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British Muslims have faced more scrutiny, criticism and analysis than any other religious community. Despite this, thousands of Britons are converting every year. To put this into perspective, independent studies estimate that the total Muslim population of Britain is 4%. A new study by Faith Matters suggests the real figure of conversions could be as high as 100,000, with as many as 5,000 new conversions nationwide each year. Fiyaz Mughal, director of Faith Matters said ‘I think there is definitely a relationship between conversions being on the increase and the prominence of Islam in the public domain. People are interested in finding out what Islam is all about and when they do that they go in different directions.’ See also comments on this item at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1343954/100-000-Islam-converts-living-UK-White-women-keen-embrace-Muslim-faith.html
Pray: that those seeking spiritual faith will find the Christian church reaching out to them with the Gospel message.(1Ch.16:10)
Leaders of the Islamic sect Tablighi Jamaat want to overturn an enforcement order served by Newham council requiring them to leave their West Ham site where they want to create a 12,000 capacity megga mosque. Over the years Tablighi Jamaat have been denied permission by the council to erect a permanent mosque on the site and a five year permit for a temporary mosque ran out in 2006. Since then they continue to develop facilities without permission, acting unlawfully. Their track record since buying the site in 1996 demonstrates they don’t abide by planning regulations. Opposer to the Mega Mosque, Newham Concern, is calling two Muslim experts as specialist witnesses to highlight the fundamentalist and socially harmful nature of the sect - highlighting their promotion of hard-line separatism, intolerance, and refusal to open their facilities to women. This inquiry is a moment of truth. If the appeal fails, the temporary mosque will close down and their dreams for the mega-mosque will be over. Pray: for the Christians who intend to be present at the meetings from Tuesday to Thursday this week and next week. (Pr.1:20)
The Methodist Church in Britain wants to develop a "culture of welcome" in local churches with the launch of a new online resource. The free online resource - First Impressions Count - is a workshop designed to help churches reflect on the welcome that a visitor experiences when they first walk through the door. It aims to tackle the intimidation and anxiety that a newcomer might feel when entering a church for the first time Ed Mackenzie, Evangelism, Spirituality and Discipleship Officer, said: "It can be intimidating to visit a church for the first time, and the welcome a visitor receives has a huge impact on whether or not they choose to return. First Impressions Count is designed to help churches improve their quality of welcome, and takes account of a culture increasingly unfamiliar with Christian faith and worship."
Pray: for all churches in all denomination to be open and willing to review how they welcome new visitors. (Matt.10:40)
More: http: http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/is-your-church-as-welcoming-as-you-think
It can be hard to admit to feelings of loneliness, but one in 10 Britons is lonely. It's not just an issue for the elderly - loneliness is rising among the young. So are we all destined to be lonely? ‘No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,’ wrote the poet John Donne in the 17th century. Some people seek isolation, but few choose to be lonely. Loneliness not only makes us unhappy, but it is bad for us. It can lead to a lack of confidence and mental health problems like depression, stress and anxiety. Studies have consistently shown that one in 10 of us is lonely, but a report by the Mental Health Foundation suggests loneliness among young people is increasing.
Pray: for all those who find themselves lonely and in need of relief from the symptoms of loneliness. (Ps.25:4-5:16)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22012957
By many measures, marriage has weakened in our society over the past two generations. Fewer people marry. More people divorce. Increasing numbers of people move through a series of sexual relationships without ever forming a lasting marriage. Not only the practice but also the understanding of marriage has shifted. Our society’s view of marriage, centred on mutual emotional satisfaction, is already far from classic Christian teaching. Now pro-homosexuality advocates are seeking to radically redefine the institution, reducing it to a relationship between any ‘two people who love each other’. Amidst all this conflict, is it worth the cost for Christians to continue to defend and promote this embattled institution? The Bible teaches that God brought together man and woman for the good of all humankind. Marriage is the most basic building block of human society. Almost every known culture distinguishes the marriage of man and woman from other relationships. Pray: that marriage would be restored to its rightful place in our society as God intended. (Heb.13:4) More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2011/03/22/is-marriage-worth-defending-2/
A Workshop on Inter Faith Engagement will be held this weekend, in the Chapel of St Columbanus in NUI Galway. Organized by the Church of Ireland’s Inter Faith Working Group, the workshop will be based around the Porvoo Communion’s study guide, ‘Keys to Inter Faith Engagement’. The Porvoo Communion is a communion of thirteen mainly northern European Anglican and Lutheran Churches, including the Church of Ireland. The aim of the ‘Keys’ document, and of the Workshop, is to enable people to consider the situation where they live with their neighbours from different faith communities, and to support and develop inter faith dialogue. The Workshop will be led by Canon Andrew Wingate. The founding Director of the St Philip’s Centre for Study and Engagement in Leicester, he is now a consultant and teacher in the area of inter faith relations, particularly in Scandinavia. He was a member of the group which prepared ‘Keys to Inter Faith Engagement’.
Pray: for all those attending the workshop and for inter-faith engagement in Galway and elsewhere. (Jude 3)
More: http://ireland.anglican.org/news/4479
Young Irish, in particular, hope that emigration isn't their only option, but amid news of the Ireland bailout, some aren't waiting around. Many of them are expressing deep concerns about their futures. Andrew Murphy, a recent university graduate, has taken an internship at the European Commission in Brussels and doubts he will find permanent work at home. Ruth McNally, another recent graduate, is living on unemployment benefits. ‘Two of my friends are going to teach English in Korea.’ There is a sense of despair that has taken hold and a feeling of humiliation among many as Ireland seeks help from the rest of Europe. During good times, Ireland, for the first time in its history, was a destination for migrants seeking to make their fortune. Now, Ireland is again supplying labour to the rest of the world. Pray: that the economic pressures on Ireland will not depress the country’s joyful attitude to life. (1Pe.5:10)
The children's charity Barnardos has closed all of its offices and services in the Republic of Ireland for a week. It said the decision to close was taken in late 2011 as a cost-saving measure to protect services to children and families. Barnardos said the move is in response to increased financial pressure. The charity said it followed cuts to its statutory income and a decline in voluntary contributions. ‘Our first priority is the children and families we work with’ said Fergus Finlay Barnardos chief executive. ‘This cost cutting measure is the latest in a series of cuts Barnardos has had to make to ensure that we can continue to provide vital services to children and families at a time when they need us most.’
Pray: for the work of Barnardos that it will be enabled to meet the needs of children it helps. (Ps.55:22)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19255156
The dissolution of the 30th Dáil has brought an end to the Irish Government’s slow and ignominious decline. During close on four years, the Coalition parties lost control of the economy; then lost public confidence and finally lost faith in each other. It began with the demise of the Progressive Democrats, continued with the forced resignation of Bertie Ahern, accelerated with the banking and building collapse, continued with the International Monetary Fund/European Union bailout and ended with the resignation of the Green Party. The seeds of destruction were sown before Mr Cowen took charge, as the taxation base was deliberately narrowed and bank lending and public spending soared. His Government’s response was weak and indecisive. The banking guarantee was given and defended by Government on the basis of spurious information. From there, it was all downhill. Pray: that the Irish people will be given wisdom and His revelation over their decisions. (Eph.2:17a) More: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0202/breaking10.html
The Iona Community is continuing its work in tackling poverty as it enters its 75th anniversary and the 1450th anniversary of Columba’s landing on the island. Iona Community Board Convener Allan Gordon. said: “In most nations today, the gap between rich and poor is widening. In Europe there is a discernible trend to portray benefits systems as burden rather than a safety net. “It has been a privilege for the Community to work alongside people on low incomes and benefits. In many instances we have done so in partnership at local and national area with the Church of Scotland Priority Areas Team and Faith in Community Scotland. The Community also collaborates with Church Action on Poverty and Christian Aid in awareness-raising and campaigning for fairer taxation and tax justice, and for effective financial regulation. Further joint initiatives are planned,” he added.
Pray: for Iona Community in their 75th anniversary year, for their work and for those with whom they work. (Dt.15:10 )
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18429