Climate change: Asia most affected
25 Apr 2024
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that Asia bore the brunt of climate change and weather-related disasters in 2023. Floods and storms caused significant casualties and economic damage, while heatwaves intensified. Asia's temperature rose almost 2 degrees Celsius above the 1961-90 average; many countries experienced record heat in 2023. 79 water-related disasters, primarily floods and storms, resulted in over 2,000 deaths and nine million people affected. Floods were the leading cause of death. Hong Kong witnessed record rainfall due to a typhoon, and glaciers in high Asian mountains suffered significant mass loss. The Himalayas and Hindu Kush experienced below-normal precipitation, while southwest China faced drought. Japan had its hottest summer on record. Recent severe floods in China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have underscored the urgency for improved weather services. The WMO stressed the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
In Mexico's drought-stricken Michoacan state, subsistence farmers are taking direct action against commercial farms, particularly avocado orchards, which are depleting water sources. Angry residents have organised teams to remove illegal water pumps and breach unlicensed irrigation ponds, sparking potential conflicts with avocado growers, some of whom have ties to drug cartels. The drought, exacerbated by increased water use for lucrative export crops, has led to disappearing rivers and lakes. The residents are demanding fair access to water resources; they have proposed giving 20% of the water to the orchard owners. The government has been urged to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further environmental degradation.
Hundreds of thousands have rallied in Buenos Aires and other cities, protesting against president Javier Milei's austerity measures. The demonstrations united students, professors, trade unions, leftist political parties, and even conservative politicians against the budget cuts which threaten the country's universities. Milei, dismissing the crisis as political manoeuvring, faces criticism for slashing spending across various sectors to achieve a zero deficit. The impact of the cuts is evident as universities struggle to maintain basic services amid soaring inflation (currently 290%). The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) exemplifies the crisis, experiencing power cuts because it cannot cover its electricity bill. The outcry underscores the human cost of Milei’s measures and the urgent need to preserve Argentina's education system.
Scottish church leaders are opposing proposed assisted suicide legislation, citing moral concerns and the sanctity of life. They have urged MSPs to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill, expressing worries about crossing moral boundaries and devaluing human life. The bill, introduced by Liam McArthur, would grant terminally ill adults the right to end their lives under certain conditions. Church leaders argue that legalising assisted suicide could undermine the inherent value of all lives and lead to an ethical decline in society. They advocate prioritising palliative and hospice care to uphold dignity and compassion for those facing terminal illnesses. Despite growing public support, including a survey showing majority approval, they are emphasising the importance of maintaining equal value for every individual's life.
Prepare for Pentecost - return to the cross
18 Apr 2024
A recent online World Prayer Centre team prayer watch meeting turned into a significant altar moment about preparing for Pentecost and returning to the Cross. One of the team reminded us to focus again on the cross after Easter. Another teammate, Diana, said that at another online prayer meeting God prompted her to share ‘re-‘ words. She told us that God had shown her that ‘re’- means Ruach Elohim, or Holy Spirit. We realised that all re- words are life-giving. Then the words started to flow: Refresh, Renew, Rebuild, Restore, Reset, Realign, Relationship, Revival … to name a few! All this happened on the first day after the Jewish New Year, a time of new beginnings. So we urge you to return with us to the place of prayer. Remember the cross and all that Jesus did for us. We invite you to speak out the Easter to Pentecost declaration each day. We pray that God will reignite you with Ruach Elohim this Pentecost and that many will be revived to see a spiritual awakening.
Actor Gary Sinise reflected recently on the power of prayer and his faith journey following the death of his son, McCaleb, from cancer. Sinise, known for his roles in 'Forrest Gump' and 'CSI: NY’,' shares how his family's faith sustained them during their son's illness and eventual passing. Despite their grief, they found solace in prayer and their belief in God. Sinise has called his son a man of great faith, who had a profound impact on those around him, and has emphasised the importance of community and support during times of hardship. His faith has deepened through the experience, and he continues to find strength in prayer and his relationship with God. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges.
Despite a decline in UK church attendance, the Church of England's recent report reveals signs of growth, particularly in Blackburn, where innovative initiatives are drawing in more children and young people. At St Leonard’s church and school in Balderstone, around sixty people of all ages participated in a creative worship service, collecting natural items to represent the Easter story. This inclusive approach mirrors efforts across the diocese to engage with new worshippers, resulting in a 17% increase in children attending weekly services compared to 2021. The local synod has identified successful strategies for church outreach, including schools ministry and online worship. Over the past five years, more than a hundred new local congregations have emerged, ranging from forest churches to café gatherings, indicating a promising trend of community expansion within the CofE.
The Government's Rwanda bill faced fresh setbacks in the House of Lords, with Labour-backed amendments passing despite previous reversals in the Commons. These amendments include exceptions for children and adherence to international law. Rishi Sunak has faced ongoing resistance since the proposal was announced in April 2022. While the government's majority suggests amendments may be overturned, the margin of defeat narrowed as additional peers were enlisted. The bill must reconcile differences between the Commons and Lords before becoming law, a process known as parliamentary ping-pong. Some peers emphasised the importance of international and domestic laws, including human rights and modern slavery legislation, in their amendments. They also supported measures requiring independent verification of Rwanda's safety and exemptions for individuals who had assisted the UK military or government abroad. Sunak has vowed to curb illegal immigration, emphasising the bill's role in this effort.