Evangelicals have downplayed the commissioning of 20 “overseers” to provide pastoral support to those opposing same-sex blessings in the Church of England. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) organized this alternative spiritual oversight. Among the commissioned overseers is former Bishop of Willesden, Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, who emphasized their role as senior friends offering advice and prayers, not as substitutes for bishops. The initiative aims to help Evangelicals considering leaving the Church of England to stay. The Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and Rt Revd Henry Scriven both described the move as a supportive structure rather than a significant departure from Church norms. The commissioning liturgy clarified that it was not an ordination or consecration. Overseers were selected through interviews and references, underwent safeguarding checks, and were asked to commit to teaching faithfully and respecting Church discipline. Only two of the 20 overseers are women, reflecting the CEEC's commitment to diverse evangelical traditions. This move follows the General Synod’s vote to allow blessings for same-sex couples, which the CEEC regards as a watershed moment, necessitating a structurally secure space for Evangelical clergy and congregations.
Market expectations for an August interest rate cut diverge from economists' predictions. A Reuters poll of economists indicates that the Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates next week for the first time in over four years. Most economists surveyed—over 80%—anticipate the rate will drop to 5% from the current 5.25%, which is the highest it has been in over 15 years following 14 consecutive hikes. However, market sentiment is less certain. A slight majority (54%) believe rates will be held steady, while 46% anticipate a cut. Earlier predictions were more confident about a rate reduction, with 97% of economists in a June poll expecting a cut before the latest inflation data was released. The anticipated rate cut would make borrowing cheaper, as evidenced by Nationwide offering a five-year fixed-rate mortgage deal at less than 4%. The last interest rate cut occurred in March 2020 during the onset of COVID-19 in the UK. The Bank of England has maintained higher rates to combat inflation, aiming to bring it down to 2%. Despite recent drops in inflation, rates have remained at 5.25%.
Recent Ukrainian attacks in the Black Sea have compelled the Russian navy to rebase its ships, according to the Ukrainian navy. Dmytro Pletenchuk, a Ukrainian navy spokesman, confirmed that no Russian naval vessels remain in the Sea of Azov. Russian ballistic missile strikes on Kharkiv on Wednesday damaged the office of a Swiss mine-clearing NGO, injuring six people. Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that an industrial area was targeted. Kharkiv police head Volodymyr Tymoshko described a "double-tap" attack aimed at rescuers, who fortunately evacuated just before the second strike. Heavy Russian attacks have intensified around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, making conditions "tense" and difficult. Ukrainian forces continue to defend the area. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted marginal Russian advances near Kharkiv and confirmed progress in Donetsk oblast. The ISW highlighted Russia's significant challenges in maintaining troop numbers and replacing heavy losses of equipment. Ukrainian authorities noted that Russia's current production is insufficient to cover these losses, with a British assessment indicating that Russia can only sustain operations until 2026-2027 by refurbishing Soviet-era stocks.
As the games commence, a number of Christian ministries, including World Prayer Center are collaborating to invite a gift of one million prayers for France, the safety and success of the games, and to cover many evangelistic outreaches taking place. We are also invited to pray for 500+ Church initiated events and projects taking place across France this summer under the umbrella of Ensemble 2024. They range from Bible giveaways, street evangelism, sports, arts and music festivals to 24/7 prayer. We are invited to say a prayer and click to add our gift on the website. Alternatively, there is an online pledge form for ongoing prayers from families or larger groups. An online prayer guide is available in 33 languages.
In his first address since withdrawing from his re-election bid, President Joe Biden called on Americans to "preserve our democracy" and emphasized the need for "new voices, fresh voices, and younger voices." Speaking from behind the presidential desk, Biden invoked historical figures like Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin, underscoring the nation's inflection point and the power held by its citizens. Biden acknowledged his decision to step aside, citing the personal sacrifice it entailed and stressing that nothing should come before saving democracy, including his ambitions. He emphasized passing the torch to a new generation and framed his struggles as strengths, reflecting on his journey from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by family, including his son Hunter, daughter Ashley, and First Lady Jill Biden, he addressed the softening of his voice and the legacy of his presidency. Without mentioning Donald Trump, he highlighted the threat to democracy and praised Vice President Kamala Harris. He concluded with a call to action, urging unity to preserve democracy, and received a minute-long applause from those present.
Ethiopia: at least 229 dead after landslides
26 Jul 2024
At least 229 people have died after two landslides struck Ethiopia on consecutive days, with pregnant women and young children among the victims. The second landslide buried those attempting to rescue individuals trapped by the first. The total number of missing persons remains unclear. The initial landslide occurred after heavy rain on Sunday, followed by a second one on Monday, raising the initial death toll to 50. "I don't know when it will stop. We are still recovering bodies," said Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone. Children have been seen clinging to the bodies of family members lost in the disaster. Local administrator Dagmawi Ayele reported at least five survivors being pulled out alive, while many victims remain buried. Footage shows people using shovels and bare hands to dig through the thick mud, with women wailing in the background. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his deep sadness over the "terrible loss," and federal officials have been deployed. The World Health Organisation, led by Ethiopian Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has also dispatched a team to assist. Ethiopia's rainy season, which began in July, is expected to last until mid-September.
North Korea has sent approximately 500 balloons filled with trash into South Korea's airspace over the past 24 hours, South Korean officials reported on Thursday (Jul 25). These balloons have disrupted flights and even ignited a fire on a residential building's roof. This act is part of an ongoing propaganda campaign by Pyongyang against North Korean defectors and activists in the South, who often send balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets, medicine, money, and USB sticks loaded with K-pop videos and dramas. A suspected balloon led to a two-hour suspension of take-offs and landings at Seoul's Gimpo Airport on Wednesday evening, according to an official at the Korea Airports Corporation. Similar disruptions have occurred at Incheon International Airport in recent weeks. In Gyeonggi province, near Seoul, a balloon caused a fire on a residential building, which firefighters quickly extinguished. South Korea's military reported that some trash balloons were equipped with timed poppers designed to spread trash and potentially cause fires. Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that 480 balloons had landed, mostly carrying paper and plastic trash. Some balloons even landed near the heavily guarded presidential office in Seoul on Wednesday.
The Foreign Secretary has announced the UK-India Technology Security Initiative in New Delhi during his first visit to India. Meeting with senior officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative aims to reset relations with the global south. Key points of the initiative: Telecoms Security and Emerging Technologies: This initiative focuses on collaboration in telecoms security and investment in emerging technologies, refreshing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and boosting economic growth in both countries. Climate Change Collaboration: The UK and India have agreed to enhance cooperation on climate change, accelerating partnerships in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities. Strategic Technology Collaboration: Led by National Security Advisors from both nations, the initiative targets critical technologies like AI, quantum computing, health/biotech, advanced materials, and semiconductors. A new £7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was announced under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership. This initiative is part of a broader effort to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, education, culture, and climate, while mobilizing finance and unlocking clean growth opportunities.