A provision to make same-sex marriages illegal in the Church of England and Church in Wales has done little to assuage opponents of a change to the law. The plans were outlined in the House of Commons yesterday by Culture Secretary Maria Miller. Other religious organisations would be able to ‘opt in’ to offering same-sex weddings to gay couples, she said. However, it will be unlawful for religious organisations or their ministers to wed same-sex couples unless their respective governing bodies have opted in. Changes will also be made to equality laws to ensure that discrimination claims are not brought against clergy or religious leaders who refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. Ms Miller said the provision making it illegal for the Church of England and Church in Wales to marry same-sex couples ‘recognises and protects the unique and established nature of those Churches’.
Pray: that the Government will listen to the many organisations which are standing up for traditional marriage as recognised by the majority. (Heb.13:4)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20680924
Northern Ireland is faced with the opportunity to stride ahead of the rest of the UK in its support for victims of trafficking, or to simply turn its back on our strong abolitionist heritage and do the bare minimum. If the Government chooses to look the other way, then the situation will only worsen with gross violations of the victims' human rights. After a declaration by the Government in 2010 that they would not opt into the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive (in the mistaken belief that we were already fully compliant), charities spoke up and revealed the extent to which this was not the case. The Government U-turned and announced it would opt-in in 2011. The beginning of 2012 saw amendments made in the Lords to a Westminster Bill in an attempt to bring compliance with the Directive.
Pray: for the NI Government that it would opt-in to the EU Anti-Traffiicking Directive. (Ps.94:8)
Alone at Christmas concern
17 Jan 2011With a new study predicting that more than a 10th of Britain’s over-65-year-olds will be spending Christmas alone, Christians are being advised to ensure that older people in their communities are cared for this festive season. Research published last week by the public theology think tank Theos has revealed that people who are aged 65 years or above are most likely to be without the company of family or friends this Christmas. According to the study, 11 per cent of those in this age range will be on their own during next week’s celebration, compared to just six per cent of the population as a whole. As a consequence, the director of Theos, Paul Woolley, is now warning that people ‘should be concerned’ at these findings. At the same time, church members have been reminded of the need to befriend and look after elderly people in their communities.
Pray: that the Church will reach out to the lonely this Christmas and that God will bless them with His presence. (Pro.18:16)
All-day drinking laws to be reviewed
01 Jun 2010
All-day drinking laws are set to be reviewed by the new coalition government in an attempt to crack down on binge drinking, it has been revealed. The Liberal Democrat-Conservative manifesto has revealed that the controversial law, which has often been blamed for an increase in violence, will either be tightened or scrapped altogether. Speaking at the Police Federation conference earlier this week, Home Secretary Theresa May said that the problems that had stemmed from the introduction of the law needed to be addressed. A report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) criticised the current lack of action being taken to tackle the binge drinking culture which is apparent in the UK. According to the advice offered by the ACMD, the drink driving limit for young people should be lowered and more information provided about the levels of their drinking. (See also Prayer Alert 3609 &1909) Pray: that the Government would seriously reconsider the legislation on 24-hour drinking. (Pr.20:1) More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8077&this=All-day_drinking_laws_to_be_reviewed
All Christians to back Pope’s visit
21 Sep 2010
The Evangelical Alliance has called on Christians of all denominations to support the Pope’s visit to Britain. The organisation, which represents around a million evangelical Christians, believes the papal visit is especially timely as Christians face growing hostility from a small but influential secular wing. It acknowledges that the visit is taking place amid anger over the Church’s handling of child abuse cases and strong opposition to its stance on issues like homosexuality, women and abortion, but says there are ‘other critical issues at stake’ that will affect Britain’s future as a whole.The Alliance is urging all Christians to support the Pope’s address. The Evangelical Alliance said it hoped the Pope’s visit would ‘act as a catalyst’ for society to protect religious freedom in Britain and overseas. Pray: for the Pope and his message of religious freedom as he continues his visit to the UK. (Ga.5:1) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/evangelicals.urge.all.christians.to.back.pope.visit/26703.htm
Alcohol fuelling abortions
27 Aug 2010
New research suggests that women with a high level of alcohol intake are more likely to take the morning after pill or have an abortion. According to the University College London study, women who binge drink have a 40 per cent higher chance of having at least one abortion in the past year. Furthermore, the research found that women who exceed the recommended weekly alcohol limit were 80 per cent more likely to have used the morning after pill. Commenting, Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, said that the findings show that alcohol consumption should not be underestimated. ‘The importance of a stable family background and responsible parenting can never be overstated.’ Meanwhile, plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in the Greater Manchester area have received support from Prime Minister David Cameron. Pray: that the legal framework encouraging binge drinking may be changed to discourage it. (Lk.11:53) More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8174&this=Alcohol_fuelling_abortions,_study_suggests
Two national charities have launched different campaigns urging people to cut down on their alcohol consumption. Alcohol Concern is urging drinkers to shun alcohol for January, with benefits which it says include saving money, losing weight and feeling healthier. But the British Liver Trust said people should follow its recommendations throughout the year, including taking 2-3 days off alcohol every week. Liver disease is now the fifth biggest cause of death in the UK. The British Liver Trust said it was on the rise because British culture continues to embrace daily consumption of alcohol, fatty food choices and a lack of exercise.
Meanwhile, Alcohol Concern has launched its Dry January campaign, urging people to take a month off drinking alcohol. The charity said it wanted to get people thinking and talking about their drinking, and it hoped these conversations would continue long after this month.
Pray: for an improved awareness of the health risks of drinking alcohol and that the message will be heard and acted upon. (1Cor.6:12)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20880957
Air Cadets to remove 'God' from promise
28 Jan 2013The Air Cadet Organisation has announced its intention to provide an alternative ‘non-religious’ oath for new members that excludes any references to God, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. Currently each recruit promises “to be a good citizen and to do my duty to God and the Queen, my country and my flag.” The announcement follows pressure from the British Humanist Association (BHA) and United Kingdom Armed Forces Humanist Association (UKAFHA) to offer an alternative oath. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: “Behind the effort to secularise some of Britain’s most established institutions is the assumption that Christian faith is somehow divisive and damaging. “This is plainly not the case when a youth organisation like the Air Cadets has 41,000 young people as members. Making the promise as it stands doesn’t harm anyone. It’s a good thing and recognises that principles like faithfulness, loyalty and service flow from a Christian worldview.
Pray: for the vast majority, if not all, of new cadets to choose to promise aleigance to God. (Jn.1:12)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18529.html