Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

For many former members of the armed forces, the transition from active service to civilian life can be challenging. It is well known that transitioning veterans are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviour like excessive gambling. Research from outside the UK has consistently demonstrated that problem gambling is a more prevalent issue in armed forces populations than among civilians. Recently the Bishop of St Albans was told by the MoD that it had not funded or conducted any research on problem gambling among service personnel or veterans, but knew of a study suggesting veterans are at an increased risk of developing gambling problems. Earl Howe said that gambling has serious implications, both as a potential security risk and in connection with issues of mental health.

Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) are called the crack cocaine of gambling. In April the government reduced the maximum stake on FOBTs to £2. Before then William Hill Bookmakers, with 2,300 shops and 12,500 employees, relied on FOBT machines for over 50% of their turnover, particularly in inner-city and urban areas where they attracted younger customers. Now William Hill are to close 700 venues, and will apply voluntary redundancy and redeployment measures. The Safer Online Gambling Group said, ‘Perhaps William Hill can deploy its staff into treating addicts and supporting those who are vulnerable across their other betting outlets’. The NHS treats gambling addicts as young as 13 at their national Problem Gambling Clinic 

Rural Christian leaders find it increasingly difficult to maintain hope, energy and creativity for mission. There are, however, encouraging signs as people across rural Britain seek God together in regular prayer for their communities and take the initiative as He leads. Prayer in and for particular villages has led to Bible studies, community choirs, retreat days and coffee shops. New disciples are being formed. Pray for a multiplication of local prayer teams, and join them in praying that the Lord will send the rain of His Holy Spirit. Pray for a fulfilment of God’s promise: ‘When the poor and needy seek water I, the Lord, will answer’. (Isaiah 41:17)

When Sajid Javid visited the Western Wall on 1 July, it was the first time a senior British government official had visited the holy site in 19 years. He grew up in a Muslim home, and said his father taught him the deep connection that both Jews and Muslims have to Jerusalem. The director of the Western Wall Foundation explained the wall's spiritual and historic significance to the Jewish people. Javid said he was very excited to be there, and could feel the spiritual power of the holy site. He recited Psalm 121 with a leading rabbi, and took time to place a note between the wall's stones. The rabbi said, ‘Your visit is evidence that it’s possible for Jews and Muslims to live together in this small place without harming one another.’ Javid agreed: ‘We love Jewish heritage very much and appreciate it.’ His wife, Laura, is a church-going Christian. See

The 1984 treaty between the UK and China paved the way for sovereignty over the territory to pass back to Beijing. A joint declaration set out how the rights of Hong Kong citizens should be protected for the next 100 years. Hong Kong has a judicial system independent from China, but a controversial proposed extradition bill flies in the face of the treaty. It caused huge protests, and activists occupied parliament buildings. China’s reaction to this event prompted Jeremy Hunt to summon its ambassador on 3 July, saying that he rejected Beijing’s ‘unacceptable behaviour and inaccurate remarks’. On 4 July China warned the UK not to interfere in its domestic affairs and labelled the UK ‘hypocritical’, saying that it no longer has a say in how Hong Kong should be run and managed. See also ‘Hong Kong Christians’ in world section.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Archie Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a small private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the private chapel at Windsor Castle ‪on Saturday 6 July. The identities of the godparents ‘in keeping with their wishes will remain private.’ The decision to keep the event entirely private, with no access for any television cameras or news photographers, even as they arrive at the chapel, has prompted considerable debate. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had allowed one television camera and one photographer to take pictures as the family and godparents arrived for the christenings of their children.

‘According to Proverbs 14:34, we agree that righteousness exalts a nation, so we speak righteousness into every aspect of government. We decree and declare that Kingdom values (well-being, health, safety and prosperity) will be established over all other values in the UK. We thank You, Lord, for the expectation that people are treated justly - economically, educationally and socially - irrespective of class or ethnicity. We thank You for those who are concerned over housing, healthcare and the environment, and for the roots of social justice and concern that lie within Your Kingdom. In this season of the impossible becoming possible, we agree with God’s promise, “You shall declare a thing and it shall be established” (Job 22:28). We declare that the words of God’s people in this nation will release hope and peace, and build Kingdom purposes in our land. We speak mercy, truth, righteousness and Godly wisdom into all spheres of government.’

Certain occupations can be more dangerous than others due to the nature of work that is carried out. The Health and Safety Executive reported that agriculture, forestry and fishing are the riskiest industry sector. One that consistently tops the list of hazardous industries is farming. Although no figures are yet available for 2019, 33 people died in the 12 months up to March 2018. Farming is more than five times more risky than the second such industry. Farmers had the most fatal injuries, and 48% of those killed were over 65. Almost twice as many self-employed farmers were killed as employees.

The Bishop of St Albans said arms sales to Saudi Arabia should be suspended, after a court of appeal ruled that the Government failed to assess adequately the risk of arms being used in violation of international law. He said, ‘We need reassurance that the Government has adopted appropriate safeguards to protect civilians in future. Aid is still needed in Yemen, and I hope international partners will work with the Government to deliver this.’ Campaign Against Arms Trade said the Government didn’t enforce its own rules, which state that military export licences should not be granted if there is a clear risk that arms might be used in violation of international humanitarian law. Christian Aid said that the Saudi-UAE-led coalition was being propped up by UK government military advisers, arms exports, and ongoing political and technical support. The Government plans to appeal against the court’s ruling.

Dr Richard Scott runs the Bethesda Medical Centre, caring for almost 20,000 patients. At the end of the standard Western medicine procedure he asks his patients for their permission to introduce elements of faith into his consultation. He maintains that his behaviour is vindicated by the WHO, which includes spiritual alongside physical and mental wellbeing and has ‘involved a spiritual angle’ for patients with depression, anxiety or addiction. Now he faces disciplinary action by the General Medical Council and could lose his job, following complaints to the National Secular Society by an acquaintance that a ‘highly vulnerable’ patient felt ‘discomfort at the use of prayer’. Christian Concern said that Dr Scott always asks his patients if they're open to discussion. Sometimes they're not, and he respects that.