British millionaire buys, then donates religious paintings
A self-effacing multi-millionaire, Jonathan Ruffer, has become a cultural icon here after buying a series of 17th century religious paintings from the Anglican Church for 15 million pounds and then giving them back so they can remain on public display. Painted by Francisco de Zurbaran, a contemporary of Velazquez and El Greco, the representations of the Biblical patriarch Jacob and his sons have been kept at Auckland Castle at Durham since 1756 when they were bought by Bishop Richard Trevor for just under 150 pounds. Earlier this year, the Church Commissioners proposed to sell the Zurbarans at public auction in the hope of using the money to fund Church ministry in poorer parts of England. Thousands of people in the north east of England signed a petition asking that the paintings remain at the castle and supported a campaign organized by Helen Goodman, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, to keep them in Britain. Praise: God for the generosity of Mr Ruffer. (2Cor.9:11)
No plans to change prayers in House of Lords
Suggestions to make prayers in the House of Lords more inclusive were given a lukewarm response this week. Lord Roberts of Llandudno asked peers to consider ‘widening the scope of House of Lords prayers into devotions encompassing faiths that are represented in the House’. He suggested a minute of silence and reflection in addition to the prayers out of consideration for the diversity of faiths and denominations in the House of Lords and wider society. The proposal was met with opposition from the Chairman of Committees, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who said there were no plans to change the prayers. He noted that the practice of prayer in the House of Lords went back to the 1500s and that change might be ‘premature’ (See Prayer Alert 07-2011) Praise: God for the recognition that prayer would remain at the heart of our Parliament. (Mk.12:17) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/no.plans.to.change.prayers.in.house.of.lords/27767.htm
No plans to change prayers in House of Lords
Suggestions to make prayers in the House of Lords more inclusive were given a lukewarm response this week. Lord Roberts of Llandudno asked peers to consider ‘widening the scope of House of Lords prayers into devotions encompassing faiths that are represented in the House’. He suggested a minute of silence and reflection in addition to the prayers out of consideration for the diversity of faiths and denominations in the House of Lords and wider society. The proposal was met with opposition from the Chairman of Committees, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who said there were no plans to change the prayers. He noted that the practice of prayer in the House of Lords went back to the 1500s and that change might be ‘premature’ (See Prayer Alert 07-2011) Praise: God for the recognition that prayer would remain at the heart of our Parliament. (Mk.12:17) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/no.plans.to.change.prayers.in.house.of.lords/27767.htm
South Africa: Concern over violent protests
South African Council of Churches has warned their state leaders that all efforts must be made to save democracy lest they walk the path of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. ‘It is becoming apparent that in areas where local leaders fail to provide leadership and offer basic social services to the communities, people have now resorted to displaying their agitation and anger in a violent way. We wish political parties could respect the desires of communities and allow internal democracy to lead their choice of candidates,’ the South African Council of Churches said. ‘The violent developments associated with poor delivery of social services west of Johannesburg, and some other parts of the country is a rude re-awakening call to the authorities and an indication of just how destructive things can turn.’ Pray: for credible elections on 18th May and against excessive force by the police at times of demonstration and canvassing. (Pr.8:15)
China: House Church persecution increase
Chinese authorities raided a house church in Shaanxi Province where twelve believers were gathered for Sunday worship in the village of Ma'an. A local police chief and two officers broke into the home, confiscated Bibles and other Christian literature, then took all the believers into police custody. Ten were released that evening. Two believers Weng and Zhang Yongkuan remain detained. See: Also on April 3rd at Beijing’s 1,000 strong Shouwang Church, worshippers prayed before facing eviction by authorities wary of losing control over religion. Several worshippers were crying after being told by the landlord that they can’t worship at the ‘Old Story Restaurant’ with walls covered in pictures of Chinese Party leaders shaking hands with former US presidents. The church refused to register with the government, saying its congregation belongs to God alone. Pray: for Weng and Zhang’s release and for all Chinese church leaders to be strong in the Lord as they face increasing opposition. (2Ch.14:11) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/16390-beijings-largest-house-church-facing-eviction
Ivory Coast: Tensions despite calm
Archbishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Abidjan said shootings have reduced but it is a disquieting calm and very tense. People are barricaded in their homes, some without water, electricity or food as they await the finale to the battle in an indescribable tragedy. Internationally recognised President Alassane Ouattara needs to take over the presidential palace and the national radio and television network headquarters. The local Church feels, ‘Without control of these three structures Ouattara cannot establish himself in the eyes of Ivorians as the legitimate authority of the Country.’ It is reported that both sides have recruited mercenaries and militias to fight the past months battles. Pray: for all weapons and missiles to be laid down by state-run military and hired foreign militia. (Ps.118:17)
Mexico: Seeking divine intervention
In Mexico's historically violent border region faith leaders from both sides of the US-Mexico border are launching a joint prayer and fasting initiative this month seeking divine intervention to resolve drug cartel trafficking and violence plaguing the region. The Cinco de Mayo Initiative is spearheaded by Mark Gonzalez, founder of the Hispanic Prayer Network. Beginning April 15th participants will be convening for 21 days in Dallas, Texas, and Mexico City and at the border for prayer. The initiative comes in response to a prophetic directive given by Cindy Jacobs, president and co-founder of Generals International, a missionary organisation devoted to training in prayer and spiritual warfare. Pray: that united prayer, fasting and intercession will cause a Holy Spirit fire to grow and spread across the region long after the initial 21 days of warfare. (Jn.17:23) More: ttp://www.christiantoday.com/article/seeking.divine.intervention.in.mexicos.violent.border.region/27779.htm
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