Muslim says: Christian faith is becoming 'eroded'
Britain's national faith is being ‘eroded’ by politically-correct individuals seeking to remove religion from society, a Muslim doctor has claimed. Dr Taj Hargey has warned that numerous secularist groups are sidelining Christianity in the country. He claimed that this was leading to the destruction of the ‘strong moral compass’ and ‘once famous community spirit’ present in the nation. He stated that rather than protecting religion, those in charge are instead contributing towards its marginalisation. ‘I am Muslim. But even as a non-Christian, I can see all too clearly the shameful way in which Britain's national faith is being eroded,’ he explained. ‘The over-riding impression is that the state increasingly favours minority religions over Britain's own.’ A number of religious organisations have spoken out against the introduction of new legislation in the UK which they believe seeks to marginalise Christianity from society.
Pray: that Christians continue to speak out and fight against marginalisation of our faith. (1Ch.19:13)
More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8034&this=Muslim_says:_Christian_faith_is_getting_'eroded'
British armed forces returning from Afghanistan
Servicemen and women are coming to the end of their deployment and are being replaced on a gradual changeover in Afghanistan. This is a vulnerable time for service personnel. Anticipating a safe return, service personnel need to stay vigilant right until they get on the aircraft to go home. We all should be aware of their damaging memories from incidents witnessed during their deployment and support them if they require to seek professional help because they find it difficult adjusting to normal life.
Pray: that they will adjust quickly back into their normal routines and family life. (Heb 13:17)
Resourcing those with a 'big heart' seeking election to the new General Synod
More than one national election is taking place this year. A campaign is launched today to encourage ‘people with a very big heart’ to stand for election to the General Synod of the Church of England. Containing 378 lay and clergy members, and passing measures that have the same effect within Anglicanism as those of Parliament, the General Synod continues to play an essential role in the life of the country as well as the Church. It will be dissolved at the end of the July 2010 group of sessions in York. A new Synod will be elected for a five-year term in September/October, and inaugurated in November. Under the slogan 'Be Part of the Big Picture', new resources include a five-minute DVD filmed at General Synod in February 2010, featuring contributions from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Business Committee chair Preb Kay Garlick, outgoing members of the Houses of Laity and Clergy, and national journalists.
Pray: for Anglicans throughout the country to prayerfully consider God’s calling to stand for the General Synod. (1Sa.3:10b)
Global Day Of Prayer - London calls every Christian in the UK to prayer
As a precursor to a National Day of Prayer at London’s West Ham Stadium on 13th June 2010, GDOP London is calling every church and Christian in the UK to a season of prayer and fasting for the nation. As the country moves closer to a historic moment with the British general elections taking place May 6, GDOP London convener Jonathan Oloyede is urging the church to rise up prophetically and perform her duty as 'kingmaker'. ‘Every church, ward, borough or district should take responsibility in prayerfully deciding who is elected locally into public office. Churches need to hold vigils, conduct special prayer services and urge their congregants to do a little bit more towards the election which is a divine selection. If we pray then as our Lord taught us, God's will shall be done in Brighton, Hereford, Luton, York and everywhere,’ explains Dr Oloyede.
Pray: that Christians throughout the nation will approach the coming election prayerfully. (Ps.48:14)
English Baroness sounds alarm over the Islamici incursion of Britain
An English evangelical anglican Baroness told 825 Anglican and Episcopal missionaries including three archbishops, 20 bishops and numerous clergy and laity, that resurgent Islamic fundamentalism poses a threat to Western Civilization. Citing Bishop Michael Nazir Ali, Caroline Cox said the British nation has ‘lost its soul.’ England, she said, is in a perilous situation. ‘Where there is a vacuum, it is liable to be filled with alternative ideologies and belief systems. Without a vision the people perish,’ she said to a New Wineskins for Global Mission participants coming from 28 countries of the world. ‘A resurgent
Islam requires gospel bridges. We do not need walls, but reconciliation can only be achieved through realism,’ she said. Baroness Cox is a voice for the persecuted and marginalized of the world, especially in the war torn country of Sudan that she has visited numerous times.
Pray: for interfaith dialogue that will help diffuse all forms of extremism. (Jas.1:19-20)
School row, Christian worker settles discrimination case
A school receptionist, Jennie Cain, who sued her employers for religious discrimination after a row over her Christian faith has reached an out-of-court settlement. Mrs Cain, who was suspended for nearly four months last year before receiving a written warning, lodged a complaint with Exeter employment tribunal. The case was due to be heard at the end of last month, but the school council and Mrs Cain came to a financial agreement on Tuesday. They said all parties ‘jointly acknowledge that all faiths, including Christianity, must be treated equally and with sensitivity while also recognising the freedom of ‘individuals to hold, talk and write about their beliefs. My family and I look forward to getting on with our lives and putting this matter behind us’. She has decided to resign from the school.
Pray: for Jennie as she tries to return to normal life after this difficult time and having resigned her post. (Eze.37:14)
India: Gospel brought us from darkness to light
The Gospel has led us from darkness to light, said Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, as he heaped praise on pioneer missionaries for bringing the Good News to the northeast state. Singh recalled the sacrifice of Watkin Roberts and his family for ‘bringing the Gospel’ and said it brought peace and unity among people. The Independent Church of India (ICI) itself was founded by Watkin Roberts who along with three missionaries from the state of Mizoram ushered in the age of the Gospel among tribal groups in South Manipur in 1910. To mark this event, the ICI held a four-day celebration attended by 20,000 Christians. ICI is one of the leading churches in Southern Manipur and still exists as an indigenous Church. It is deeply rooted in the principles of self-support, self-administration and self-propagation.
Praise: God for the increased acceptance of the Gospel across the globe. ( Mt.24:14)
More: http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/gospel-brought-us-from-darkness-to-light-manipur-cm/5142.htm
India: Gospel brought us from darkness to light
The Gospel has led us from darkness to light, said Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, as he heaped praise on pioneer missionaries for bringing the Good News to the northeast state. Singh recalled the sacrifice of Watkin Roberts and his family for ‘bringing the Gospel’ and said it brought peace and unity among people. The Independent Church of India (ICI) itself was founded by Watkin Roberts who along with three missionaries from the state of Mizoram ushered in the age of the Gospel among tribal groups in South Manipur in 1910. To mark this event, the ICI held a four-day celebration attended by 20,000 Christians. ICI is one of the leading churches in Southern Manipur and still exists as an indigenous Church. It is deeply rooted in the principles of self-support, self-administration and self-propagation.
Praise: God for the increased acceptance of the Gospel across the globe. ( Mt.24:14)
More: http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/gospel-brought-us-from-darkness-to-light-manipur-cm/5142.htm
Judges are biased against Christianity, say senior Church figures
Senior Church figures are forcing a showdown with the judiciary over an allegation that some of the country’s most senior judges are prejudiced against Christianity. Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury (1991 – 2002) and other church leaders will urge the Master of the Rolls and other senior judges to stand down from future Court of Appeal hearings involving cases of religious discrimination because of the judges’ perceived bias against Christianity. Senior churchmen believe that Christians have little chance of a fair ruling if the latest significant hearing is heard in front of those judges who, they argue, have already shown a lack of understanding of Christian beliefs. Critics are particularly alarmed by a ruling by Lord Neuberger, the Master of the Rolls, on behalf of the Court of Appeal, that Lillian Ladele, a registrar who refused to conduct civil partnership ceremonies – because they were against her Christian beliefs – broke the law.
Pray: that the Judiciary comes to respect wholeheartedly our Christian faith. (Dt.17:8)
Vietnam: Witchdoctor who found Jesus
‘I grew up in a very strong Buddhist family in Vietnam,’ says Tran Dinh (Paul) Ai. ‘My father was a very successful Chinese medical doctor.’ Ai's father vowed he would send his son to the Buddhist temple for training as a monk. At age 14 Ai arrived at the temple, but after a year of study he became disenchanted with the ‘hopelessness of Buddhist doctrines.’ Seeking a more powerful religious experience, he studied the dark arts, to become a witchdoctor. In 1970, as protests mounted against the Vietnam War in the US, American missionaries entered Ai's town in South Vietnam. ‘A lot of people in my town went to the crusades and met the Lord.’ Gradually a dawning realization swept through his mind. ‘I realized that Buddha was a good man who was wise, but Buddha died. He never promised to save anybody or help anybody,’ he says. ‘Then I realized Jesus Christ is different. He is not only good and wise, He rose and He's alive!’
Praise: Godthat the work of Christ’s mission is received with such success everywhere. ( Ac.15:3)
More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=7775