France: Mayor faces jail for gay wedding refusal
A French mayor is facing up to five years in prison and a fine of up to £63,000 for declining to carry out a same-sex marriage. Jean-Michel Colo, a mayor in South West France, rejected a wedding application from two men and says he stands by his decision. But under French law, discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation can be punishable by up to half a decade in prison and up to a 75,000 Euro fine. He could also be removed from office, or face suspension over the move – which is being supported by his deputies. Mayor Colo said while it is up to individuals what they do in the privacy of their own homes, ‘if you ask me as the mayor to support it, then I am very uncomfortable with it’. Speaking to a French newspaper, the French Interior Minister said elected officials ‘who do not respect the laws of the republic will risk significant sanctions’. (See Prayer Alert 17-2013)
Pray: for Jean-Michel that he will be given the strength to stand by his decision and receive support for his beliefs. (Lev.20.13a)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/france-mayor-faces-jail-for-gay-wedding-refusal/
Belgium: Considers euthanasia for children
Belgium’s federal parliament is close to introducing a ‘right to die’ for sick children, according to reports in a Belgian newspaper. Der Morgen has said that a consensus is forming around proposed legislation which would allow children, whose situation is deemed dire enough, to opt for euthanasia. Euthanasia is already legal in Belgium. A law legalising the practice was introduced in 2002 but restricted it to people aged 18 or over. If the law passes, Belgium would become the first country to legalise euthanasia for children. The bill was introduced in December by the Socialist Party. It would lay out guidelines for doctors to assess on a case by case basis whether a child is mature enough to make the decision to end their life and whether the child’s illness is serious enough to warrant euthanasia. Leader of the Socialist party, Thierry Giet, said: ‘The idea is to update the law to take better account of dramatic situations.’ (See also Prayer Alert 01-2013)
Pray: that these proposed changes will not be accepted. (Ps.119:126)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/end-of-life/belgium-considers-euthanasia-for-children
Belgium: Considers euthanasia for children
Belgium’s federal parliament is close to introducing a ‘right to die’ for sick children, according to reports in a Belgian newspaper. Der Morgen has said that a consensus is forming around proposed legislation which would allow children, whose situation is deemed dire enough, to opt for euthanasia. Euthanasia is already legal in Belgium. A law legalising the practice was introduced in 2002 but restricted it to people aged 18 or over. If the law passes, Belgium would become the first country to legalise euthanasia for children. The bill was introduced in December by the Socialist Party. It would lay out guidelines for doctors to assess on a case by case basis whether a child is mature enough to make the decision to end their life and whether the child’s illness is serious enough to warrant euthanasia. Leader of the Socialist party, Thierry Giet, said: ‘The idea is to update the law to take better account of dramatic situations.’ (See also Prayer Alert 01-2013)
Pray: that these proposed changes will not be accepted. (Ps.119:126)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/end-of-life/belgium-considers-euthanasia-for-children
NIGERIA: Islamists drive farmers from their land
Islamic militants have driven 19,000 rice farmers from their land in northeast Nigeria while a military crackdown is preventing thousands more from working their fields, raising fears of imminent food shortages adding to the misery in northeast Nigeria. The abandoned area is fertile, a regional bread basket created by the receding waters of Lake Chad. General hunger is anticipated this year because all roads linking the cities to the farming hinterlands have been closed down. Farmers have been locked out of their lands while those in the hinterland cannot come to the city for tractors or labourers for the next cropping. Meanwhile violence continues with 13 people killed when extremists attacked a boarding school for five hours in Damataru state capital on Sunday night. A student who survived by hiding under a bed said dozens of Boko Haram ordered students to take them to the teachers’ quarters, where they opened fire on teachers and students.
Pray: for an end to the attacks that are terrorizing the population of northeast Nigeria; for minimum violence as troops are deployed. (Ps.68:28)
More: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/18/3457539/islamists-drive-19000-farmers.html
Iran: A 'victory for moderation' says new President
President Hassan Rouhani said, ‘a new opportunity has been created for those who truly respect democracy, interaction and free dialogue.’ He oversees an Iran whose social and economic situation is deteriorating, unemployment rising, inflation at unprecedented levels and many combining several jobs because the wage does not counterbalance inflation. There’s an increasing gap between rich and poor. Workers have no right to organise freely. Attempts to establish independent trade unions have been harshly repressed and labour leaders imprisoned on charges including ‘acting against national security’ and ‘spreading propaganda against the system.’ Over 50% of the population live under the poverty line. White House spokesman Jay Carney stopped short of congratulating Mr Rouhani urging him instead to heed the will of the Iranian people. ‘We respect the vote of the Iranian people and congratulate them for their participation in the political process,’ he added. This week on 20th June at Iranian embassies worldwide there will be demonstrations for imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini and human rights abuses. See also: http://www.fidh.org/iran-rising-poverty-declining-labour-rights-13403
Pray: that Mr Rouhani's change in style would address poverty, human rights issues and be flexible in dialogue towards the US and key UN Security Council members. (Mat.12:20)
Tanzania: More violence alarms through Church
On the Zanzibar archipelago, Islamic militants bent on wiping out all Christians from the islands have burnt and looted churches and threatened persecuted Christians with death. The push for the spread of Islam is less violent but equally persistent on the mainland. If successful, it could threaten the presence of the Church on the Zanzibar archipelago. Over the last year violence has been steadily increasing while at the same time becoming more public. Last month a deadly church bombing occurred with more violence continuing on into this month. Two weeks ago the home of Pastor Robert Ngai in north-eastern Tanzania was broken into by a large group of radical Muslims with machetes. The pastor received serious cuts on his hands and arms when he raised them to protect his head from the blows. Local doctors said the injuries were beyond their ability to treat and he was rushed to a larger city hospital. Tanzania is a Christian majority country with a substantial Muslim population with a strong Islamist drive toward the Tanzanian ‘House of Islam.’
Pray: that pressure from Islamic extremists will be resisted and freedom of religion protected. Pray for protection for church leaders on Zanzibar and Pemba islands. Pray that Christians will have courage to share God’s love with Muslims. (Ps.20:1)
More: http://rescuechristians.org/more-violence-in-tanzania-sends-alarms-through-church/
Brazil: Protests catch authorities on the back foot
On June 13th the NY Times reported, ‘Protests by an increasingly forceful movement against increases in bus fares shook Brazil’s two largest cities on Thursday night, the fourth time in a week that activists have taken to the streets in demonstrations that have been marked by clashes with security forces.’ Since then the violence has steadily worsened to encompass more than 100,000 people sweeping through at least a dozen major cities on Monday night. Protesters are calling for better public services and an end to corruption. With organisers planning further protests the authorities appear to be uncertain what to do next. Police in some regions cracked down hard.
Pray: for President Dilma Rousseff to recognize what steps to take in addressing corruption, and ending the demonstrations peacefully. (Ps.17:19-20)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/18/brazil-protests-authorities-back-foot
Afghanistan: Taliban open door to peace talks
The Taliban set the stage for peace talks with envoys of President Hamid Kharzai and the US, establishing a venue and an opening to the Afghan leadership just hours after Kabul took over nationwide security responsibilities. US Taliban discussions in Qatar on Thursday follow the Taliban opening a political office on Tuesday in Doha and making a gesture toward renouncing links to international terrorism. Until now the Taliban have publicly refused to negotiate with Kabul's representatives, dismissing Mr. Kharzai as an American ‘puppet.’ On Tuesday the insurgent group said its representatives in Doha would meet Afghans ‘in due appropriate time.’ The Taliban announced the office opening (the result of lengthy behind-the-scenes negotiations involving the US, Pakistan, Mr. Kharzai and Qatar) shortly after the US-led coalition formally transferred the security lead to Afghan forces. The coalition will now shift to a support and advisory role.
Pray: for this important step toward reconciliation to move forward without cultural, constitutional, political or religious hindrances. Pray for an end to verbal and physical warfare. (Ac.2:40)
More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324520904578553300053268208.html?mod=WSJWorld__RIGHTTopStories
Canada: Government prayer Sunday
On 30th June Churches across Canada will enter into their 7th annual ‘Government Prayer Sunday’ and unite in intercession for their government, their Christian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the provinces. A number of the provinces have become battlegrounds needing national and international prayer support. Manitoba has proposed anti-bullying legislation, Ontario has radical sex-education and Quebec has euthanasia legislation and the proposed Charter of Secularism. June is when the big ‘Pride’ marches occur in Vancouver and Toronto. We are asked to pray for the love of God to be revealed to the Gay/Lesbian community. May the Canadian Church respond with bold love while holding to the biblical position of sexuality. Pray also for First Peoples' Leaders to have wisdom, grace and protection. Pray also for the Church to have a garment of praise settle upon them and for new strength and anointing as they lift the name of Jesus over every region on the 30th.
Pray: For the Lord's presence in all government decisions, pray also for the Canadian Church to experience a fresh level of unity in prayer and declaration. (Ps.18:13-14)
Bangladesh: 100+ Muslims attack Christians
Two recent incidents have left priests and seminary students severely beaten. On June 5th Muslim extremists went to Tumilia mission and attacked Fr. Abel when he came out of his room. Some say they went with the intention of robbing the property, however International Christian Concern confirm it was ‘targeted persecution by Muslims on Christians.’ On June 6th a Muslim man died from a heart attack during a conflict regarding trespassing by Muslims on Christian land to steal mangos. Blaming the Christians for the man's death, the Muslims attacked the entire village. Two villagers fled to the Catholic Church's mission compound. A Muslim mob of 100+ armed with weapons stormed the compound. The police arrested some Christians but did not take any action against the Muslims who were trespassing on Catholic land. The priests are afraid to do anything against the perpetrators. Muslim extremists are protected by the Muslim ruling party.
Pray: for the Bangladesh Christians living without security from the government, pray God’s protection over them. Pray for an end to attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh. (Ps.102:28)
More: http://www.charismanews.com/world/39906-hundreds-of-muslims-attack-christians-in-bangladesh