Concerns for homeless
Housing Justice, a Christian homelessness charity has spoken out against plans by Westminster Council to introduce restrictions to rough sleeping and food distribution for the homeless in the area. The Council has just opened a four-week consultation on a new bylaw that will fine people in the area around Victoria Station if they ‘lie down or sleep in any public place’, ‘deposit bedding’ or distribute free food and drink. This includes charity soup runs and food distribution schemes which have come up against strong opposition from Westminster Council. The Council tried in 2007 to ban soup runs in central London on the grounds that they put local residents at risk by attracting large numbers of homeless people to the area. It was forced to back-track on its plans, however, after they were met with public outcry. Alison Gelder, director of Housing Justice, believes the proposals are unnecessary. Pray: for the many charities that reach out to the homeless that their work will not be interrupted and the council make wise decisions. (Jas.3:13) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/concerns.for.homeless.as.westminster.moots.restrictions/27590.htm
Cannabis use 'raises psychosis risk'
Using cannabis as a teenager or young adult increases the risk of psychosis, a report suggests. The study published in the British Medical Journal involved tracking 1,900 people over a period of 10 years. Although the link between cannabis and psychosis is well established, it had been unclear whether cannabis triggers the disorder. The participants in the study, aged between 14 and 24, were assessed for cannabis use and psychotic symptoms at three points over a 10-year period. It was found that cannabis use ‘significantly’ increased the risk of psychotic symptoms. Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at the Institute of Psychiatry, said the study added ‘a further brick to the wall of evidence’ showing that use of traditional cannabis is a contributory cause of psychoses like schizophrenia. He said it was one of 10 prospective studies all pointing in this same direction. Pray: that this report will strengthen the argument against cannabis-use and lead to new legislation against it. (Pr.5:1)
Bus ads target cultural Christians ahead of census
The British Humanist Association is gearing up for a major advertising campaign calling upon cultural Christians to tick ‘no religion’ in the forthcoming census. BHA will be running posters on buses and trains telling the non-religious: ‘If you’re not religious then for God’s sake say so.’ The 2001 census was the first to ask British people ‘What is your religion?’, although answering was voluntary. Seventy-two per cent of the population in England answered the question by identifying themselves as Christians. This year, the census in England and Wales will ask: ‘What is your religion?’, while in Scotland it will say: ‘What religion, religious denomination or body do you belong to?’ In a bid to address concerns over accuracy, the Office for National Statistics has introduced a small change to the tick options, replacing ‘none’ with ‘no religion’. The census takes place this year on March 27. Pray: for the Government as these statistics are likely to change the way the Government thinks and pray that it makes wise decisions. (Jas.1:26-27) census/27569.htm
Fairtrade is not about charity, it is about justice
‘Fairtrade Fortnight' runs from 28th February-13th March and the Archbishop of York is calling for people to support it by organising events and buying Fairtrade produce. Since the launch of the first Fairtrade label in 1988, the Fairtrade Foundation has been seeking to transform trading structures and practices to help the poor and disadvantaged all over the world. The Archbishop encouraged all to get involved in Fairtrade Fortnight by saying: ‘I encourage anyone who is organising an event during Fairtrade Fortnight. Remember your contribution and commitment can help make a difference to those suffering in poverty around the globe. ‘Fairtrade is not about charity, it is about justice. It is about people getting fair pay for the produce and products of their labours, no matter where they live in the world. Please join me in buying Fairtrade produce where you can – this small act makes such a big difference in the fight against global poverty.' Pray: for the work of Fairtrade and for a huge response to Fairtrade Fortnight. (Ps.145:7)
Uzbekistan: 15,000 Bibles seized: Christian fined
Uzbekistan on Monday, February 28, still refused to release some 15,000 Bibles that were seized earlier by customs authorities and the Bible Society of Uzbekistan said one of its staff members was fined for ‘violating procedures.’ In statements, the State Religious Affairs Committee and Justice Ministry officials said they ordered the Bible Society to return the books to Russia at their own cost as ‘There is no need to import Bibles into Uzbekistan since there’s an electronic version on the Internet.’ Christian workers say however, that since the average income in Uzbekistan is about $10 a day, Internet access ‘may not be very accessible to the average person’. The Slavic Gospel Association, which is supporting churches in the former Soviet Union, said the latest developments are part of a wider crackdown on evangelical Christianity in the region. Pray: for the release of these Bibles that God’s Word will fulfil its purpose. (Pr.19:21) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/15758-uzbekistan-seizing-15000-bibles-christian-fined
Uzbekistan: 15,000 Bibles seized: Christian fined
Uzbekistan on Monday, February 28, still refused to release some 15,000 Bibles that were seized earlier by customs authorities and the Bible Society of Uzbekistan said one of its staff members was fined for ‘violating procedures.’ In statements, the State Religious Affairs Committee and Justice Ministry officials said they ordered the Bible Society to return the books to Russia at their own cost as ‘There is no need to import Bibles into Uzbekistan since there’s an electronic version on the Internet.’ Christian workers say however, that since the average income in Uzbekistan is about $10 a day, Internet access ‘may not be very accessible to the average person’. The Slavic Gospel Association, which is supporting churches in the former Soviet Union, said the latest developments are part of a wider crackdown on evangelical Christianity in the region. Pray: for the release of these Bibles that God’s Word will fulfil its purpose. (Pr.19:21) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/15758-uzbekistan-seizing-15000-bibles-christian-fined
Turkey: The right to have places of worship
The right to establish, own, and maintain places of worship is set out in the international human rights standards that Turkey is a party to. Yet religious communities face serious obstacles – both formal and informal – preventing this, Forum 18 News Service notes. Only the state-run Diyanet can open mosques and administer them. The largest community demanding to have its own places of worship is the Alevi community, which is around one third of the population. But despite government promises of a solution, none has yet appeared. Indeed, the state is currently attempting to close down an Alevi association because its statute describes its cemevi as a place of worship. Communities, such as Protestants and Jehovah's Witnesses, face serious obstacles in establishing places of worship, while Catholics, Greek and Syriac Orthodox and other communities face serious problems in maintaining places of worship. To implement human rights obligations this right must be made secure. Pray: for the rights of worshipping communities to be set free. (Ps.86:9)
Turkey: The right to have places of worship
The right to establish, own, and maintain places of worship is set out in the international human rights standards that Turkey is a party to. Yet religious communities face serious obstacles – both formal and informal – preventing this, Forum 18 News Service notes. Only the state-run Diyanet can open mosques and administer them. The largest community demanding to have its own places of worship is the Alevi community, which is around one third of the population. But despite government promises of a solution, none has yet appeared. Indeed, the state is currently attempting to close down an Alevi association because its statute describes its cemevi as a place of worship. Communities, such as Protestants and Jehovah's Witnesses, face serious obstacles in establishing places of worship, while Catholics, Greek and Syriac Orthodox and other communities face serious problems in maintaining places of worship. To implement human rights obligations this right must be made secure. Pray: for the rights of worshipping communities to be set free. (Ps.86:9)
Pakistan: Christian Government Minister slain
Unknown assailants sprayed bullets at minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti a Christian who defied death threats following the murder of another politician opposed to Pakistan’s blasphemy law which carries the death penalty. While no one has been killed for blasphemy the law is used to exploit others motivated by personal enmity or because of business disputes. Controversy flared when Christian mother of five, Aasia Bibi, was sentenced to death for blasphemy following a dispute over land. She was in competition for a valuable piece of land with local Muslims and they accused her of blaspheming against Islam when they failed to gain control of it. Aasia is desperate to have her death sentence overturned, extremists are offering rewards for her killer. Bhatti’s assassination raises fresh questions and concern about the safety of Sherry Rehman, a parliamentarian who also championed reform of the blasphemy laws. She has been living in semi-hiding since January. Pray: that those who hate justice and detest the truth be silent (Am.5:10) and the establishment of justice to prevent assassination of Christians. (Am.9:14)
North Korea: World Watch update
North Korea is in total crisis. Persecution of Christians is more severe there than anywhere else in the world. Famine holds vast swathes of the nation in its grip and untold thousands live in poverty and misery. The populace are kept ignorant of the outside world and forcibly indoctrinated into ‘Juche’ ideology focusing on the self-sufficiency of man. It teaches a trinity consisting of the father (deceased leader Kim Il-Sung), son (current leader Kim Jong-Il) and the ‘Juche spirit’ of self-reliance. Christians in North Korea are forced to keep their faith secret as all religions are harshly suppressed and those who are discovered face torture, labour camp and even death. Please pray for strength and courage for the estimated 50,000 Christians currently in North Korea’s prison camps. Pray also for secure printing and distribution of Bibles to North Korean Christians, and safe outreach work amongst North Korean defectors in China’s border areas. Pray: that many North Koreans respond to the hope and truth of the triune God, and for Christians to be strengthened. (Mal.4:2)