The shifting patterns of family life in the UK are exposed in the latest findings from a study of the lives of 13,000 children born at the beginning of the new century. More than one in three children have already lived through domestic upheaval such as seeing their parents break up by the age of eleven and only half still have married parents by the time they finish primary school. But while the study provides further evidence of a powerful link between family break-up and issues such as behavioural problems or poverty, it also reveals how the children themselves are still 'strikingly happy'. It gives a vivid picture of modern British childhood with details on everything from what time children go to bed and whether their parents still use a ‘naughty’ chair to their intelligence test scores or their illicit use of social networking sites such as Facebook.

Celebrities are the cause of a sharp rise in the number of children sending sexually explicit text messages, a child protection expert has warned. Dr Zoe Hilton told MPs that schoolchildren are copying the ‘sexting’ trend which is endorsed by adult celebrities. Speaking to the Commons Education Committee, she warned that children may be unaware of the dangerous repercussions of sharing explicit pictures. Hilton, who is the Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP), said, ‘children and particularly older children are looking at celebrities and are looking at what the adult population are doing. I think we’ve got to the point with older teenagers where sexting is actually a normative behaviour’, she added. Last year, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children warned that sexting is now common amongst teenagers.

Obesity costs Britain’s economy £47bn a year; more than war, terrorism or armed violence, a new study has found. The research, commissioned by consultants McKinsey and Company, recommended a series of 44 interventions to fight the epidemic. Measures include introducing a safe network of cycle lanes, portion control in fast-food packaged goods, and more PE lessons in schools. The report’s authors at the McKinsey Global Institute said the measures could bring 20% of overweight or obese people in UK back to a healthy weight within a decade. Success would save £16 billion a year, including an annual saving of about £766 million in the NHS, according to the study. The report found that only smoking does more damage to the UK economy than obesity.

HIV testing clinics have been opened in churches across London in the hope of combating high rates of infection as well as social stigma among the African population. Four African churches in Southwark, New Cross, Dagenham and Wood Green are involved in the project, which is coinciding with National HIV Testing Week from 22 to 30 November. Behind the campaign is Rev Fred Annin, the founder and CEO of Actionplus Foundation, which is working to support those with the virus. He wants the church to lead the movement. Actionplus was the first organisation to set up an HIV testing clinic in a Church in London and launched its Take Action Now campaign last year. ‘The Bible does not condemn people with HIV as cursed. It shouldn't be taboo to discuss it in churches. It's a medical condition and people need medical help.’ Annin said.

Six Metropolitan Police officers who dragged a black off-duty fireman from his car and shot him with a Taser should face charges of racial discrimination, a statutory watchdog says. The victim claims he was simply requesting assistance. Following a 20-month investigation into this case, the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) said there was noteworthy evidence the officers had profiled the fireman in a discriminatory manner. Now-retired Inspector David Burgum – the senior officer among the accused – denies the allegations levelled at him and his colleagues and questions fireman Kennedy-Macfoy’s motives throughout the case. He also strongly condemns the IPCC for being politicised and biased. The IPCC will pass the file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, suggesting that one particular constable could face criminal charges over the use of the Taser and there was a failure on behalf of the officers to act with courtesy, patience, integrity, professionalism, diplomacy or common sense.

After abuse was exposed at Winterbourne View care home in 2011 the NHS realised a stronger framework was needed to address serious shortcomings in the system currently in place supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism in the community. They commissioned a review, which resulted in a report published on Wednesday that suggests a framework to support people with learning disabilities and autism as they move out of hospitals and into the community. This framework introduces a charter of rights for patients and their families, giving them a ‘right to challenge’ decisions and the right to request a personal budget.It includes a  requirement for local decision-makers to follow a mandatory framework setting out who is responsible for which services and how they will be held to account;  a planned closure programme of ‘inappropriate’ in-patient facilities and improved training and education for NHS, local government and service provider staff.

30 November is St Andrew's Day, is 30th November and Prayer Scotland are calling for 500 to come to praise, pray and proclaim outside the Scottish Parliament - rallying to  a Trumpet Call at 2.45 p.m. Scotland’s Flag or Saltire (meaning cross) depicts how Andrew the disciple of Jesus was crucified for His faith. Many believe now is the time for the Church to step out into the public arena and speak out with one voice for their Christian faith. Laws have been passed breaking God's laws and the freedom, authority and truth of the Gospel are being eroded.  This Call is an opportunity for Christians to cry as one before the Lord, honouring and exalting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of Scotland; repenting for personal and national sin and seeking forgiveness for the Church's turning away from clear biblical values. The day will be about honouring Jesus.

On Monday The Church of England today gave the final seal of approval to the appointment of women bishops, following the passing of legislation by the General Synod in July. At the Synod's meeting  at Church House, an amendment which states that ‘A man or woman may be consecrated into the office of bishop’ was written into Canon Law following a final show of hands. Six officers signed the instrument of enactment before members of the Synod. The House of Bishops was scheduled to meet immediately after the close of Synod. Archbishop of York John Sentamu, prayed for unity within the Church following the motion being carried. The legislation was approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords last month and has also already received royal assent.

A growing number of Christians in Britain who come from a Muslim background are facing persecution, warns Release International. They include Yasmin whose ex-husband planned to kill her. She was attacked in the street and taken under police protection because she became a Christian. Yasmin even relocated to another part of the country but her ex-husband tracked her down and demanded custody of their children. Her case is not isolated - Christian Concern For Our Nation have launched a safe haven initiative for Christian converts from Islam and offer confidential advice and support to those considering leaving Islam. They may even help individuals to relocate through a specialist team who will be the public link between those in danger and those offering refuge. They believe there are 1,100+ Muslim-background believers throughout the UK who are at risk. The real figure may be considerably higher. See also 

In today's society, growing older is often seen as a reason for sadness or regret. But the Methodist Church and the Church of England have published a new resource which urges Christians to celebrate and affirm the 'second half of life'. Through creative discussion material, 'Seasons of My Soul' offers people a chance to explore and share with one another key aspects of their lives and experiences. It focuses on eight themes for discussion; identity, memories, transition times, wisdom, roles and relationships, forgiveness and reconciliation, death and dying, and the celebration of life.‘Often when  talk about the demographic of church attendance, we concern ourselves more with those who are not within our church communities than with celebrating and resourcing those who are’, said Doug Swanney, Connexional Secretary for the Methodist Church. ‘Seasons of My Soul is a creative way of redressing this balance.’