Western Isles' to fall foul of new equality law
10 Feb 2011
Councillors on the Western Isles could be forced to abandon a centuries-old religious tradition of keeping sports and community centres closed on a Sunday because it breaches new equality legislation, the Guardian has learned. The islands of Lewis, Harris and North Uist are the last places in the UK where publicly owned and lottery-funded facilities such as leisure centres, golf courses, school grounds and community halls are closed because of sabbatarianism, which bans work and play on Sundays on religious grounds. The tradition, promoted vigorously by the staunchly protestant Free Church and the Church of Scotland, has caused deep divisions on the islands and bitter rows between pro-opening campaigners and senior figures in the church and council. Pray: for God to be the authority and have the last word in this dispute. (Gen.2:3) More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jan/31/western-isles-sunday-laws-equality-act
West's reticence on Christian persecution
13 May 2011
Writing in the latest edition of Standpoint magazine, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali said the United Nations had taken the necessary steps to protect people in Libya from attacks by their own government, but questioned why the United Nations or the West was ‘unable to tackle the widespread and growing persecution of Christians?’ He voiced particular concern over Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where the Christian communities face regular attacks and harassment at the hands of Muslims. ‘In the case of Iraq, why is there so much resistance to a declaration that Christians, Mandaeans, Yazidis and other minorities need to be protected and that, where necessary, their safety in certain zones will be guaranteed by the international community?’ he said. The bishop suggested that international guarantees would give Christians in Iraq greater confidence concerning their future in the country. Pray:that the persecution of the church would be recognised and not ignored. (Ro.8:35)
Wesley, the poor and the cuts
22 Oct 2010
Alison Tomlin, President of the Methodist Conference, addressed a rally organised by the Trade Union Congress at London’s Methodist Central Hall saying: ‘John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church wrote about a press that stigmatised the poor, he wrote of politicians who did not wish to look at the concerns of the poor, and who continually blamed the poor for their own fate. The past ten to fifteen years of boom have benefited some sections of society but not the poorest. The task the Government has set itself of cutting the deficit in a short space of time while not harming the most vulnerable is a difficult one, some may say an impossible one. We shall wait and see, but the initial signs are not promising. Methodists support a wide range of views about deficit reduction. It is possible to be a Christian and a member of almost any political party.’ Pray: that the Government’s Spending Review will enable communities to support their deserving poor. (Mt.19:21)
Welsh councils havw been told to spend two minutes thinking about the positive impact of faith in their communities. 'Start your next meeting by silently reflecting on the contribution made by the Christian voluntary sector to your community'. This is the challenge being sent by a Welsh church leader to town councils in Wales after the High Court’s decision to ban prayers within council meetings in Wales and England. It is thought that as many as half of UK local councils are believed to hold prayer sessions as part of their formal proceedings. Elfed Godding, National Director of Evangelical Alliance Wales said: ‘Thousands of Christians and adherents of other religions in Wales initiate, fund and voluntarily staff hundreds of projects that benefit the public of Wales. It would be a shame if this High Court ruling undermined this generous and sacrificial service. The joy of serving others is central to the Christian message.’ (See praise item)
Pray: for town councils throughout Wales and the UK to take seriously the proposal to consider the impact faith has in their communities. (Ps.85:8)
Welfare benefits cap will break up families
19 Jan 2012Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes has warned that the governments proposed welfare benefits cap will ‘break up families’ and ‘damage the lives of literally hundreds of thousands of children.’ Mr Hughes, who is not a minister and therefore not part of the coalition government, made his comments to the BBC ahead of more crucial votes in the House of Lords this week, as the Welfare Reform Bill (WRB) goes through its report stage before returning to the Commons. Mr Hughes told the BBC that he did not believe the Welfare Reform Bill would be passed as it stands. The government has headed off a House of Lords defeat over plans to replace the Disability Living Allowance. Conservatives leaned heavily on Liberal Democrat support in the Lords, avoiding another humiliating Welfare Reform Bill report stage defeat by only 16 votes.
Pray: for Government policy that as it tackles fiscal problems still protects the most vulnerable in society. (Ps.41:4)
Welcome to Houses of Prayer
16 Jun 2011
Houses of prayer have been with us for centuries. God has called individuals and groups to offer unceasing prayer and worship, 24/7. However we are in the midst of growth of this particular calling - God through His Holy Spirit is calling more and more houses of prayer to be born and we are attempting to keep pace with Him through documenting this pattern to encourage and support those who are hearing the same call, and to help them connect with each other and people searching for a house of prayer in their region. We welcome information about houses of prayer in any country and any denomination for we are all one in Christ. We pray a blessing on your house of prayer and ask the Father for great power and for His presence to be with you.
Pray: for an extraordinary growth of prayer warriors for every nation. (Is.56:7)
More: http://www.housesofprayer.net/index.php
The Archbishop of Canterbury shrugged off calls from critics to steer clear of politics and “just talk about God” insisting that the Church has increasingly become the “glue” holding society together. The Most Rev Justin Welby used his first New Year address as leader of the Church of England to reaffirm tackling poverty as one of the biggest priorities. Archbishop Welby, a former oil executive, has drawn from his knowledge of the City as a prominent critic of practices by bankers, payday lenders and others. It was a theme he returned to in his first Christmas sermon last week when he spoke about combating “injustice” adding that politics and religion “cannot be separated”. But it led to attacks from some commentators who claimed that the Archbishop was failing to talk about faith. The Archbishop replied saying that as Christians if you love your neighbour you’re going to be deeply concerned in the things that trouble them, whether it’s about heating bills, insecurity in families and the need for good community life.
Pray: for the Church to continue its involvement in supporting so many aspects of society. (Mtt.28:18)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10546198/Welby-dismisses-critics-calls-to-stay-out-of-politics-and-stick-to-talking-about-God.html
Weather and its consequences
13 Jul 2012The recent wet weather is caused by a high-altitude river of air called the Atlantic jet stream flowing from west to east separating the cool, wet and windy weather of the northern ocean from the stable, settled and warmer air to the south. In a good summer the jet stream lies north of Britain shielding us from the inclement weather closer to the NorthPole. But this year it has shifted south so that cool damp air has settled over the British Isles. Rain has destroyed numerous potato and apple crops and our farmers are struggling to meet supermarket quotas of various fruits and vegetables. The Summer Olympics are full of events meant to be played outside. Track and field events can quickly become hazardous in the rain and sailing can be downright dangerous in poor weather; Poor weather conditions will affect thousands of people attending New Wine and similar events this year.
Pray: for God's mercy on the weather patterns we are experiencing; may they not harm our agriculture, tourism, sporting activities and economic situation. (Ps.24:1,2)