11-year-olds set to debate rape, prostitution and porn
School children as young as eleven could be given lessons about rape, prostitution and pornography, but critics have warned that the lessons are ‘too explicit’ for youngsters. Charity Rape Crisis has released educational packs for secondary schools, which can be bought for £100, as part of a campaign to end violence against women. They will prompt pupils to debate issues surrounding rape, and will also encourage them to act out a role play, which includes obscene language, where a boy and girl recall a drunken encounter. But Nick Seaton, from the Campaign for Real Education, has criticised the scheme, saying: ‘It is irresponsible and certainly not suitable for young children and probably not for older children either. ‘Just because these things happen does not mean that children need to have them rammed in their faces. Sensible parents will be extremely perturbed that their children are being introduced to this sort of information at a young age.’ Pray: for a considered, sensitive and appropriate programme of sex and social education. (Ps.34:11) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/11-year-olds-set-to-debate-rape-prostitution-and-porn/
Rebuilding Britain: six pillars to strengthen our society
Our culture has its foundations in historic Christian values. We must respect them as we negotiate our future, says the Rt Rev James Jones. Rebuilding Britain rests on the six pillars of family, freedom, friendship, faith, fairness and the future of the earth. These are the columns that need strengthening if the edifice of our society is to withstand the winds of change. They have their foundations in the historic Christian values of our society. We are in danger of cutting ourselves adrift. And, as Lord Hailsham once warned, ‘cut flowers never produce seed or fruit’. The Rt Rev Jones, writing in the Telegraph says ‘The failure of public policy on the family is that it has focused mainly on child poverty, when the biggest problem facing children is not economic hardship but emotional deprivation.’ He goes on to outline his ‘Six Pillars’ based on Christian values. Pray: for our nation and its new government that we will, by God’s Grace, seek a future taking heed of Rt Rev Jones suggestions. (Ps.37:37) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7744426/Rebuilding-Britain-six-pillars-to-strengthen-our-society.html
Britain in the grip of ‘epidemic of loneliness’
Technology and the pressures of modern life are today blamed for creating an epidemic of loneliness, as increasing numbers of people rely on the Internet to communicate with friends and family. A major report by the Mental Health Foundation suggests that more than one in ten people in Britain feel lonely ‘often’, as increasing numbers choose to live alone, work long hours and see each other less and less. The findings, from a survey of more than 2,200 adults from across Britain, suggest loneliness affects people of all ages but that women are more likely than men to report feelings of isolation. ‘Once loneliness becomes chronic, it is difficult to treat,’ the report adds. ‘People who are chronically lonely can get stuck in a loop of negative behaviour, and might push others away or seek transient contact, such as multiple sexual partners, which can make them even more isolated.’ Pray: for all those who are lonely that God would bring friendship into their lives. Pray also that the Church will find ways of reaching these people. (Ps.68:6a) More: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article7135506.ece
Bishop of Croydon calls on God for World Cup help
The Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Nick Baines has written a series of prayers for the World Cup. The first prayer calls for all who work and play in the tournament to be guided, guarded and protected and that fans will find the tournament a ‘source of celebration’. In his second, Bishop Baines asks God to smile on the host country, South Africa, and all those who travel to ‘join in the party’. Another, written for those with no interest in the game, asks that they may be granted ‘the gift of sympathy’. The Church of England's Bishop Baines, a Liverpool fan, said: ‘More than half the population pray at some time and everyone will be affected by the World Cup in one way or another, so it makes sense to have some prayers for those that want to use them.’ Pray:for all those involved directly or indirectly in this major event both in South Africa and around the world. (2Ch.30:23)
BBC TV 'sees religion as tiresome obligation'
Religious coverage is seen as a ‘rather tiresome obligation’ by ‘secular and sceptical’ BBC television staff, a Radio 4 broadcaster has said. Roger Bolton called for the appointment of a BBC religion editor to improve coverage of faith matters. He was speaking at the Sandford St Martin Trust awards for religious programmes, for which he was chairman of the judges. The BBC replied that its commitment to religion broadcasting was ‘unequivocal’. Mr Bolton, who presents BBC Radio 4's Feedback programme, told the London ceremony that a religious perspective was often ‘bafflingly absent’ both on air and in editorial discussions behind the scenes. A BBC spokeswoman said there was ‘no downward trend in our religion and ethics television output’. Earlier this year, the Church of England's general synod expressed ‘deep concern’ at a perceived cut in religious programming by mainstream broadcasters. (See Prayer alert 2010)
Pray:for God to protect the religious content of the BBC and pray that believers would speak out boldly for their faith. (Ph.1:9-10) More:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8705560.stm
Christians upset over UK's first TV abortion advert
The head of the Christian Legal Centre has condemned the first ever TV advertisement for abortion services. Marie Stopes made TV history when it advertised its abortion services on Channel 4 on Monday. The ad asked ‘Are you late?’ referring to women who may have missed a period. It will run throughout June. It is being broadcast as part of a wider campaign by the registered charity to ‘confront the taboo of abortion.’ The plans have upset pro-life and Christian groups, who are considering legal action to halt the broadcast of the advert. While commercial abortion clinics are prohibited from advertising on TV by the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice, the ban does not cover not-for-profit abortion providers like Marie Stopes.
Pray: for a balanced approach to counselling rather than a direct route to abortion as seems to be promoted in the advert. (Rev.4:11b
More: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100520/christians-upset-over-uks-first-tv-abortion-ad/index.html
Portuguese bishops: gay 'marriage' law a step backward
Portuguese bishops, joined by the country's Pro-Life Federation, denounced their president's decision to legalize same-sex ‘marriage’ on Monday, calling the move a ‘step backward’ and an attack on the traditional family.’ A bill aimed at legalizing same-sex ‘marriages’ was passed by the Portuguese parliament in February with the support of the left-wing parties, which are in the majority. President Anibal Cavaco Silva had until May 17 to decide whether to sign the bill into law or exercise his veto power. The president, who is a self-identified Catholic, said on Monday that he was putting aside his ‘personal convictions’ and approving the legislation, making Portugal the sixth country in Europe to allow same-sex unions. Pope Benedict XVI recently visited to Portugal, where he stressed the importance of ‘protecting the essential and primary values of life’ which include the ‘indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman.’
Pray: against this trend across Europe and the World to go against God’s marriage principles. (Heb.13:4)
Portuguese bishops: gay 'marriage' law a step backward
Portuguese bishops, joined by the country's Pro-Life Federation, denounced their president's decision to legalize same-sex ‘marriage’ on Monday, calling the move a ‘step backward’ and an attack on the traditional family.’ A bill aimed at legalizing same-sex ‘marriages’ was passed by the Portuguese parliament in February with the support of the left-wing parties, which are in the majority. President Anibal Cavaco Silva had until May 17 to decide whether to sign the bill into law or exercise his veto power. The president, who is a self-identified Catholic, said on Monday that he was putting aside his ‘personal convictions’ and approving the legislation, making Portugal the sixth country in Europe to allow same-sex unions. Pope Benedict XVI recently visited to Portugal, where he stressed the importance of ‘protecting the essential and primary values of life’ which include the ‘indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman.’
Pray: against this trend across Europe and the World to go against God’s marriage principles. (Heb.13:4)
EU parliament backs new rules on organ donations
As MEPs approve plans to help tackle the illegal trafficking of human organs, Miroslav Mikolášik has criticised Europol's "passive approach" to the issue. European parliament deputies voted by 643 votes to 16 in support of the draft directive on quality and safety standards for human organs used for transplants in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The plans aim to reduce waiting times for the 60,000 people in need of a transplant across the EU, introduce common safety standards and combat the commercialisation of organ donation and trafficking. Slovakian EPP deputy Mikolášik, parliament's rapporteur on the directive, told the Parliament Magazine that figures from Europol, the European law enforcement organisation, suggested the problem of organ trafficking does not exist. ‘Everyone knows that this is a massive problem. But Europol does not actively search for cases, they only wait for announcements to be made and this is not good enough.’
Pray: that these new regulations will see a significant reduction in illegal organ trafficking. (Hos.14:9)
EU parliament backs new rules on organ donations
As MEPs approve plans to help tackle the illegal trafficking of human organs, Miroslav Mikolášik has criticised Europol's "passive approach" to the issue. European parliament deputies voted by 643 votes to 16 in support of the draft directive on quality and safety standards for human organs used for transplants in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The plans aim to reduce waiting times for the 60,000 people in need of a transplant across the EU, introduce common safety standards and combat the commercialisation of organ donation and trafficking. Slovakian EPP deputy Mikolášik, parliament's rapporteur on the directive, told the Parliament Magazine that figures from Europol, the European law enforcement organisation, suggested the problem of organ trafficking does not exist. ‘Everyone knows that this is a massive problem. But Europol does not actively search for cases, they only wait for announcements to be made and this is not good enough.’
Pray: that these new regulations will see a significant reduction in illegal organ trafficking. (Hos.14:9)