All-day drinking laws to be reviewed
01 Jun 2010
All-day drinking laws are set to be reviewed by the new coalition government in an attempt to crack down on binge drinking, it has been revealed. The Liberal Democrat-Conservative manifesto has revealed that the controversial law, which has often been blamed for an increase in violence, will either be tightened or scrapped altogether. Speaking at the Police Federation conference earlier this week, Home Secretary Theresa May said that the problems that had stemmed from the introduction of the law needed to be addressed. A report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) criticised the current lack of action being taken to tackle the binge drinking culture which is apparent in the UK. According to the advice offered by the ACMD, the drink driving limit for young people should be lowered and more information provided about the levels of their drinking. (See also Prayer Alert 3609 &1909) Pray: that the Government would seriously reconsider the legislation on 24-hour drinking. (Pr.20:1) More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8077&this=All-day_drinking_laws_to_be_reviewed
All Christians to back Pope’s visit
21 Sep 2010
The Evangelical Alliance has called on Christians of all denominations to support the Pope’s visit to Britain. The organisation, which represents around a million evangelical Christians, believes the papal visit is especially timely as Christians face growing hostility from a small but influential secular wing. It acknowledges that the visit is taking place amid anger over the Church’s handling of child abuse cases and strong opposition to its stance on issues like homosexuality, women and abortion, but says there are ‘other critical issues at stake’ that will affect Britain’s future as a whole.The Alliance is urging all Christians to support the Pope’s address. The Evangelical Alliance said it hoped the Pope’s visit would ‘act as a catalyst’ for society to protect religious freedom in Britain and overseas. Pray: for the Pope and his message of religious freedom as he continues his visit to the UK. (Ga.5:1) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/evangelicals.urge.all.christians.to.back.pope.visit/26703.htm
Alcohol fuelling abortions
27 Aug 2010
New research suggests that women with a high level of alcohol intake are more likely to take the morning after pill or have an abortion. According to the University College London study, women who binge drink have a 40 per cent higher chance of having at least one abortion in the past year. Furthermore, the research found that women who exceed the recommended weekly alcohol limit were 80 per cent more likely to have used the morning after pill. Commenting, Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, said that the findings show that alcohol consumption should not be underestimated. ‘The importance of a stable family background and responsible parenting can never be overstated.’ Meanwhile, plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in the Greater Manchester area have received support from Prime Minister David Cameron. Pray: that the legal framework encouraging binge drinking may be changed to discourage it. (Lk.11:53) More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8174&this=Alcohol_fuelling_abortions,_study_suggests
Two national charities have launched different campaigns urging people to cut down on their alcohol consumption. Alcohol Concern is urging drinkers to shun alcohol for January, with benefits which it says include saving money, losing weight and feeling healthier. But the British Liver Trust said people should follow its recommendations throughout the year, including taking 2-3 days off alcohol every week. Liver disease is now the fifth biggest cause of death in the UK. The British Liver Trust said it was on the rise because British culture continues to embrace daily consumption of alcohol, fatty food choices and a lack of exercise.
Meanwhile, Alcohol Concern has launched its Dry January campaign, urging people to take a month off drinking alcohol. The charity said it wanted to get people thinking and talking about their drinking, and it hoped these conversations would continue long after this month.
Pray: for an improved awareness of the health risks of drinking alcohol and that the message will be heard and acted upon. (1Cor.6:12)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20880957
Air Cadets to remove 'God' from promise
28 Jan 2013The Air Cadet Organisation has announced its intention to provide an alternative ‘non-religious’ oath for new members that excludes any references to God, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. Currently each recruit promises “to be a good citizen and to do my duty to God and the Queen, my country and my flag.” The announcement follows pressure from the British Humanist Association (BHA) and United Kingdom Armed Forces Humanist Association (UKAFHA) to offer an alternative oath. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: “Behind the effort to secularise some of Britain’s most established institutions is the assumption that Christian faith is somehow divisive and damaging. “This is plainly not the case when a youth organisation like the Air Cadets has 41,000 young people as members. Making the promise as it stands doesn’t harm anyone. It’s a good thing and recognises that principles like faithfulness, loyalty and service flow from a Christian worldview.
Pray: for the vast majority, if not all, of new cadets to choose to promise aleigance to God. (Jn.1:12)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18529.html
Aid works - if it's in time
21 Jul 2011That's the verdict from international development charities this week in the wake of a generally positive United Nations update on progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The report suggests the aim of halving the number of the world's poor between 1990 and 2015 remains on track. While there are a number of reasons for the progress, such as the increased wealth in India and China, international aid is an important factor in the improvements, said Laura Webster, head of public policy at the international development charity Tearfund. But in recent months the UK government has faced much criticism for sticking to the plan of spending 0.7 per cent of its national income on foreign aid in the current climate of austerity measures. Just last week David Cameron accused critics of his foreign aid policy as being 'possibly hard-hearted'.
Pray: for the ongoing success of the MDG’s despite the current financial climate. (1Sam.2:8)
Agapé to unveil vision for UK
08 Aug 2011Christian ministry Agapé is set to unveil its vision for spiritual transformation in the UK this month. It is holding a celebration at the Broadway cinema in Nottingham on August 20 during which its new national director, Lesley Cheesman, will be commissioned. The event will showcase the work of Agapé and its ministry partners, and include the premiere screening of Agapé's new short film, also called 'Reckless Love for a Reckless Nation'. The film examines the state of the nation, highlighting both the challenges the church in the UK must face and Agapé’s distinct role in the body of Christ. Ms Cheesman said, ‘Shouldn’t everyone in the UK have the opportunity to hear the message of Jesus and witness the counter-cultural values of God’s Kingdom being put into practice? ‘We hold the belief that this can happen in our lifetime! We want to work closer with the wider Church to see lives changed and devoted to Jesus 100%.’
Pray: for Lesley as she is commissioned and for the work of Agapé in spreading the Gospel message. (Col.1:25-26)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/agap.to.unveil.vision.for.uk/28390.htm
Aftermath of Co Armagh bombing
11 Apr 2011
The Church of Ireland issued a statement on the 6th April following the death of Constable Ronan Kerr and subsequent graffiti addressed as ‘views of misguided individuals.’ The statement read, ‘The strong reaction from the citizens in the Bogside and across our city has demonstrated that the sentiments expressed in some graffiti are wholly unrepresentative of the community. Rather they are the views of an increasingly isolated number of misguided individuals. The united voice of the community has been more accurately expressed in the strong lead given by politicians, churches and sporting organizations, not least the GAA, in outrightly condemning the killing of Constable Ronan Kerr.’ Pray: for a united community of believers to stand strong and those striving to revive unrest to fail. (Jer.29:11) More: http://www.ireland.anglican.org/index.php?do=news&newsid=3552