Yemen: Translation from a Yemeni Imam’s blog
The youth is the hope of a nation its backbone and future. When I consider the demands for change sweeping the entire region, I understand and appreciate the people’s longing for change for the better. In Yemen one can understand acceptable demands, slogans of ‘change’ and the youth longing for a better future. One also understands the pressing demands of the Yemeni people calling for political and economic reforms and holding the corrupt accountable. But I cannot understand the chants and slogans against humanity, religion and values. They are protesting in ‘Change Square’ and fail to look at themselves and consider that it is time for change and to elect the best successors and not their sons or any of their relatives. We have seen and heard their slogans and chants repeated by protesters. These words have invaded children’s minds in the streets and schools. Pray: for the Lordship of Jesus Christ to enter into and underpin every religious and value change in Yemen (Ps.33:8-12)
Iran: Blasphemy trial update
The blasphemy trial of five members from the Church of Iran has been adjourned due to a lack of evidence. (Thank you Lord) According to a news release from Christian Solidarity Worldwide the trial of Pastor Behrouz Sadegh-Khandjani, Mehdi Furutan, Mohammad Beliad, Parviz Khalaj and Nazly Beliad has been adjourned until April 12th in order to give the prosecution more time to gather evidence. Lawyers representing the five have consistently maintained that there are no legal grounds for the blasphemy charges, and remain optimistic that the case will eventually be dismissed. In an earlier trial at the Revolutionary Court in Shiraz, the five were handed a one-year sentence for Crimes against the Islamic Order, which their legal team believes will also be withdrawn on appeal. See also Prayer Alert 11-2011 Pray: fervently at this time for complete absolution for the five Christian men. (Ac.5:25)
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Pakistani Update by indigenous Christian
‘Convert or die’. Masih Gill, a Christian from the city of Mardan, in the province of ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ Northern Pakistan was threatened with these words by a group of Muslims with whom he had been speaking after the recent episode of the burning of the Koran in the US. See Three churches have been attacked in one week by Muslim extremists, and eleven UN guards were killed on April 1st. Local sources say that Masih Gill simply defended his faith, saying that Christians respect all religions and do not nurture hostility towards anyone. The Muslims then threatened Gill. They also said that they would charge him before Pakistani authorities with blasphemy. For insights into the current situation in Pakistan for Christians please click the info button Pray: for God to uphold and strengthen the Christians living and working in Pakistan. (Is.41:10) Info: http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/Pakistansituation1.pdf
Cathedral to host ‘new age’ festival
Manchester Cathedral is to host a controversial new age festival in May which is set to include card readings, mysticism, dream interpretations and a fire breathing vicar. The Christian Spirituality fair is also expected to include a workshop on ‘Meditating on icons as doors into the mystic realm’. Its location in the historic Church of England building is likely to alarm many Christians. ‘Explore’ The fair is set to include Jesus Deck readings, a type of Bible study based on a card drawn from a pack of cards. The ‘Christian symbolism of gem stones’ and an exploration of the ‘relationship between the Goddess and Christian tradition to uncover the divine feminine in Christianity’ are also expected to feature at the event. The Bishop of Manchester, Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch said: ‘The event is a chance to discover and explore old and new Christian spiritual traditions.’ Pray: for the Church authorities as they allow the exploration of alternative faiths and spirituality that God would intervene and bring His revelation and truth. (Gal.1:12) More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8413&this=Church_of_England_cathedral_to_host_
Consultation on civil partnerships registrations in churches
A consultation is underway on whether civil partnerships should be allowed to be registered in churches and other religious buildings. Under current law, civil partnerships can only be registered at secular venues and the ceremonies do not contain any religious elements. The Government wants to implement a section of the Equality Act 2010 that would allow civil partnerships to be registered in religious venues. Equality Minister Lynne Featherstone said: ‘The government is committed to advancing equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people and to ensuring freedom of religion or belief for all people. While the Quakers and Unitarian Church support a change, most Christians are strongly opposed to the move. The Evangelical Alliance, Christian Concern and Reform are among the groups raising concern over whether a change to regulations will lead to discrimination against Christians. Pray: for a huge response by church and other Christian groups to influence the course of these proposals. (1Co.2:6) More:http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/government.launches.consultation.on.civil.partnerships.registrations.in.
Christian foster carers campaign for re-instatement
The Christian couple from Derby at the heart of the controversy over whether couples with mainstream Christian views on marriage and sexuality can become foster parents have re-submitted an application to foster to Derby City Council asking the Council to change its policy on carers. Owen and Eunice Johns, together with Derby City Council, had previously made a joint application to the High Court, asking the Court to make a declaration on how the Council should treat an application from potential foster carers who were unwilling to promote the practice of homosexuality to a small child. As was widely reported at the time, although the particular Judicial declaration on the balancing of rights that the parties sought was not given, the Judges used the opportunity provided to make a forceful case against the right to manifest Christian beliefs in the face of equalities legislation, stating that homosexual rights trumped freedom. (See Prayer Alert 09-2011) Pray: that this move will lead to the Johns’ reinstatement and a change to the law. (Lk.21:15&21)
New website for children, teenagers, youth workers & parents
A new website from the Methodist Church is offering resources for children, young people, parents and youth workers. www.childrenandyouth.org.uk has age-appropriate sections offering stories, ideas and advice for children and young people themselves as well as specialist sections for youth and children’s workers. ‘This isn’t just another website about working with young people,’ said Penny Fuller, Children and Youth Development Officer for the Methodist Church. ‘It’s a hub of resources for the whole Church as we join children and young people on their journey of faith. It’s a place where children and young people can find advice and support as they live out their discipleship in the classroom, on the playground and in the high street.’ The website also has a special section dedicated to parents, with guidance and information for parenting children of all ages on topics ranging from bereavement to relationships. Pray: that this web site will be well used and will provide additional support to all its visitors. (Tit.2:7) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=498
Online video promotes church weddings
An online video promoting church weddings is launched today on the Church of England website, to meet an increase in demand for information on church weddings. Featuring vicars enthusiastic about weddings, couples who have rated their church weddings extremely highly, and the Bishop of Hertford, the professionally produced five-minute video explains how the church has a warm wedding welcome for all. It can be viewed on the weddings website www.yourchurchwedding.org and on the national Church of England website www.churchofengland.org The video, and website, form part of the Church of England's project to promote church weddings that has included road-shows and workshops for clergy in many parts of the country. The Rt Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Hertford, explains in the video: ‘Now people move around the country a lot more, we've changed the law so you can get married not just in your local church, but also in a whole range of churches that are special for you.’ Pray: for a strengthening of marriage in society and that this site will be a helpful aid to those considering how to go about getting married. (Jn.2:2)
Seven-year-olds shown ‘graphic sex cartoon’
A mother has taken her seven-year-old daughter out of school after she was shown a cartoon featuring a couple chasing each other around a bed and having sex. According to The Daily Mail, seven and eight-year-old students watched the controversial Channel 4 sex education DVD, ‘Living and Growing’, at their local elementary school. A voice-over on the DVD describes the sex as ‘exciting’. Lisa Bullivant, from Legbourne, Lincolnshire, was so upset by the content, she took her daughter out of East Wold Primary School and placed her with another school. Bullivant said, ‘The cartoon was very graphic. My daughter was frightened and children have unfortunately been copying what they have seen. Parents should have been given the decision of whether the video should have been shown or not.’ She added, ‘There is no educational, psychological benefit or need for children of this age to have full knowledge of what sexual intercourse entails.’ (See also Prayer Alert 11.2011) Pray: that material that is considered controversial should not be taught without wise discernment. (Tit.1:11a)
Aftermath of Co Armagh bombing
The Church of Ireland issued a statement on the 6th April following the death of Constable Ronan Kerr and subsequent graffiti addressed as ‘views of misguided individuals.’ The statement read, ‘The strong reaction from the citizens in the Bogside and across our city has demonstrated that the sentiments expressed in some graffiti are wholly unrepresentative of the community. Rather they are the views of an increasingly isolated number of misguided individuals. The united voice of the community has been more accurately expressed in the strong lead given by politicians, churches and sporting organizations, not least the GAA, in outrightly condemning the killing of Constable Ronan Kerr.’ Pray: for a united community of believers to stand strong and those striving to revive unrest to fail. (Jer.29:11) More: http://www.ireland.anglican.org/index.php?do=news&newsid=3552