As more Muslims become part of European society, German universities have begun courses aimed at helping Islamic clergy and religious teachers understand German culture, including Christianity and Judaism. The first programme began last year at Osnabrueck University, with another due to start this year at Tuebingen. ‘The idea was to have a programme for imams because most of them were educated in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt or Bosnia,’ Coordinator of the Osnabrueck programme said. ‘They focus very much on theology and the society where they come from, but they don't have enough knowledge concerning the situation in Germany. Some imams don't speak the German language, for example and they don't know German history.’ The government is providing funding at four universities that are developing programmes focused on interfaith education and the place of Islam in German society.
Pray: that The God of Abraham and Father of Jesus Christ would reveal Himself to them in a new and living way. (Mat.1:1)
More: http://christiancentury.org/article/2011-10/german-university-courses-aim-help-muslims-integrate
Pope Benedict has ended a visit to his native Germany with a call for spiritual renewal among the German people. The pope drew hundreds of thousands to services during his trip, including a final Mass Sunday that attracted about 100,000 people to an airfield beside the airport in the southern city of Freiburg. During the four-day visit, he also addressed parliament and met with victims of clerical abuse. In his parting words before leaving for Rome, Benedict wished Germans
‘strength and confidence’ in their faith. He said even those who doubt God's existence ‘are closer to the kingdom of God than believers whose faith is routine and who regard the church merely as an institution.’ The Catholic church in Germany lost 181,000 members after last year's clerical abuse scandal there.
Pray: for God’s Holy Spirit to flood the nation with His power and renewal. (Tit.3:4-6)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/shows/cwn/Religion-Roundup/#8
Germany: Parents jailed over sex education row
05 Apr 2011
A Christian father spent another day in a German prison Saturday, March 26, after refusing to pay a fine for not allowing his children to attend government-run ‘sexual education’ classes, his lawyers said. Eduard Wiens is now serving a 40-day sentence that will end April 23. Eduard Wiens is one of several Christian parents being prosecuted by German authorities over the controversial sex-classes, adding that it asked the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to quickly review appeals filed last year on their behalf. Eduard and Rita Wiens, chose to keep their children from attending obligatory ‘sexual education’ in the town of Salzkotten that they believed taught students ‘an unbiblical view of sexuality.’ They were subsequently fined and sentenced to prison after they refused to pay. Eduard Wiens served five days last year and is now serving a 40-day sentence. Pray: for these Christian parents who are standing up for their conscience and rights. (Mt.10:22) More:http://www.bosnewslife.com/16249-germany-jails-christian-parents-over-sex-education-row
The Salzburg-based NGO ‘Infoladen’ calls for violence against Christians when expressing pro-life views. In July they called for a counter-demonstration against a pro-life manifestation. ‘Let’s make their 1000-crosses-manifestation a disaster!’ and ‘Sink the 1000 crosses!’ are some of the slogans on their website. In between long paragraphs of prejudices, the NGO ‘Infoladen’ admits that it has already used intimidation and anti-democratic means in their attempts to silence pro-life Christians: ‘They just do not want to understand. Although last summer it was made sufficiently clear to Human Life International, Euro Pro Life and Youth for Life, that they and their anti-women processions are not welcome in Salzburg, and they are planning another manifestation. Last year, the march was disturbed by blockades and successfully shortened through the courageous intervention of emancipatory activists. The closing ceremony of the fundamentalists had to take place virtually in the exclusion of the public.’ They also pronounce a meeting point for the counter manifestation. No names of the leadership of the NGO nor the main organizers are given online.
Pray: that the calls by ‘Infoladen’ against pro-life organisations would be silenced. (Job.12:10)
More: http://infoladensalzburg.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/25-7-pro-choice-demo-1000-kreuze-versenken/#more-896
Germany: Muslim fight for Catholic churches
12 Jan 2012The Catholic Church is planning to close five or six churches in Duisburg because of diminishing patronage. Local Muslims wish to buy the churches to use as Islamic worship locations. 19% of Duisburg-Marxloh residents are Catholic and the diocese closed several churches five years ago. Church officials have explored many options but see ‘no way around’ this second round of closings. Mohammed Al of Duisburg’s Merkez Mosque is striving to convince Catholic officials to allow Merkez (the largest mosque in Germany) to buy the churches, saying, ‘Regardless of whether it’s a church or mosque - it’s about a house of God.’ Germany’s Catholics have protested against the planned closings and possible Muslim ownership with vigils and letters, and plan to demonstrate if the sales go through. The late Muammar Qadhafi once said, ‘There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe without swords, without guns, without conquests. Europe will turn into a Muslim continent within a few decades.’
Pray: for a revived Catholic Church in Germany that will reverse current trends of decline with signs, wonders and powerful evangelism. (Ps.42:11)
Germany: Human trafficking
13 Jun 2013Women from abroad who escape prostitution are considered ‘illegal immigrants’ in Germany and only allowed to remain during the criminal proceedings when they testify against the perpetrators. Although they take a great personal risk by making a statement they are deported when the case is closed – generally without financial compensation. There have been many unsuccessful resolutions by interior ministers to reform Germany’s prostitution laws. After pressure from Brussels, the coalition will now introduce new laws before the summer recess. The Justice Minister needs to amend the criminal law, the Economy Minister has to change the trade and industry regulations so that brothels can receive some guidelines. Also the Interior Minister must clear the way for foreign women who are in forced prostitution to be assured a safe haven in Germany. We are asked to pray that all party political obstacles will be cleared away so that victims get effective protection under the law. (Proverbs 31 v.8-9)
Pray: for protection laws to be passed speedily before the summer recess and that human trafficking rings will be uncovered and broken up. (Psalm 44 v.23-26)
More: http://ec.europa.eu/anti-trafficking/search.action
Germany: Heavy metal evangelism
11 Jul 2013Watchman Team international Europe have forwarded the following prayer request, ‘We would like to mention two ‘Heavy Metal’ music festivals this summer in Germany. ‘Wacken Open Air’ takes place from July 28th to August 4th in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein (northern Germany) with an estimated 75,000 visitors from all over the world, and ‘Summerbreeze’ takes place in Dinkelsbuehl in Franken (southern Germany) from August 15th to 17th with about 30,000 visitors. Please pray for the Spirit’s protection and power for the Christians who will be witnessing at these events – that many young people will be drawn out of darkness into the light. Extra copies of the ‘Metal-Bible’ are being printed for distribution to visitors who are drawn to hear the gospel message.
Pray: that God will powerfully anoint all who are called to share the gospel at these events. Pray for successful printing and timely delivery of all evangelistic material. (Ps.134:3)
Germany: From ‘Call of the Watchman’
13 Jun 2013Europe is dependent on a well-oiled working relationship between France and Germany. However the chemistry between François Hollande and Angela Merkel is poor. Merkel offended Hollande by refusing to meet him in Berlin when he was a candidate in the French presidential election. He took his revenge by inviting the SPD chief to the Elysée Palace, where only heads of state are normally welcomed. There is much that has yet to come out into the open between the two of them. Politically they are divided on how to solve the European crisis. Merkel believes this can be achieved by strict budget control, debt reduction, liberalization of the labour market (with minimal state interference), and the reform of the social system. Hollande holds the opposite opinion. The economy should first be revived with state investment, before looking for savings and reform – a more palatable recipe. In the past, Berlin and Paris agreed a policy in advance and then presented a united approach. This is not happening and Germany appears to be standing alone.
Pray: for reconciliation between the two leaders at a personal level. (Psalm 133) and wisdom for an agreed basis of budget control. (Job 12:.13)