Bishop calls for election which protects the vulnerable
The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds has called for policies from the parties contesting the general election, which promote fairness and support for those most in need. The Rt Rev John Packer says that the ‘burden of cuts’ must fall on those with adequate resources and not on those struggling with debt or unemployment. It comes as ethics look set to play a central part in the election off the back of the scandal over MP's expenses, and slogans from the main parties which address 'fairness'. On taxing and cuts, Bishop Packer says, ‘I shall be searching for signs of a concern for those in most need in our society. So in dealing with national debt, I shall want the burden of cuts to fall on those of us with adequate resources, and not those who have inadequate housing, who are unemployed or who struggle with debt. They need protection.’
Pray: for a genuine desire by the political leaders to support the truly needy in our country. (Dt.15:11)
Christians invited to 'Join The Party'
Christians should not only vote in the forthcoming general election but seek to influence the political system from the inside as party members, local councillors and even MPs, according to a campaign launched on Tuesday. ‘Join The Party’ has been launched by Christians in Politics, the politically neutral umbrella organisation jointly owned by the Christian Socialist Movement, the Conservative Christian Fellowship and the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum. It encourages Christians to get beyond shouting from the sidelines and to become part of the political process. The campaign is launched with video clips of the three main party leaders and the Archbishop of York available from Christians in Politics www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk/home. In his video clip the Archbishop of York Right Revd John Sentamu encourages
Christians ‘to vote, to engage, to converse, to discuss’ and says ‘it matters a great deal if all of us who are able to exercise our democratic right are able to turn out’.
Pray: that God's grace and guidence might be given to all engaged in the May 6 election process. (1Ki.4:29)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.invited.to.join.the.party/25650.htm
Russia: Terrorism won’t stop the Gospel
Vladimir Putin is pursuing Islamist insurgents in the North Caucasus and some fear government crackdowns on Islam may lead to tighter restrictions on Christians. However Slavic Gospel Association are training the next generation of church leaders working specifically in cross religious, cross cultural environments where Christianity meets Islam. This training is equipping churches to reach Russian youth and protecting young people from brainwashing radicalism. They are also sending young people to Summer Camps to become agents of peace and love. Many families, tired of war and terrorism, have come to Christ because of summer camps. They are seeing a true Christian message of love. Also in St.Petersburg Buckner International are linking their orphanages with local churches thus enabling Churches to proactively adopt an orphanage. The city churches are now also organising summer camps. The above reports come from Intercessor Networks. For an encouraging prayer insight from Russia’s Schools Without Walls training click the 'More' button.
Praise: God that Russia’s youth are coming to Christ and pray for more anointing on youth outreach in the Caucasus Mountains. (Ro.15:5)
More: http://www.sga.org.uk/news_headlines/power_through_prayer.html
Westminster 2010: a declaration of Christian Conscience for General Election
Please take a moment to sign ‘Westminster 2010’, a declaration of Christian conscience as we approach the General Election endorsed by 35 Christian leaders and launched on Easter Sunday. ‘Westminster 2010’ is aimed to appeal to UK Christians of all denominations who subscribe to the historic Christian faith and who hold orthodox Christian beliefs about life, marriage and conscience. All parliamentary candidates are being asked to pledge that they will ‘respect, uphold and protect the right of Christians to hold and express Christian beliefs and act according to Christian conscience’. Read the declaration and add your signature by clicking the 'More' link.
Pray: that this initiative will bear fruit. (Lk.4:43)
Government drops home-schooling and sex education plans
The Government has bowed to pressure and withdrawn its highly controversial plans for England. Under the proposals, sex education was to become a statutory part of the national curriculum and control over the content of lessons was to be taken away from school governors and given to Whitehall officials. Proposals to restrict the freedoms of home-schooling parents have also been shelved as the Government attempts to get its Children, Schools and Families Bill into law before the general election. The changes come as a result of the negotiations that take place in the final throes of a Parliament. Under the contentious sex and relationship education plans, children were to be taught that same-sex civil partnerships were equal in value to marriage. Faith schools were also set to be forced to teach children about homosexuality and tell kids how to access contraception.
Praise: God that prayer and pressure groups have caused this change. (Php.1:27)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/govt-drops-home-and-sex-ed-plans/
Government drops home-schooling and sex education plans
The Government has bowed to pressure and withdrawn its highly controversial plans for England. Under the proposals, sex education was to become a statutory part of the national curriculum and control over the content of lessons was to be taken away from school governors and given to Whitehall officials. Proposals to restrict the freedoms of home-schooling parents have also been shelved as the Government attempts to get its Children, Schools and Families Bill into law before the general election. The changes come as a result of the negotiations that take place in the final throes of a Parliament. Under the contentious sex and relationship education plans, children were to be taught that same-sex civil partnerships were equal in value to marriage. Faith schools were also set to be forced to teach children about homosexuality and tell kids how to access contraception.
Praise: God that prayer and pressure groups have caused this change. (Php.1:27)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/govt-drops-home-and-sex-ed-plans/
Muslim says: Christian faith is becoming 'eroded'
Britain's national faith is being ‘eroded’ by politically-correct individuals seeking to remove religion from society, a Muslim doctor has claimed. Dr Taj Hargey has warned that numerous secularist groups are sidelining Christianity in the country. He claimed that this was leading to the destruction of the ‘strong moral compass’ and ‘once famous community spirit’ present in the nation. He stated that rather than protecting religion, those in charge are instead contributing towards its marginalisation. ‘I am Muslim. But even as a non-Christian, I can see all too clearly the shameful way in which Britain's national faith is being eroded,’ he explained. ‘The over-riding impression is that the state increasingly favours minority religions over Britain's own.’ A number of religious organisations have spoken out against the introduction of new legislation in the UK which they believe seeks to marginalise Christianity from society.
Pray: that Christians continue to speak out and fight against marginalisation of our faith. (1Ch.19:13)
More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8034&this=Muslim_says:_Christian_faith_is_getting_'eroded'
British armed forces returning from Afghanistan
Servicemen and women are coming to the end of their deployment and are being replaced on a gradual changeover in Afghanistan. This is a vulnerable time for service personnel. Anticipating a safe return, service personnel need to stay vigilant right until they get on the aircraft to go home. We all should be aware of their damaging memories from incidents witnessed during their deployment and support them if they require to seek professional help because they find it difficult adjusting to normal life.
Pray: that they will adjust quickly back into their normal routines and family life. (Heb 13:17)
Resourcing those with a 'big heart' seeking election to the new General Synod
More than one national election is taking place this year. A campaign is launched today to encourage ‘people with a very big heart’ to stand for election to the General Synod of the Church of England. Containing 378 lay and clergy members, and passing measures that have the same effect within Anglicanism as those of Parliament, the General Synod continues to play an essential role in the life of the country as well as the Church. It will be dissolved at the end of the July 2010 group of sessions in York. A new Synod will be elected for a five-year term in September/October, and inaugurated in November. Under the slogan 'Be Part of the Big Picture', new resources include a five-minute DVD filmed at General Synod in February 2010, featuring contributions from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Business Committee chair Preb Kay Garlick, outgoing members of the Houses of Laity and Clergy, and national journalists.
Pray: for Anglicans throughout the country to prayerfully consider God’s calling to stand for the General Synod. (1Sa.3:10b)
Global Day Of Prayer - London calls every Christian in the UK to prayer
As a precursor to a National Day of Prayer at London’s West Ham Stadium on 13th June 2010, GDOP London is calling every church and Christian in the UK to a season of prayer and fasting for the nation. As the country moves closer to a historic moment with the British general elections taking place May 6, GDOP London convener Jonathan Oloyede is urging the church to rise up prophetically and perform her duty as 'kingmaker'. ‘Every church, ward, borough or district should take responsibility in prayerfully deciding who is elected locally into public office. Churches need to hold vigils, conduct special prayer services and urge their congregants to do a little bit more towards the election which is a divine selection. If we pray then as our Lord taught us, God's will shall be done in Brighton, Hereford, Luton, York and everywhere,’ explains Dr Oloyede.
Pray: that Christians throughout the nation will approach the coming election prayerfully. (Ps.48:14)