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianism and Islamophobia are to be condemned. Religious leaders’ responsibilities are to promote dialogue between cultures and civilizations. That the bishops are making these ‘bold’ statements is a testament to Israel’s essential decency and humanity. The bishops know that there will be no serious consequences or massive reprisals against Christians in Israel for ‘speaking out’, whereas similar Christian criticism or questioning of an Arab government in the region, or Islamic extremism, would produce such. Pray: for even-handedness to prevail in judging Middle East issues by opinion-formers. (Pr.16:10) More: http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2010/10/singling-out-israel-isnrsquot-christian
Hungary: EU response to toxic flooding
EU crisis response commisioner Kristalina Georgieva says massive toxic flooding in Hungary that killed nine people and injured more than 120 others has underscored the need for a stronger European disaster response. Since October 4 about 800,000 cubic-meters of toxic sludge has leaked from a reservoir of a metals plant flooding towns and villages in an area as large as 40 square kilometres. Experts from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden are investigating the sludge and hope to provide European assistance similar to that given to the US oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. But Hungary would not receive additional money from the EU solidarity fund because the chemical spill was allegedly caused by human error. They may transfer funds from rural development protection projects. Commissioner Georgieva, who has visited the devastated villages and towns will present a European strategy for disaster response by the end of this month. Pray: that Commissioner Georgieva is able to produce guidelines for stronger and better responses when livelihoods are destroyed and people killed. (Ps.67:1-2) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/14128-news-watch-european-aid-in-hungarys-toxic-flooding
Hungary: EU response to toxic flooding
EU crisis response commisioner Kristalina Georgieva says massive toxic flooding in Hungary that killed nine people and injured more than 120 others has underscored the need for a stronger European disaster response. Since October 4 about 800,000 cubic-meters of toxic sludge has leaked from a reservoir of a metals plant flooding towns and villages in an area as large as 40 square kilometres. Experts from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden are investigating the sludge and hope to provide European assistance similar to that given to the US oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. But Hungary would not receive additional money from the EU solidarity fund because the chemical spill was allegedly caused by human error. They may transfer funds from rural development protection projects. Commissioner Georgieva, who has visited the devastated villages and towns will present a European strategy for disaster response by the end of this month. Pray: that Commissioner Georgieva is able to produce guidelines for stronger and better responses when livelihoods are destroyed and people killed. (Ps.67:1-2) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/14128-news-watch-european-aid-in-hungarys-toxic-flooding
Japan: 1,765 decisions for Christ
A three-day evangelistic festival in Japan headlined by US preacher Franklin Graham concluded Sunday with 400 new commitments to Christ, bringing the weekend total to 1,765. The Festival, held in Osaka, was the culmination of efforts by hundreds of churches, 400 of which had invited Graham to preach in a region which represents about one quarter of Japan’s national population. ‘This is God's time for Japan,’ Graham said at the conclusion of Saturday’s evening service. When asked on Thursday how the event’s success would be measured, Graham told reporters that the success of any evangelical meeting depends on prayer. ‘There have been thousands of people praying. If one person were to give their life to Jesus Christ this week, it would be successful,’ he responded. With this Festival finished Graham will prepare for the next one which will be held in Riga, Latvia, November 5 to 7. Praise: and thank God for His miracle of salvation and ask for thousands more to enter his kingdom in future outreach events.