Martin Kugler of the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians has spoken about the growing acts of intolerance against Christians in Europe in an interview with MercatorNet magazine. The interview marks the 1700th anniversary of the birth of religious tolerance in Europe and seeks to explore the significance of the occasion for Western Christians, whom Mr Kugler says are now facing increasing social hostility. ‘It is not nominal Christians who are fully aligned to society’s mainstream who suffer discrimination. It is those who strive to live according to the high ethical demands of Christianity who experience a clash with the dominant culture,’ he says. ‘These are not in the majority. And even if they were, history has shown that a minority can discriminate against a peaceful majority.’

Pray: that this trend of hostility towards Christians will cease. (Ps.78:49)

More: http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/is_europe_discriminating_against_christians

It doesn’t happen often that church planting makes the headlines of secular newspapers, but on 31 July 2012 Dutch newspaper Het Parool opened with ‘God returns to the city’. The article reports that 1,500 citizens of Amsterdam joined so-called ‘new churches’, and that 10 more of these churches are planned for the next three years. Since three Reformed churches joined hands in re-evangelizing the city, new church groups are popping up everywhere. This adds to the already blooming immigrant and free Evangelical churches in the Bijlmer area of the Dutch capital. The Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics reports that 17 percent of the inhabitants of Amsterdam see themselves as part of the Christian tradition. The Church in the Netherlands is still in decline, but not as marked as in the past. Church planting provides a new stream of life in the cities.

Pray: for the ongoing growth and new life of the Church in Amsterdam. (Gen.17:2)

More: http://joelnews.org/#6cc/custom_plain

European stocks have fallen sharply in trading after George Papandreou, the Greek prime minister, called for a national referendum on a eurozone-backed rescue package for his country's debt-crippled economy. Papandreou's call for a referendum raised the prospect that Greeks, a majority of whom oppose crippling austerity cuts which have been a precondition for international bailout funds according to polls, will derail the rescue efforts agreed by European leaders last week that would provide a $140bn loan to Athens and write off half of the country's debt. There is concern that the referendum would be unlikely to take place before January, creating months of uncertainty for the markets. The announcement has taken other European leaders by surprise, ahead of the G20 summit in Cannes, France, this week. In Germany, a member of Angela Merkel’s centre-right coalition said the news of the referendum gave the impression that Greece was trying to backtrack on its deal with EU leaders.

Pray:for the EU as it seeks a solution for the financial problems that are troubling them, especially the Greek situation. (Pro.3:13)

More:http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/11/201111182840767842.html

A case against the EU  deal has been brought by German plaintiffs, and the Greek vote could mean nothing if a court case launched by a group of German citizens derails Germany’s financial contribution to the bailout. The group, led by a member of parliament for the Christian Social Union party, includes legal academics led by Nuremberg constitutional law professor Karl Albrecht Schachtschneider. They argue that the bailout is unconstitutional both in German and European law. In the first instance, they argue the process by which the €22bn contribution to the Greek bailout package that was approved by Germany was improper. Also the moves infringe upon their rights as German citizens. They lean on article 125 of the Lisbon Treaty ’no bailout’ clause which expressly forbids the EU or a member state from undertaking the responsibility of covering the debts of another member state.

Pray: for all that is hidden to be revealed and for leaders to use sound judgment and Godly insights pronouncements. (Pr.8:14-16)

More: http://www.cityam.com/wealth-management/legal-battle-could-yet-sink-the-greek-bailout

Greece's economy is in dire shape, and both the country's leaders and residents face an uphill battle to escape what could become a five-year recession. Recent economic reports revealed that the recession was deeper than originally thought. And with news like that splashed across national headlines, many Greeks have turned to religion for some kind of relief. ‘The church is the last resort for everyone. Even more so when people have problems,’ said church goer Stelios Papayoannou. ‘It is human nature to forget God in good times and remember him in hard times.’ Greek worshipper Maria Libery added ‘With faith people can overcome all difficulties. This is why we flock here, to church.’ She continued ‘Times are hard everywhere. Church can bring relief to our soul and make us feel that there is something outside of this life. I believe this is why we go to church.’

Pray: for all those facing hardship due to the economic situation to find an answer in Christ. (Ps.62:8)

More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/November/Greeks-Attend-Church-as-Economic-Uncertainty-Grows-/

The Greek Orthodox Church in Great Britain has spoken of its concerns for Greece as the country struggles to free itself from a crippling debt crisis. Capital city Athens was rocked by violent protests on Wednesday as Greek riot police took on hundreds of protesters angry over the government’s austerity measures. After power-sharing talks collapsed yesterday, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou announced he would form a new government and seek a parliamentary vote of confidence in a renewed effort to push through the unpopular austerity package. Charis Mettis, spokesman for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, said he was ‘very worried’ about Greece. ‘It is a very serious situation,’ he told Christian Today. ‘We hope that Greece won’t be landed with a dictatorship. Something similar happened in 1967, when politicians could not agree and the army moved in. We hope that won’t happen this time.’

Pray: for the people of Greece as they face such difficult situations. (Dt.17:8)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.fears.dictatorship.in.debtburdened.greece/28160.htm

57 believers were arrested last Sunday for distributing the New Testament to homes in Northern Greece. Greek Orthodox Priests are opposing 400 volunteers from 25 countries from gathering near Philippi in a Bible distribution project. Few Greeks own a copy of the New Testament. If they do - it’s in older Greek that most would not understand. The Bible is viewed as only being understood and interpreted by the priest, theologians or academics. This modern translation approved by the Greek State Church is being distributed by Hellenic Ministries and contains endorsements from 4 patriarchs of the Orthodox Church from around the world. Objectors condemned Hellenic Ministries as a cult despite there being no attempt to divert from the teachings of the Bible or of the early church fathers which are so dear to the Greek Orthodox Church. Some priests have instructed their parishioners to burn the copies of the scriptures that have been given to them by volunteers.

Pray: for an end to antagonism between believers and for God to envelop the Greek Church in transformation. (Jn.17:22) See also item 3 in World section

More: http://blog.godreports.com/2013/07/greece-christians-detained-for-distributing-new-testaments/#more-3920