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Archbishop Hieronymos II of Athens and All Greece on 2 February warned the Greek government of a possible social upheaval if more austerity measures are ushered in by international financial institutions overseeing the sovereign debt crisis. ‘Our hearts are shattered and our minds are blurred with all that is taking place,’ he said in a letter sent to interim Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, extracts of which were published on the Greek Orthodox Church's official site (www.ecclesia.gr). ‘The phenomenon of the homeless and the famished, a reminder of WWII occupation conditions, is taking nightmare dimensions,’ wrote Hieronymos. The interim coalition government is in the midst of critical talks with the EU's International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank to secure additional funds to avert a default over Greece's huge debt burden.
Pray: for the government of Greece as they face up to this crisis. (Pr.1:20)
A 24-hour general strike is under way in Greece in protest at the nation's austerity measures. Flights and ferry services have been cancelled, schools, government offices and tourist sites closed and hospitals are working with reduced staff as at least 16,000 people joined protests organised by the main unions in central Athens. The European Commission is discussing ways of propping up banks in Europe to protect them from the Greek crisis.
Pray: for God to give all those in positions of authority in Greece much wisdom. (Pr.3:13,14)
The bravery and courage of ancient Spartans is legendary. The name conjures up visions of fearless soldiers charging into battle without thought of life or limb. The word ‘spartan’ has crept into the English language to describe conditions that are at the opposite extreme from comfortable and luxurious. For the past week Sparta has been the epicentre of a missionary outreach that has reached and touched thousands of homes through a team of 180 from countries as diverse as Canada, Romania, Italy, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA and Albania. In all 60,000 households received a copy of the New Testament in contemporary Greek as part of a project called Operation Joshua. One participant described it as a ‘Tsunami of blessing’ as energetic teams using some 50 cars, criss-crossed the sparse and mountainous region. They have gone to over 800 villages in some of the remotest areas of Greece bringing the message of life. Pray: that the blessings thus achieved in Sparta will take root and prosper. (Lk.13:19) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/gods.time.for.greece/26430.htm
Crowded dormitories, excessive work schedules and low pay. These are the conditions faced by some migrant workers in Germany – the economic powerhouse of the EU. Many of the foreigners were promised much more before they left their own countries. The government in the north-western region of Lower Saxony is asking for federal help to tackle these abuses. ‘This has to stop. These are people who work in German companies and must be treated humanely and they also need to be represented by working councils,’ said Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil. There is no minimum wage in Germany. This can even mean pay of between three and six euros an hour or a monthly salary of between 300-500 euros. These types of low wages are prevalent in certain sectors, such as the meat industry. There are around two million of what are called ‘working poor’ in the country
Pray: that the government will seek ways of establishing fair and just pay for all workers. (Ps.112:5)
As more Muslims become part of European society, German universities have begun courses aimed at helping Islamic clergy and religious teachers understand German culture, including Christianity and Judaism. The first programme began last year at Osnabrueck University, with another due to start this year at Tuebingen. ‘The idea was to have a programme for imams because most of them were educated in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt or Bosnia,’ Coordinator of the Osnabrueck programme said. ‘They focus very much on theology and the society where they come from, but they don't have enough knowledge concerning the situation in Germany. Some imams don't speak the German language, for example and they don't know German history.’ The government is providing funding at four universities that are developing programmes focused on interfaith education and the place of Islam in German society.
Pray: that The God of Abraham and Father of Jesus Christ would reveal Himself to them in a new and living way. (Mat.1:1)
More: http://christiancentury.org/article/2011-10/german-university-courses-aim-help-muslims-integrate
Pope Benedict has ended a visit to his native Germany with a call for spiritual renewal among the German people. The pope drew hundreds of thousands to services during his trip, including a final Mass Sunday that attracted about 100,000 people to an airfield beside the airport in the southern city of Freiburg. During the four-day visit, he also addressed parliament and met with victims of clerical abuse. In his parting words before leaving for Rome, Benedict wished Germans
‘strength and confidence’ in their faith. He said even those who doubt God's existence ‘are closer to the kingdom of God than believers whose faith is routine and who regard the church merely as an institution.’ The Catholic church in Germany lost 181,000 members after last year's clerical abuse scandal there.
Pray: for God’s Holy Spirit to flood the nation with His power and renewal. (Tit.3:4-6)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/shows/cwn/Religion-Roundup/#8
A Christian father spent another day in a German prison Saturday, March 26, after refusing to pay a fine for not allowing his children to attend government-run ‘sexual education’ classes, his lawyers said. Eduard Wiens is now serving a 40-day sentence that will end April 23. Eduard Wiens is one of several Christian parents being prosecuted by German authorities over the controversial sex-classes, adding that it asked the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to quickly review appeals filed last year on their behalf. Eduard and Rita Wiens, chose to keep their children from attending obligatory ‘sexual education’ in the town of Salzkotten that they believed taught students ‘an unbiblical view of sexuality.’ They were subsequently fined and sentenced to prison after they refused to pay. Eduard Wiens served five days last year and is now serving a 40-day sentence. Pray: for these Christian parents who are standing up for their conscience and rights. (Mt.10:22) More:http://www.bosnewslife.com/16249-germany-jails-christian-parents-over-sex-education-row
The Salzburg-based NGO ‘Infoladen’ calls for violence against Christians when expressing pro-life views. In July they called for a counter-demonstration against a pro-life manifestation. ‘Let’s make their 1000-crosses-manifestation a disaster!’ and ‘Sink the 1000 crosses!’ are some of the slogans on their website. In between long paragraphs of prejudices, the NGO ‘Infoladen’ admits that it has already used intimidation and anti-democratic means in their attempts to silence pro-life Christians: ‘They just do not want to understand. Although last summer it was made sufficiently clear to Human Life International, Euro Pro Life and Youth for Life, that they and their anti-women processions are not welcome in Salzburg, and they are planning another manifestation. Last year, the march was disturbed by blockades and successfully shortened through the courageous intervention of emancipatory activists. The closing ceremony of the fundamentalists had to take place virtually in the exclusion of the public.’ They also pronounce a meeting point for the counter manifestation. No names of the leadership of the NGO nor the main organizers are given online.
Pray: that the calls by ‘Infoladen’ against pro-life organisations would be silenced. (Job.12:10)
More: http://infoladensalzburg.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/25-7-pro-choice-demo-1000-kreuze-versenken/#more-896
The Catholic Church is planning to close five or six churches in Duisburg because of diminishing patronage. Local Muslims wish to buy the churches to use as Islamic worship locations. 19% of Duisburg-Marxloh residents are Catholic and the diocese closed several churches five years ago. Church officials have explored many options but see ‘no way around’ this second round of closings. Mohammed Al of Duisburg’s Merkez Mosque is striving to convince Catholic officials to allow Merkez (the largest mosque in Germany) to buy the churches, saying, ‘Regardless of whether it’s a church or mosque - it’s about a house of God.’ Germany’s Catholics have protested against the planned closings and possible Muslim ownership with vigils and letters, and plan to demonstrate if the sales go through. The late Muammar Qadhafi once said, ‘There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe without swords, without guns, without conquests. Europe will turn into a Muslim continent within a few decades.’
Pray: for a revived Catholic Church in Germany that will reverse current trends of decline with signs, wonders and powerful evangelism. (Ps.42:11)
Women from abroad who escape prostitution are considered ‘illegal immigrants’ in Germany and only allowed to remain during the criminal proceedings when they testify against the perpetrators. Although they take a great personal risk by making a statement they are deported when the case is closed – generally without financial compensation. There have been many unsuccessful resolutions by interior ministers to reform Germany’s prostitution laws. After pressure from Brussels, the coalition will now introduce new laws before the summer recess. The Justice Minister needs to amend the criminal law, the Economy Minister has to change the trade and industry regulations so that brothels can receive some guidelines. Also the Interior Minister must clear the way for foreign women who are in forced prostitution to be assured a safe haven in Germany. We are asked to pray that all party political obstacles will be cleared away so that victims get effective protection under the law. (Proverbs 31 v.8-9)
Pray: for protection laws to be passed speedily before the summer recess and that human trafficking rings will be uncovered and broken up. (Psalm 44 v.23-26)
More: http://ec.europa.eu/anti-trafficking/search.action