Lord Sacks challenges the nation
27 Apr 2018
Lord Sacks recently commented on Radio 4, ‘I have been doing Thought for the Day for thirty years, and never thought that in 2018 I would still have to speak about anti-Semitism’. He was born after the Holocaust and recalled people saying ‘never again’. But in 2018 anti-Semitism is debated in parliament and is a focus for the Labour Party. Anti-Semitic incidents have risen to their highest level since records began in 1984, averaging four a day. Lord Sacks said, ‘This is not the Britain I know and love’. He reminded listeners that anti-Semitism is not confined to Britain. ‘Jews in almost every European country no longer feel safe. This is within living memory of the Holocaust, when 1.5 million children were murdered simply because their grandparents were Jews. All it takes for something bad to flourish is for good people to do nothing.’
Windrush: immigration amnesty
27 Apr 2018
Fifty years ago corner shops advertised rooms to let with the warning, ‘No coloureds, no Irish, no pets’. The early Windrush migrants from the Caribbean faced enormous prejudice as they played a vital part in rebuilding Britain after the Blitz. The Home Office later destroyed their landing passes and other documents. Now, fifty years later, they have been issued with deportation orders. They believe they are still facing prejudice. Recently their situation was highlighted in the media, which led to parliamentary debates. Boris Johnson said there needed to be an immigration amnesty for longstanding Commonwealth immigrants to prevent others from getting caught up in the same situation. They should not have to produce overly onerous amounts of evidence to prove that they have been living here for years. Pray for attitudes to change, and that we will now value our Commonwealth brothers and sisters properly.
Social media action
27 Apr 2018
Recently we prayed for our children to develop discernment to navigate a disturbing social media landscape. On 22 April health secretary Jeremy Hunt threatened social media firms with new laws if they didn't do more to protect children online. He gave them until 30 April to outline action on cutting underage use, preventing cyber-bullying, and promoting healthy screen time. He said, ‘I am concerned that your companies seem content with a situation where thousands of users breach your own terms and conditions on the minimum user age. I fear that you are collectively turning a blind eye to a whole generation of children exposed prematurely to the harmful emotional side-effects of social media. This is morally wrong and deeply unfair to parents faced with the invidious choice of allowing children to use platforms they are too young to access or excluding them from social interaction that the majority of their peers are often engaging in.’
Sexual abuse in institutions
27 Apr 2018
Institutions like the Church are putting their reputations ahead of victims of child sexual abuse, said an interim report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse on 25 April. They examined 21 British institutions, including the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. Religious institutions were the third largest group of abusers, after schools and children's homes. When it came to the effect on victims' faith, the report said, ‘Victims and survivors may question their religion and spiritual beliefs, particularly where the perpetrator was connected to their religion or faith. They may also use religion and faith as a coping mechanism for resilience and recovery.’ The CofE's deputy safeguarding bishop welcomed the report and said, ‘As a Church we will be studying the report and the panel's recommendations carefully, particularly those which suggest specific changes to help us as an institution to give children better protection from sexual abuse.’
A response to violent knife crimes
27 Apr 2018
The Guardian’s headline on 26 April was ‘Highest number of knife crimes registered since comparable records started in 2010’. This week St Mary’s Church, Primrose Hill hosted a citizens’ assembly for institutions across Camden and Islington to hear from those on the front line against crime and to plan their response to knife, gang and racist violence across London. Local leaders, MPs, councillors and police discussed views which in turn launched a ‘safety commission’ to look more closely into the causes of knife and gang violence. They will work in partnership with politicians and other services. Rt Revd Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, said the citizens’ assembly was timely, given that fatal stabbings have claimed 35 lives across the city so far this year. He encouraged people to support the event, saying, ‘This issue affects everyone, so everyone needs to respond.’ Listen to his comments on Premier Radio at
Freedom from addiction
27 Apr 2018
Betel UK is a Christian charity helping men and women trapped in addiction. 44-year-old Kim says, ‘I came into Betel hoping to stay for two weeks to get off drugs. Fourteen years later, I'm still here! God has captured my heart and completely transformed my life. Now I live a life that was once unimaginable to me. I'm the women's supervisor here. I love seeing people being transformed by the power of the cross. I'm married with two beautiful daughters, and my life is focussed on the Lord and His plans for me. I once heard a speaker saying, “I don't want to go where God's presence won't be”. That's my heart. I lived without the Lord for so many years and now I can't imagine life without Him. I was once trapped in addiction and darkness, but through Jesus, I now have a freedom I never knew was possible.’
UK trade networks
27 Apr 2018
UK’s trading relationships will soon no longer be tied to the EU. Dr John Sentamu reflected on future trading relationships with the world's poorest countries. Millions still live in poverty, lacking access to clean water, education, decent jobs and opportunities. Global economic growth has delivered prosperity for some, leaving others behind. But international trade, when done the right way, is an opportunity for the poor - creating jobs, livelihoods, and hope for the future - while generating national wealth to pay for education, training, roads, clinics and hospitals. Recently experts in these countries highlighted a straightforward agenda for what they believe trade with the UK should look like after Brexit. They want their countries to be able to develop their own economies, to be able to trade more closely with their nearest geographical neighbours, and to industrialise and add value to what they produce.
Ireland's abortion referendum
27 Apr 2018
Ireland goes to the polls on 25 May to vote in a referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion. Voters will be asked if they want to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations. This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years. If the amendment is repealed, it will allow the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely allowing it up to twelve weeks. The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote. The eighth amendment is spearheaded by women, who now want to involve men to achieve a reform.