Primary school kids expelled for sexual misconduct
Children as young as four are being removed from school for sexual misconduct, figures have revealed. They are among almost 15,000 youngsters who have been expelled or suspended for sex offences – including assaults on teachers – in the past five years. More than 1,100 were primary school children, some in reception classes. Boys aged just four have been kicked out of schools in Dorset, Yorkshire, Wiltshire and the West Midlands. Incidents in County Durham included indecent exposure and possessing sexual material. In Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, a boy of ten was suspended for inappropriately touching four pupils. Offences catalogued from all the figures included sexual abuse, assault, harassment, and lewd behaviour. The statistics were revealed in a Freedom of Information request made by The Sun answered by 148 of the 174 local education authorities in England and Wales.
Pray: that these shocking figures can be reversed and the Education Authorities find ways of dealing with the problem. (Ps.37:30)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/primary-school-kids-expelled-for-sexual-misconduct/
Preview to the 2013 G8 Summit
Eight of the world’s leading financial powers will work on advancing trade, ensuring tax compliance and promoting greater transparency during the 2013 G8 summit in Northern Ireland next week. The UK, which took the annual rotating presidency of the G8 in January, will host this year’s summit in Lough Erne, Fermanagh from June 17 to 18. The eight global leaders hoping to address international issues and tackle the most pressing global challenges, and ‘advance growth and prosperity across the world, include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the US and the UK President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy will represent the EU at the summit. In a May 12 editorial in the Wall Street Journal, Cameron called his agenda ‘pro-business and pro-development,’ citing his plan to cut Britain’s corporate tax rate to 20 percent, the lowest rate in the G7.
Pray:for the gathering of G8 leaders that they will be given wisdom and discernment to judge the needs of the peoples. (Is.58:10a)
More: http://www.neurope.eu/article/preview-2013-g8-summit
Pressure to spend at Christmas puts families under too much strain
The “absurd and ridiculous” pressure to have a perfect Christmas puts relationships under strain and “spoils life”, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. The Most Rev Justin Welby said consumerism over the festive period is now so “over the top” that couples are left arguing over money and children are shouted at. He said he would like to tell people to stop giving gifts altogether but accepts no one would listen. I want to say something positive, which is God gives us his son Jesus Christ to give us life and full life and abundant life. Giving at Christmas reflects that generosity of God. So be generous in a way that shows love and affection rather than trying to buy love and affection.” He added: “You can’t buy it, you can show it, and when you show it comes back at you with interest.” Figures last year suggested the average household spent around £1,000 on Christmas.
Pray: for more and more people to hear and live the Christmas message of the Gospels. (Mtt.6:33)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10439197/Pressure-to-spend-at-Christmas-puts-families-under-too-much-strain-warns-Archbishop.html
Press 'need to act' after Leveson
The press have been urged to take action over Leveson Inquiry recommendations to regulate the newspaper industry. Lord Justice Leveson called for a new independent watchdog - which he said should be underpinned by legislation. Culture Secretary Maria Miller told the BBC ‘the gauntlet has been thrown down’ to newspapers to outline how they would set up tough self-regulation instead. Lord Justice Leveson's 2,000-page report into press ethics, published last Thursday, found that press behaviour was ‘outrageous’ and ‘wreaked havoc with the lives of innocent people’. He said the press - having failed to regulate itself in the past - must create a new and tough regulator but it had to be backed by legislation to ensure it was effective. Following cross-party talks the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will begin the process of drawing up a draft bill implementing the Leveson recommendations.
Pray: that the press will take up the challenge by working together to fulfil the recommendations. (Ps.119:45)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20551634
Pre-abortion counselling could cut abortions
Members of the British Parliament are looking at a plan to require that all women in England considering an abortion undergo pre-abortion counselling - a move they say could stop as many as 60,000 abortions annually. Abortion counselling is currently only offered by abortion businesses, which have a financial incentive to ensure they do not talk women out of having an abortion by emphasizing the numerous alternatives available to them or offering any non-abortion pregnancy assistance. However, the proposed legal changes would have abortion businesses following laws similar to those in the United States that require them to mention other options. Such laws have proven to reduce abortions. Tory MP Nadine Dorries will file the amendment to the Health Bill later this week that would put the abortion counselling rules in place. ‘Abortion has become a factory-efficient process that denies women the right to independent, professional counselling,’ she said.
Pray: that this proposal will be successful and lead to many lives being saved. (Job.12:13)
Praying for HOPE 2014
We are praying that 2014 would be a consolidation year where churches will work together around the Christian calendar, festivals and new mission initiatives to bring good news to our lost and broken nations starting on 18 October 2013 to 31 January 2014. To launch this year of mission, World Prayer Centre and all the partners of HOPE 2014 are encouraging us to pray together with Christians around the country using the Prayer for Today Hope Daily Prayers (published by UCB). Using the prayers and themes when praying alone, in home groups, as a church, as groups of churches or in Christian organisations. Every Sunday there is a written prayer which can be used in worship services. This Season of Prayer starts on 18th October 2013 at the Excel Centre, London at the Festival of Life night of prayer hosted by Redeemed Christian Church of God where it is expected that 40,000 people will meet to pray.
Pray: that the Church would take up the challenge to pray and make this a consolidation year of mission. (Lk.2:10)