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Google, BT and a clutch of other web giants and internet service providers have been put on notice - the government wants action on sorting out the problem of harmful content on the internet. The Culture Secretary Maria Miller has summoned them to a meeting on 17 June where they will be expected to come up with plans to do more to stop access to material such as child abuse images or material designed to promote terrorism. In her letter to the companies, the culture secretary says there is widespread public concern. Whether these concerns focus on access to illegal pornographic content, the proliferation of extremist material which might incite racial or religious hatred, or the ongoing battle against online copyright theft, a common question emerges. An aide to Ms Miller says. ‘Enough is enough - concentrated effort is now needed by the whole industry.’
Pray: that the meeting on 17 June will lead to significant developments and changes in web safety. (Pro.1:33)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22794498
The new Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, has issued an Advent challenge – make a difference with ‘God’s big society’. Bishop Stephen is one of the authors of Church House Publishing’s 2010 Advent book Ready Steady Slow, which includes contributions from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Preaching at his installation service the day before Advent Sunday, in Chelmsford Cathedral, Bishop Stephen said: ‘If we live prayerful, faithful lives, if we shine with the light of the risen Christ, then our world will be changed. For God’s big society is made up of a thousand little deeds of sacrifice and kindness.’ The pocket-sized Ready Steady Slow urges readers to take five minutes to change the world by following the daily ‘tread gently’ challenges. Examples include making your own compost, taking a go-slow coffee break, having a paperless party and slowing down on the roads. All the challenges are accompanied by a reflection and prayer.
Pray: for a huge response to this initiative and that it will contribute to a positive change in the world. (Php.4:5)
A new form of worship, removing words such as ‘Lord, he, his, him’ and ‘mankind’ from services, has been written by the church in an attempt to acknowledge that God is ‘beyond human gender’. Episcopalian bishops have approved the introduction of more ‘inclusive’ language, which deliberately removes references suggesting that God is of male gender. The controversial changes were discussed at the Church's General Synod recently. The minutes of the Synod reveal that female priests had asked why God was still referred to as a man. ‘It is political correctness,’ said Rev Stuart Hall of the Scottish Prayer Book Society. ‘It is quite unnecessary. The word man in English - especially among scientists - is inclusive of both sexes. Those who try to minimise references to God as the Father and Christ as his Son have great difficulties, because the New Testament is shot through with these references.’ Pray: that the import of God’s Word is not minimised by shallow linguistic arguments. (Jn.1:1)
There may be chaos in our lives and in the nation too, but Christians serve a God who can bring order out of that chaos and use what little we give to bring about big changes. That was the message from Gavin Calver to thousands of Christians at Spring Harvest last Friday. Calver spoke honestly about the challenges of leading a ministry when so many people in Britain are turning away from Christianity. ‘But we as a church need to start hoping, believing and praying for more because I am not prepared to accept the recent state. I read that in two generations time the church will be considered in the past tense in this nation. That is not going to happen. God is not done with this island yet. He can breathe life into nothing.’ Calver suggested that the church start really believing that the Christian faith is all about life, rather than accepting decline as inevitable.
Pray: for the Church to respond by confidently proclaiming the Gospel and working for revival. (Phl.1:14)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/gavin.calver.god.is.not.done.with.britain.yet/27835-2.htm
On the 11th June the General Medical Council (GMC) decided to continue disciplinary proceedings against Christian GP Dr Richard Scott, despite the fact that the patient who made the complaint has refused for two years to give evidence face to face. (See Prayer Alert 21-2011) Dr Scott works at Bethesda Medical Centre in Margate, and was first reported to the GMC in September 2010 for discussing his Christian faith with a patient at the end of a private consultation. He was threatened with an Official Warning by the GMC, a blemish on his 28 years’ service as a professional. As well as deciding to continue with the proceedings, the GMC has also made the extraordinary decision that part of the case will be held in secret. The press and the public will be barred from attending, and Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, has been specifically excluded from attending the hearings to support Dr Scott.
Pray: the hearing will be fair and will set a benchmark for future expressions of faith in the NHS not to be seen as illegal. (2Ch.19:7)
GMC and Medical Defence Union endorse 'tactful' offers of prayer by GPs
The GP magazine Pulse reports in an exclusive this week on new guidance from the Medical Defence Union saying that GPs can pray with their patients as long as they ensure patients are ‘receptive' to the offer. The guidance quotes a letter from Jane O'Brien, GMC Assistant Director for Standards and Fitness to Practise, published in the Daily Telegraph in 2009 suggesting that a ‘tactful' offer to pray could be appropriate. The development is highly significant in that it follows a statement by the GMC’s Chief Executive Niall Dickson who in a recent Radio Four interview confirmed the appropriateness of sensitive faith discussions with patients. Faith discussions are not normally part of the consultation, but there are occasions when they were appropriate. The World Health Organisation’s definition of health includes physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions and part of practising whole-person medicine means addressing all issues that have a bearing on a person’s health.
Pray: that the GMC allows Christian doctors to practise medicine that addresses the needs of the whole person and to share their faith sensitively when it is appropriate to do so. (Ja.5:16)
More: http://pjsaunders.blogspot.com/2011/07/gmc-and-medical-defence-union-endorse.html
Global Day of Prayer Sunday 23 May 2010 is a very unique day in the Christian calendars, when the Eastern Orthodox tradition of ‘Kneeling Day’ and the Western tradition of ‘Pentecost Sunday’ converge on the same day. Thus the 10 year celebration of the Global Day of Prayer is very significant in that hundreds of millions of Christians from all over the world will kneel simultaneously in a day of repentance and united prayer before God, expecting the glory of the God to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. (Hab.2:14) 216 nations are currently taking part – and the aim is to get all 220 nations involved. Across the British Isles there are events around Scotland; in Armagh for whole of Ireland; in Swansea, Wales; St. Hellier, Jersey; about 26 venues in England and in every borough in London. and Events page;
Pray: Blow the trumpet! A call for repentance and prayer (Joel.1:14)
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)
The Just Festival has launched its ambitious 2013 programme in Edinburgh, with a challenge to build bridges and break down barriers between communities, globally and locally. The festival, in August this year, will feature some 129 events in 450 performances across 28 venues, and will attract tens of thousands of visitors and participants. It is reckoned to be the largest inter-cultural event of its kind in Britain, with backing from civic, religious, secular, educational and charitable partners. It is supported and sponsored by the Scottish Government, St John's Church Edinburgh, the European Parliament, the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Episcopal Church, Edinburgh City Centre Churches Together, Edinburgh Inter Faith Association, and the beliefs and values think-tank Ekklesia. 'We're not saying peacemaking is an easy process. Indeed, many of our events this year are about facing the reality of violence. But to make peace, it is important to know where you are starting," explained Just Festival director Katherine Newbigging.
Pray: for all those working hard to prepare this important event. (Heb.12.14)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18564
A Glasgow Kirk has become the first to split from the Church of Scotland over the issue of gay clergy. St George's Tron Church said it had taken the decision after more than 12 months of thought and prayer.The decision to formally secede from the Church of Scotland was taken by the congregation on Monday. Last year, the Kirk's General Assembly voted to accept gay clergy provided they had declared their sexuality and were ordained before 2009. The 500-strong St George's Tron congregation believes this decision ‘as marginalised the bible’. The decision to formally secede from the Church of Scotland was taken by the congregation on Monday. Rev Dr William Philip, minister of the church which is based in Buchanan Street, said: ‘Our decision to separate from the Church of Scotland is the culmination of careful thought, sincere discussion and prayer for over 12 months’.
Pray: that the decision by St Georges Tron would not lead to conflict or division amongst the churches. (1Cor.12:25)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18441172