Free speech and religion in Russia
17 Jan 2011A survey by a Russian think tank shows that the Russian people are conflicted over freedom of expression and perceived attacks on Christianity. This past summer, sociologists at the Levada Centre found that 58 percent of Russians believe people should enjoy freedom of speech, which means they have the right to publicly criticize religion. At the same time, 21 percent believe that the authorities should have the right to fine or imprison people who publicly criticize religion because such criticism could ‘undermine the reputation of the church.’ The survey comes in the wake of a high-profile trial of two Russian intellectuals who organized a 2006 exhibition called ‘Forbidden Art', and were subsequently charged with degrading and insulting the Christian faith and believers. The art depicted an Orthodox icon of the Virgin Mary made out of caviar. Western-style freedom of speech is still scarce in the former Soviet Union.
Pray: that such controversies will open up opportunities for the Gospel and so transform the hearts and lives of many people. (Jn.15:18)
France: Alpine glaciers in retreat
10 Dec 2011French Alps glaciers have lost 1/4 of their area in the past 40 years according to the largest annual gathering of Earth scientists, (American Geophysical Union). It mirrors findings of retreat occurring in other sectors of the Alps across the borders of several nations. The French Alps glaciers inventory was produced through the University of Savoie. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16025568. Meanwhile in a South African convention on climate change running from 28th November to 9th December Christian youth discuss the message that God's creation needs better care as young people from church and faith-based organisations on six continents take ‘Youth For Eco-Justice’ training. Roger Schmidt, Secretary for Youth said, ‘Creative young people are capable of breaking the deadlock in the world in terms of climate change with a new understanding of the connection of justice and ecology.’
Pray: for more to catch the vision of eco-justice and for governments to put global concerns ahead of national industrial development.(Ps.24:1-2)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/15872
Fiji: Urgent prayer need
09 Feb 2012In a personal prayer request Rev Suliasi Kurulo, Christian Mission Fellowship International (CMFI), urged Christians to pray for the Fiji Islands. He noted that four consecutive days of torrential rain in the Fiji Islands caused most towns, cities and villages to be flooded. Most villages and homes are 15 feet under water, as roads turn into seas of debris. Rev Suliasi Kurulo also wrote that people are warned to prepare for the worst if a cyclone was to hit the nation in the aftermath of the current rainfall and flooding. Local newspapers reported that the flood is worse than the one in 2009, because of the duration and disruption of services, homes, business and roads. According to National News, a leading relief organization said that they don’t have the capacity at this stage in distributing food, which is the immediate need at the moment.
Pray: with Rev Suliasi Kurulo and CMFI for God’s grace and strength that He would give them a heart of compassion in this time of national need. (Ps.37:19)
Fiji: Methodist Church conference
18 Jun 2012Last September we prayed for the Fiji Methodist Church to be granted permission to hold their annual conference this year after it was cancelled for the fourth year running. In 2012 the government granted permission to hold the conference if some guidelines were followed. It should not coincide with the national Hibiscus Festival in August and it must last no longer than three days it can take place from 8am to 8pm each day from Wednesday to Friday only and must be held at the Centenary Church premises. It may only discuss church matters and not political issues. Activities that traditionally accompanied the conference, including choir competition and information stands, have also been banned. The Church was warned by the police that ‘serious actions’ would be taken if the terms of the permit were breached.
Pray: that this step forward will open the way back to democracy, pray also for the protection of every speaker and delegate before, during and after the conference. (Ps.5:11)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/methodist.church.in.fiji.given.permission.to.meet/30039.htm
The annual conference of Fiji's Methodist Church, due to start 23 August, was cancelled by Fiji's military government for the third consecutive year after church leaders defied a government directive to step down from their positions. Fiji's Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, also directed that no Methodist Church minister be allowed to leave the country, and banned permits under the Public Emergency Regulation for all official Methodist Church meetings. There are concerns that the ban will lead to the collapse of the Methodist church administration and severely affect funding. Michael King, World Church Relationships Team Leader for the Methodist Church in Britain, said the ban was a ‘massive setback’ in church/state relations, given that it seemed that relationships had improved and the political situation had eased.
Pray: that the relations between church and state would be improved and that God would open the doors of reconciliation and understanding. (2Cor.5:11)
Families Of Hikers Jailed In Iran Ask For Prayer
23 Aug 2011Two American hikers imprisoned in Iran for more than two years were sentenced to eight years on Saturday on charges of illegal entry and espionage. Their families hoped authorities would free them during the Islamic month of Ramadan, when pardons are often handed down. Their families pleaded with the authorities in Iran to show compassion and allow them to return home. Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lawyer, Masoud Shafiei, said he would appeal the verdict. Josh Fattal, Shane Bauer and Sarah Shroud were arrested in 2009 when they inadvertently entered Iran while hiking in the northern Iraq. Shroud was released on $500,000 bail in September 2010, but Iranian authorities refused to release her two companions. Iranian chief prosecutor Jafari Dowlatabadi said Shroud's case ‘is still open and [she] will be tried in absentia.’ Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she is ‘deeply disappointed’ with the sentence.
Pray: for a change of heart by the Iranian authorities and they will release of Josh and Shane. (Ac.5:19)
More: http://www.evangelicalnews.org/indiv_pr.php?pr_id=20204
Falklands: Unrest between UK and Argentina
27 Dec 2011The Foreign Office has hit out at Argentina following the decision on Tuesday by Argentinia, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil (a South American trading bloc) to ban boats with a Falkland Islands flag from their ports. British diplomats warned, ‘Britain's determination to protect the overseas territory should not be underestimated.’ Urgent discussions are being carried out with countries in the region to establish what concrete effect the ban would have. But tensions have been raised by this symbolic rebuke to Britain. An agreement circulated by the Argentine foreign ministry stated the four countries vowed ‘to adopt all the measures it is possible to impose to impede the entry of boats flying the illegal flag of the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands.’ José Mujica, Uruguay's president said, ‘We hold nothing against the U.K. but we have a lot in favour of Argentina.’
Pray: that this disagreement will not escalate, for wise advice to be given and adhered to, and for sailors and merchants to continue unhindered. (Pr.12:15)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/21/falklands-boat-ban-row-argentina
Falkland Islands: Referendum
18 Jun 2012The Falkland Islands has announced a referendum to be held next year on its status as a British territory in an effort to fend off aggressive Argentinian claims over the South Atlantic islands. The Islands' legislative assembly said it would authorise a popular poll of the more than 3,000 residents, the first in its history, to demonstrate that the locals remain solidly in support of British ties. The announcement comes as Falkland Islanders prepare to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the unconditional surrender of the Argentinian invasion force on Thursday. David Cameron applauded the announcement from Stanley, claiming it would vindicate British support for the islands.
Pray: that the referendum will clearly reveal the desire of the islanders, so that the issue can be finally settled..(1Sa.30:23b)