Pope’s effort to revive Christianity
Pope Benedict XVI has formally created a new Vatican office to revive Christianity in Europe, his latest attempt to counter secular trends in traditionally Christian countries. In a decree, Pope Benedict said the new office would promote Church doctrine, use the media to get the Church's message out and mobilize missionary-type activities. But even on its first day of existence, the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization ran into a snag: The four-page decree instituting the office was issued in only Latin and Italian. The head of the new office, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, stressed that he planned to have language sections in his department to deal with the faithful in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German and Slavic languages. He denied the creation of the office was a mere bureaucratic attempt to fix a complex cultural phenomenon, saying the Pope had made an astute, pastoral decision to focus attention on a growing problem that had preoccupied popes for decades. Pray: for the Pope’s initiative to be successful, leading nations to follow Christian precepts. (Eph.3:8)
Churches mark 10.10.10
From Carlisle to Penzance thousands of Christians in the UK joined an estimated 60 million people across the world to stand up for the poor on 10.10.10. The iconic date saw events and gatherings across 70 nations, focusing on ending extreme poverty through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Micah Challenge inspired Christians across the world to pray and promise to play their part in seeing an end to poverty. There were also special church services in Australia, India, the UK and Zambia. In the aftermath of 10.10.10, the Micah Challenge Head Office in London is expecting a deluge of promises to be posted through its doors. One recent promise came from former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair pledged to encourage his Tony Blair Faith Foundation's volunteers and supporters across the world to give at least 2015 hours of community service to help further the United Nation's targets. Pray: that God would answer these prayers according to His will. (2Ch. 6:19)
Teens one click away from internet porn
‘Internet search engines make pornography available to teenagers at the click of a mouse’, said Miranda Sawyer, the presenter behind Radio 4 documentary; Sex, Porn and Teenagers. Miss Sawyer interviewed Lucy Emmerson, Principal Officer of the Sex Education Forum, which claims that sex education is the solution to the problem. But academics and family campaigners say current ‘anything goes’ sex education is part of the problem, not part of the solution. Norman Wells of the Family Education Trust hit out at the Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy saying: ‘With all its emphasis on sex education and handing out contraceptives to school children under the age of consent, it is giving them the green light to experiment sexually. We need to return to a combination of realistic education and empower youngsters to know how dangerous and foolish underage sex is.’ The Daily Mail’s Jan Moir says children should be told that any early sex is ‘just plain wrong’. Pray: for a review of sex education that addresses the current failures, building instead on Christian values.(Jas.1:21) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/teens-just-one-click-away-from-internet-sex-and-porn/
‘Shine A Light' witness to Christian faith
Christians across the UK are invited to place a light in their window on 31 October as a sign to passers-by that they are followers of Jesus Christ. The initiative is called Night of Light and is the inspiration of Damian Stayne. He explained: ‘It is an international initiative to reclaim Halloween as a joyful Christian celebration.' Halloween is now the biggest commercial festival after Christmas and Easter, and it is time we reminded Christians of what it really is. On the evening of 31 October why not do something to make your faith respectfully seen and heard? Light a candle or display publicly another kind of light, for example, perhaps alongside an image of Christ. This could be a powerful way in which we can show people that we have hope in someone other than ourselves. The light will provoke questions and is a way that people can be signposted to goodness. I encourage everyone to participate.’ Pray: for groups and churches running alternative events for children and that a Christian light will shine out on Halloween. (2Co.4:6)
Community projects funded to tune of £½m
This week the Church and Community Fund (CCF) launches a new website, www.ccfund.org.uk, to promote its work and share the many good news stories of parish-linked community projects around the country, securing the £½million in grants each year. From adventure playgrounds and Street Pastors to Superkidz in Southwark, which works with youngsters drawn into local gang culture, the CCF is committed to supporting local projects as well as the central body of the Church. Some projects gain national interest like ASCEND in South Oxhey (linked to All Saints’ Church in St Albans diocese) that gives local people the opportunity to find a route to employment.The chair of CCF, the Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness, the Ven George Howe said: ‘I'm delighted to commend our attractive new web-site which clearly demonstrates how the Fund is helping the Church to engage more effectively with local communities, in imaginative and creative ways’. Pray: that in a climate of Government cuts, the CCF will continue its excellent work in the community. (1Ti.6:18)
Methodists gear up for Christmas giveaway
Shops are already stacking their shelves with Christmas cards and presents, hoping to make a profit from early-bird shoppers. But the Methodist Church is encouraging people to give a free gift to their friends and neighbours this Christmas. ‘A Gift of Christmas’ is a brand new booklet from the Methodist Church that celebrates and reflects on the story of Christmas. It includes Bible passages, stunning images from the Methodist Collection of Modern Art, prayers and reflections from a variety of authors, including John Byron, Valerie Collinson and Graham Kendrick. It’s the latest in a highly successful series that includes ‘A Gift of Peace’, which has already sold nearly 15,000 copies. ‘The birth of Christ is the greatest gift ever given to humankind and we want to celebrate Christmas by sharing that gift with others,’ said Deacon Eunice Attwood, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference and a contributor to the booklet. Pray: for such initiatives to reach the many who do not fully know the Christmas story. (Ro.10:17) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=468
Christian students condemn Government's plan for tuition fees
The Student Christian Movement (SCM) have reacted with anger to plans to lift the cap on university tuition fees in England. SCM, which is Britain’s oldest national student organisation, described its opposition to tuition fees as ‘an issue of justice’. SCM said a fee increase would deter students from lower-income backgrounds. They also contrasted ministers’ reluctance to fund higher education with government plans to spend billions renewing the Trident nuclear weapons system. The Movement’s comments follow the Browne Review into higher education funding, which recommended on 12 October that universities should be able to charge unlimited fees. Business Secretary Vince Cable said the government accepts the ‘main thrust’ of the proposals. The Coalition agreement allows Liberal Democrats to abstain in votes on university funding, but some have already said that they will vote against, raising the prospect of a defeat for the Government. The party's Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes, declined to confirm that he will abstain. Pray: that the conflict of finance versus educational opportunity is resolved amicably. (Mt. 18:1-14)
Christians in Parliament bulletin
This office received notice from Christians in Parliament asking the Church us to join with them in interceding for the Comprehensive Spending Review to be announced by the Government on 20th October. As the central Coalition measure to reduce the national budget deficit, this will have huge implications for the social, economical and cultural future of the UK. Christians in Parliament and Christians in Government invite us to fast and/or pray for politics and Government at this critical time. Please pray for God's wisdom in decisions relating to the priorities for cuts in the Government departments. As Westminster deals with the impact and nature of the cuts, please pray for wisdom for God's people and for justice and mercy to prevail. As Whitehall is affected, please pray for all those Christians who serve in Government. Pray: that, as the state is reduced, Government support for the vulnerable in society might be protected and that the work of the Church will be extended to meet this need. (Isa.25:4) More: http://www.christiansinparliament.org.uk/home/tabid/91/Default.aspx
The Dutch and legalisation of drugs
The Netherlands is learning that establishing red light districts and cannabis-selling coffee shops may not have been a great idea after all. For Paul Schnabel, director of the Social and Cultural Planning Office, a government advisory board, the move reflects a growing view that the tolerance policies have not controlled the ills associated with drugs and prostitution, rather a recasting of Dutch liberalism. The circumstances that led to the tolerance policies have changed in the past decade, as large-scale crime around coffee shops and the legal sex trade became more visible. In particular, the absence of legal means for coffee shops to obtain cannabis has highlighted their association with organized crime. The open-minded instincts that helped foster the policies are also being questioned. And it is not just the far-right opposing these coffee shops. The traditional parties of power on the centre-right, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal VVD, have also moved against the policies they once promoted. Pray: that Netherlands’ politicians arrive at sensible decisions regarding drugs. (Jer. 44:8)
The Dutch and legalisation of drugs
The Netherlands is learning that establishing red light districts and cannabis-selling coffee shops may not have been a great idea after all. For Paul Schnabel, director of the Social and Cultural Planning Office, a government advisory board, the move reflects a growing view that the tolerance policies have not controlled the ills associated with drugs and prostitution, rather a recasting of Dutch liberalism. The circumstances that led to the tolerance policies have changed in the past decade, as large-scale crime around coffee shops and the legal sex trade became more visible. In particular, the absence of legal means for coffee shops to obtain cannabis has highlighted their association with organized crime. The open-minded instincts that helped foster the policies are also being questioned. And it is not just the far-right opposing these coffee shops. The traditional parties of power on the centre-right, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal VVD, have also moved against the policies they once promoted. Pray: that Netherlands’ politicians arrive at sensible decisions regarding drugs. (Jer. 44:8)