TIME TO SOUND THE ALARM FOR OUR NATION
27 May 2015
Our nation is in pain with abused children, broken families, lonely elderly, community tensions and youth with a sense of hopelessness. The Church is called to stand in the gap for change in our communities. The World Prayer Centre, Birmingham believes it’s time for our nation to ‘sound the alarm’ and proclaim the Good News to the nation. They are inviting all Christian believers to come to a National Day of Worship and Prayer at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Saturday 4 July 2015. Religions and ideologies are rushing to fill a spiritual and moral vacuum created by a society that says, ‘We don’t do God and we don’t need God’. This ‘TRUMPET CALL 2015’ National Day of Worship and Prayer is a day when we can stand together in humility and unity to declare the Lordship of Christ over our nation. Purchase tickets from here or call 0121 633 7393.
Christians urged to pray for new Government
13 May 2015
The Christian Institute is encouraging Christians across the UK to pray for the new Government after Thursday’s General Election results. The Bible tells us to pray for whoever is in charge and to pray that we would be allowed the freedom to live godly lives with liberty to share the gospel. Meanwhile the General Director of Evangelical Alliance issued a call for Christians to pray for the Prime Minister and his Government, and ensure the church holds him and his cabinet accountable for their policies in the coming days, weeks and months. Also, Dr Jonathan Oloyede of the National Day of Prayer and Worship perceives a Prayer-Storm blowing across the British Isles and urges us to pray for politicians and leaders serving in our local areas, to link up with their staff, and pray and act with wisdom, humility and knowledge.
Scotland - after the election
13 May 2015
The political landscape of Scotland has been recast. Many MSPs are no longer in parliament, and we can pray for them and their families as they come to terms with the disappointment and change. The Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill is due to have its First Stage debate in the Scottish Parliament by the end of May. We are asked to pray for Michael Matheson MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, to include the criminalisation of payment for sex as a key aspect of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill. Also the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland meets in Edinburgh from 16 to 22 May. Commissioners are expected to make a final decision on the long-running issue of whether to allow the ordination and induction of ministers and deacons in same sex civil partnerships. This has already been approved by presbyteries, with 31 for and 14 against.
Northern Ireland crime increase
13 May 2015
Crime across Northern Ireland has risen. In 2014/15 there were 94 victims as a result of paramilitary-style attacks, 24 more than the previous year. Drug seizure incidents increased, by 5.8%, and 2,831 people were arrested for drug offences. There were also increases in hate crime: for example, racist incidents increased by 374, from 982 to 1,356. Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said, ‘We have seen a slight increase of 2.3% in recorded crime for 2014/15, which unfortunately is similar to the wider trend that is being experienced right across the UK. Like all public sector organisations, we are operating in an environment of reduced budgets and fewer personnel to deliver against the same volume of calls for service.'
An adult with Learning Disabilities (LD) is a vulnerable adult aged 18 years or over, who may be in need of community care and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. Over the years most institutions have closed and vulnerable people have moved into more independent living. This carries risks. People with LD often live in blocks of flats in gang areas. It's like walking around with a label saying 'I'm a vulnerable person'. Mencap say that adults with LD are four times more likely to suffer sexual abuse. Police chiefs and disability groups are aware that people with LD are at risk of being targeted by groomers. Unfortunately, should friends or relatives of a victim of abuse alert social services or police on behalf of the victim, they are told, ‘We cannot do anything because the victim is an adult and can make their own choices’.
No to the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’
13 May 2015
In March, the Government put off a decision on whether to allow an appeal against Newham Council’s refusal of planning permission for the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’. Now that the General Election is over a decision could be made within days. If built, it would be the largest place of worship in Europe, accommodating between 10,000 and 40,000 worshippers. The fundamentalist group behind it are associated with convicted and dead Islamic terrorists. People are being asked to write to their MPs, asking them to ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to refuse the appeal for the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’, and also to join them for prayer at the site on 6 June between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Cyber-jihadists linked to the IS are waging a war of terror online - threatening an imminent attack on London streets. Using the hashtag #LondonAttacks, IS fighters announced their plans for a London bombing campaign. The sick boasts include pictures of machine guns piled into the back of a car with the words, ‘Bismillah (in the name of God) we are coming’. Another user tweeted ‘just taught how to make suicide belt by my brother - will be using in #LondonAttack’ alongside a photo of what appears to be a crudely-made package wrapped in duct-tape. The messages come amid ongoing concerns about the rise of IS-affiliated groups operating in the West. A manual circulated online also shares tips for ‘how to survive in the West', including options would-be terrorists have for smuggling weapons in cars and evading the security services. One user claimed Floral Street, Covent Garden was an intended target. See also
Freedom of speech rally
13 May 2015
On 15 June 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta, ensuring the freedom of the Church and the liberties of the barons, and also making himself equally subject to the law. The Magna Carta is one of the most celebrated and influential documents in history and the foundation of Western democracy. This year we celebrate its 800th anniversary, but how real are the liberties it sets out today? Freedom of speech - only where it supports the new dogma. Freedom of conscience - only so long as it doesn’t infringe countervailing values. Freedom of belief - only in private and behind closed doors. The truth is that Christians are being increasingly marginalised and gagged! Faith is being redefined. Christians are invited to make plans to join a Freedom of Speech rally on Monday 15 June at Parliament Square, Westminster between 11am and 4pm to hear speakers, music and much more.