Boris Johnson accused Saudi Arabia of engaging in ‘proxy wars’ in the Middle East, and Middle East politicians of ‘twisting and abusing religion for political gain’, adding that Iran and Saudi Arabia were ‘puppeteering’ because of a lack of strong leadership in the region. Our foreign secretary said, ‘There are politicians who are twisting and abusing religion and different strains of the same religion in order to further their own political objectives. That's one of the biggest political problems in the whole region. That's why you have these proxy wars being fought in that area. There is not strong enough leadership in the countries themselves.’ He added that there was a lack of ‘big characters’ in the Middle East who are willing to reach out beyond their Sunni or Shi’a group and bring people together.

Sussex bishops have urged for an end to the ‘cycle of blame’ and ‘misery’ that is impacting Southern Rail commuters. In a letter addressed to bodies from all sides of the Southern Rail dispute, the bishops' letter said that those involved had a ‘moral obligation’ to provide public transport and that the ongoing row was causing damage to the communities reliant on the service. Strikes are scheduled for this month and January, in a long-running dispute over changes to the role of conductors. The bishops say that, as Christian leaders, their task is ‘to promote those processes which lead to human flourishing in a just and free society’.

Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi resigned after suffering a heavy defeat in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution. In Germany a wave of violence is increasing, with over fifty attacks every day on German police. In France surveys show that a third of French Muslims want the full application of Sharia law, and the overwhelming majority of the French Muslims support jihad. Last month the next Secretary-General of the UN said, ‘Migration to Europe cannot be stopped, politicians should therefore ignore the will of voters.’ Reports from Belgrade say that refugees in South-Eastern Europe are becoming more and more indifferent - even to open hostility. A year ago, refugees were escorted by an army of aid institutions, but there is no such compassion now.

Every week, Greater Europe Mission (GEMISSION) lifts a country in prayer. This week, we join in prayer for Latvia, with thick forests, cool beaches and a history of being bullied. Political power and cultural influence have changed hands time after time. Now fear of Russia and refugees are on Latvian minds. Prime minister Laimdota Straujuma resigned last December before her term had ended, and multiple candidates turned down the position. Last month a new leader was chosen - Maris Kucinskis. He represents the same party as the former prime minister (centre-right), but is taking a harder stance against immigration and the few hundred refugees Latvia has been charged to take by the EU. There is brokenness in Latvia. 92% of children living in orphanages have living parents, whose domestic problems cause them to give their children to institutions. Many girls graduating from orphanages become victims of human trafficking. Latvia has the world’s fourth highest suicide rate.