The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a monumental Christian structure near Birmingham, is progressing toward construction. Designed as the largest Christian monument worldwide, it will feature one million white bricks, each digitally linked to a personal story of answered prayer. The 169-foot structure, shaped like an infinity loop, symbolises the eternal nature of God’s love and faithfulness and will be visible from six miles away. It aims to chronicle the transformative power of prayer, blending testimonies from ordinary Christians with those of historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors can interact with the structure, accessing individual prayer stories through their phones. Founder Richard Gamble highlights the global impact of these testimonies, urging American Christians to contribute to the project’s goal of 200,000 US prayer stories. He calls this monument a 'testimony to Christ’s finished work’, emphasising its potential to inspire faith worldwide.
Here's the secret to Bible reading in 2025
09 Jan 2025
Reading the Bible devotionally in 2025 can deepen spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Many start the year with plans to read the entire Bible, but success requires organisation and the right tools. A structured plan, such as the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan, offers an effective approach. Created by 19th-century minister Robert Murray M’Cheyne, the plan enables readers to journey through the New Testament and Psalms twice in a year and the Old Testament once. Daily readings balance OT and NT passages, fostering personal devotion and a comprehensive understanding of Scripture. Reading devotionally involves engaging the mind and heart, seeking God in worship, and responding in adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and prayer. Scripture, as God’s living Word (Heb 4:12), guides believers and inspires joy and wonder. M’Cheyne emphasised that reading should lead to spiritual growth, not mere formality.
The British pound has dropped to its lowest level in nine months, following a rise in UK ten-year borrowing costs to their highest point since 2008. These elevated costs could lead to tax increases or spending cuts as the UK government works to meet borrowing targets. The Government, awaiting forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in March, emphasised the importance of stable public finances for economic growth. Opposition figures criticised current borrowing strategies, with some calling for more fiscal discipline to build resilience. Globally, rising borrowing costs, partly influenced by uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, have contributed to inflation concerns and investor unease. Experts warn these trends could disrupt investment promises and necessitate recalibrated spending plans.
'Violent sexual predator' jailed
09 Jan 2025
A predator who groomed an under-age girl online and tried to murder her in the street has been jailed for 43 years. Ellis Dismore, 24, had sent threatening and disturbing voice messages to members of his victim's family before he repeatedly stabbed her, police said. The knife attack in broad daylight in Middlesbrough in June 2023 was captured on a passing motorist's dashcam, and the teenager was saved when members of the public stepped in to help. Dismore was found guilty of attempted murder and more than twenty other offences against young girls including stalking and making indecent photographs of a child. After he sent her relatives a series of chilling messages, the police were told about what was happening. A CPS spokesperson said: 'Ellis Dismore is a dangerous and violent sexual predator who manipulated his young victims into sexual activity through fear and intimidation. We sincerely hope that the part they have each played in jailing such a dangerous man will bring them some measure of comfort.'
Northern Ireland’s economy minister, Conor Murphy, has warned that the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme could severely impact tourism. Starting this week, visitors from 48 additional countries must apply for an ETA, costing £10 per person, before entering the UK. The digital permit, linked to passports, is valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to six months. Murphy is lobbying Westminster to exempt Northern Ireland from the scheme, emphasising that 70% of international tourists arrive via the Republic of Ireland and could be discouraged by this added cost and process. He suggested a seven-day exemption for short-term visitors, highlighting tourism’s significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy in 2023 and its importance as a peace process success story. Tour operators and tourism bodies voiced concerns that the added expense could deter visitors from visiting iconic destinations like the Giant’s Causeway. The Government, defending the ETA as a streamlined, secure system, has pledged to work with the tourism industry to address concerns.
What’s the problem with the home-schooling bill?
09 Jan 2025
The proposed Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill raises serious concerns for Christian parents and home educators in the UK. Critics, such as Steve Beegoo of Christian Concern, argue that the bill threatens parental freedoms, increases state overreach, and places undue suspicion on home-educating families. The bill includes measures like assigning unique identifiers to children, maintaining local registers, and requiring detailed reports of educational arrangements, including religious instruction. Critics worry this data could be misused or disproportionately target Christian families. Parents could face inspections to justify their educational choices, with penalties for non-compliance, such as fines or imprisonment. Local authorities might prevent parents from withdrawing children from schools, presuming guilt without evidence. This is particularly concerning for parents opposing ideologies, such as transgenderism, which conflict with their beliefs. Christian Concern highlights the rushed nature of the bill, calling it a significant intrusion into family life. It urges prayer, advocacy, and action to protect parental rights and ensure children are raised in environments aligned with biblical values.
Several NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents amid a significant rise in flu cases. Hospitals are facing 'exceptionally high' demand, particularly in emergency departments, driven by a surge in respiratory illnesses. NHS data shows that the number of patients hospitalised with flu in England has quadrupled over the past month, exacerbated by cold weather. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the largest in Merseyside and Cheshire, stated that while it has a comprehensive plan to address the challenges, some patients will experience delays as priority is given to the most critical cases. It is working with partner organisations to discharge medically fit patients promptly to free up space. Non-emergency patients are being urged to use alternative services like GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres, or the NHS 111 helpline.
The Church of England enters uncertain times as Justin Welby steps down amidst controversy over handling abuse cases. Welby resigned in November after an inquiry found he failed to address abuses by John Smyth, a former volunteer at Christian summer camps. Welby accepted 'personal and institutional responsibility' for the failures. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will act as interim leader until a permanent successor is appointed, a process that could take six months. However, Cottrell faces scrutiny over his handling of a case involving priest David Tudor, whom he allowed to continue serving despite restrictions. Tudor was later banned for life, and Cottrell has apologised for delayed action. The Church is also grappling with broader challenges, including declining Christian identification in Britain and internal divisions over its stance on same-sex couples. Experts warn that the absence of stable leadership may further jeopardise governance and safeguarding efforts within the Church.