Uzbekistan: Crackdown on Christians worsens
Several unjust rulings have been made against Christians since the start of 2010. The homes of numerous Christians as well as churches have been raided, and many Christians have been fined for sharing their faith, holding religious services, and illegally distributing Christian literature, according to Forum 18 News. Within the last three months, however, pressure has increased to the point of unlawful imprisonment. ‘In the last several months, 10 Christians have been sentenced to administrative detention for their Christian activities--that can mean something as simple as holding a Bible study in their home,’ says Carl Moeller, president of Open Doors USA. ‘This is four times the amount of detentions that we saw last year.’ It's unclear as to exactly why the crackdown has become so much worse so quickly. Moeller confirms, however, that the Uzbek government favours uniformity, not diversity. A rise in numbers of any group could be considered social and political dissension. Pray: for the Church in Uzbekistan that the authorities would cease its persecution. (2Th.1:4)
Hope launch Europe's largest gathering of Christians
Hope will launch in its new form as part of Europe’s largest gathering of Christians, an all-night prayer and praise event hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God which expects more than 25,000 people to attend. Hosted by Pastor Agu Irukwu of Jesus House, the Hope launch will be part of the Festival of Life on 23 July at the ExCel Centre in London. The General Overseer, Pastor EA Adeboye is also keen to pray over and commission Hope. The event signifies a move towards a wider involvement in Hope from across church denominations and cultural divides and will strengthen partnerships with the black majority church. Hope together is a continuation of Hope 08 and is reforming in response to calls from church and denominational leaders who found it a helpful banner to work under. Pray: that this celebration and launch of 'Hope' will lead to revival in the Church. (Ps.33:22) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hope.to.launch.at.europes.largest.gathering.of.christians/26270.htm
Hope launch Europe's largest gathering of Christians
Hope will launch in its new form as part of Europe’s largest gathering of Christians, an all-night prayer and praise event hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God which expects more than 25,000 people to attend. Hosted by Pastor Agu Irukwu of Jesus House, the Hope launch will be part of the Festival of Life on 23 July at the ExCel Centre in London. The General Overseer, Pastor EA Adeboye is also keen to pray over and commission Hope. The event signifies a move towards a wider involvement in Hope from across church denominations and cultural divides and will strengthen partnerships with the black majority church. Hope together is a continuation of Hope 08 and is reforming in response to calls from church and denominational leaders who found it a helpful banner to work under. Pray: that this celebration and launch of 'Hope' will lead to revival in the Church. (Ps.33:22) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hope.to.launch.at.europes.largest.gathering.of.christians/26270.htm
European theology faculties warn of shift to religious studies
Representatives of European theological faculties and church theological institutes have warned against universities dropping the teaching of theology in favour of religious studies that are seen as a more general approach, reports Ecumenical News International. ‘Theology has a major role to play within the university by countering stereotypes, demonstrating ways of dealing with religious conflict, and working out its own unique specificity in dialogue with other disciplines,’ said Orthodox Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, the president of the Conference of European Churches. Pray: that the full message of the Gospel will not be hidden from those who study the scriptures. (Ecc1:13)
European theology faculties warn of shift to religious studies
Representatives of European theological faculties and church theological institutes have warned against universities dropping the teaching of theology in favour of religious studies that are seen as a more general approach, reports Ecumenical News International. ‘Theology has a major role to play within the university by countering stereotypes, demonstrating ways of dealing with religious conflict, and working out its own unique specificity in dialogue with other disciplines,’ said Orthodox Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, the president of the Conference of European Churches. Pray: that the full message of the Gospel will not be hidden from those who study the scriptures. (Ecc1:13)
BBC accused of anti- Christian bias
The BBC has been forced to defend an East Enders' storyline after outraged viewers accused the Corporation of anti-Christian bias. The complaints centre around a portrayal of a Christian Pentecostal pastor as a deranged killer whose deeds are motivated by his Christian faith. Viewers watched the pastor failing to help his ex-wife when she was dying, strangling a love rival to death and attacking his current wife. Over 100 viewers have now written to the Corporation saying that they find the storyline deeply offensive. The BBC issued a statement defending their controversial plot. Last year Don Maclean claimed that the BBC is keen on programmes which attack churches, and that there was a wider secularist campaign ‘to get rid of Christianity’. Daily Telegraph writer, Damian Thompson, said: ‘We are deep into the realms of BBC bias and ignorance here. Only a BBC drama series would, to quote the complainant, ‘transfer the practice of terrorist beheadings from Islamist radicals to a fantasised group of fundamentalist Christians’. Pray: that BBC will give a more balanced view of Christians in their future programming. (Ho.14:9) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/bbc-accused-of-anti-christian-bias-by-viewers/
NI leaders condemn rioting
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers have said there is no excuse and no justification for the violence of recent days. More than 80 police officers were injured in two nights of rioting by nationalist youths. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said there had been ‘outright thuggery and vandalism’. Mr Robinson also said comments by a senior police officer alleging poor political leadership were unhelpful. He said he and Mr McGuinness have been working, and will continue, to work for a resolution of the difficulties around parading. McGuinness said both men were ‘resolute’ in their commitment to tackle sectarianism. ‘This will require the community to stand united against all those forces seeking to bring conflict back on to our streets,’ NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson praised the police and said those ‘who use young people to attack the police and smash up their own area are cynical enemies of the whole community’. (See Prayer Alert 2810) Pray: for seekers of peace to prevail in Ulster and elsewhere. (Jas.1:21)
Swimming lessons during Ramadan
Swimming lessons in some Staffordshire schools should stop during Ramadan to ensure Muslim pupils ‘do not swallow water’ suggests Stoke-on-Trent City Council in an 11-page Ramadan Guide. It says swimming is acceptable to Muslims but poses a high risk of swallowing water that may break a fast. It also suggests re-scheduling sex education classes during the holy lunar month, as Muslim followers who have reached puberty are required to avoid sexual thoughts during this period. Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society said the guidance is out of proportion.’Surely it should be possible for Muslim pupils to be withdrawn from those elements of the school day that they don't want to participate in without imposing these restrictions on everybody, Muslim or not. Rearranging the whole school routine for a whole month to satisfy the religious needs of a few is totally. Pray: that the city council will think again even as the National Secular Society suggests.
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10596808
Churches unite to transform communities
Christians from 18 churches are set to work together this summer to engage in community projects in the north west of England. Engage 2010 is a project 12 years in the making and building on the success of a one-day event in Hoole, Chester in 1997. This one day developed into a week-long Hoolefest in 2004 and then Chesterfest in 2007. Each year it has grown to include more people and to have an even greater impact on local communities. 20 churches have partnered with local businesses and agencies to deliver a week-long youth and community programme. Young people have grown in confidence as they have understood their value and significance as well as building character, self-esteem and teamwork. 18 church congregations from across Cheshire West and Chester are working together with the support of partner organisations including Link Up, The Light Project and Chester Christian Schools Work to organise the programme. Pray: for God’s blessing on all those involved in this project as they live the Gospel message. (1Pe.3:15) More:http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/chester.churches.unite.to.transform.communities/26265.htm
Desperately difficult' to unite Church over Women bishops
The Archbishop of Canterbury admitted today that it will be ‘desperately difficult’ to keep the Church of England unified in light of its schismatic vote on women bishops. In a heartfelt appeal for unity after a particularly fraught week Dr Rowan Williams called on Anglicans to push ahead with the consecration of women bishops despite the fact that a minority of traditionalists, conservative evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics have threatened to leave the church over the issue. The beleaguered church leader suffered an ignominious defeat on Saturday evening when the General Synod rejected his personal appeal for a series of safeguards that would have provided a separate class of male-only bishops to administer to those who remain vehemently opposed to female leadership in the Church. Father David Houlding summed up the feeling of many conservative clergy members who will feel compelled to leave the Church if the ordination of women bishops goes ahead. 'There are just scraps left of the table and we are beginning to starve,' he said, his voice cracking. 'The door is being slammed in my face.' Pray: for unity in the Anglican Church as it seeks to resolve this key issue. (Jn.17:23)