The Queensland government has ignored community concerns surrounding the controversial Safe Schools programme, refusing to release the names of schools that are teaching children that their gender is fluid. The media is reporting an increased focus on sexualising children from four years old by programmes devised by La Trobe University, which is also behind the Practical Guide to Love, Sex and Relationships which asks students as young as 12 graphic sex and masturbation questions. Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) said that the Federal Government should immediately defund and pull the programme out of schools as Queensland and other states ignore the Federal Government’s directive to clean up the programme and ensure parents are made aware of which schools are participating in it. ACL was refused access to the names of the schools, despite over 11,000 Queenslanders signing an e-petition calling for them to be released.
Nigeria: a midnight raid
29 Apr 2016
On Sunday night, in Enugu State, an attack by more than two hundred suspected armed Fulani herdsmen left at least 48 people dead. Scores of people were critically wounded, and sixty houses and two churches completely razed to the ground. 56 people with gunshot wounds were taken to different hospitals. The state police confirmed the attack but cannot give an exact figure of people killed: however, the police and security agencies have been mobilised to curtail the situation so that it does not degenerate into all-out war. The attackers were armed with AK-47 rifles and grenades, bows and arrows, and machetes or swords. Many villagers escaped to neighbouring communities, but people in nearby towns are also worried about possible attacks from the herdsmen. Sources disclosed that the villagers had resisted the use of their farmlands as grazing fields by the herdsmen.
Syria: deadly airstrike on Aleppo hospital
29 Apr 2016
At least fourteen patients and three doctors were killed on Thursday in an airstrike on a hospital in Aleppo, the charity Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says. Among those killed in the al-Quds hospital was one of the city's last paediatricians. Local sources blamed the Syrian government or Russian warplanes, but there has been no official comment. Violence in Syria has intensified recently, despite a truce. The violent upsurge comes amid reports that the Syrian army, backed by Russian air power, is gearing up for a major offensive in Aleppo. The escalation threatens to derail the peace talks. On Wednesday, the UN envoy to Syria urged the US and Russia to intervene ‘at the highest level’ to save the talks. On Tuesday an Iraqi military officer reported that Russia is resuming bombing moderate opposition fighters in Syria. President Obama called President Putin, asking him to help ‘press’ Syria to end its airstrikes that violate the ceasefire brokered by the US and Russia in February.
Egypt: Coptic teenager kidnapped for ransom
29 Apr 2016
Earlier this month 13-year-old Anthonius Farag, a young Christian boy, was kidnapped in Upper Egypt. He was released twelve days later after a hefty ransom payment. This is not an isolated case. According to the Coalition of Coptic Egypt (CCE), a Coptic advocacy group, the province of Qena alone saw no less than 72 cases of kidnappings, extortion and related violence against Copts from 2011 to 2014, the most recent figures available. Those targeted for kidnapping ranged from children to the elderly, with rescue efforts often hampered by police inadequacies or unwillingness. ‘For years Copts have been pleading for help against kidnappings, but no one seems to care,’ said a local CCE coordinator. ‘Since the revolution in 2011 kidnappings have become more common in Upper Egypt, where relatively more Christians live. Families pay from EGP 250,000 to seven million to free their loved ones.’
Pakistan: suspects in 'blasphemy' killing bailed
29 Apr 2016
The four main culprits accused of the murder of Christian couple Shahzad Masih and Shama Bibi, who were tortured and thrown into a burning brick kiln last November, have been set free on bail. This decision suggests complicity by the police, and does not help to establish justice. The Christian couple were said to have 'desecrated the Quran’: blasphemy is a very sensitive issue, with allegations often prompting mob violence (as they did this time). . However they were indentured labourers at the kiln, and one of those charged with their death is the owner. Brick kiln labourers have harsh working conditions and are paid approximately £1.30 a day. Child labour is common. 1.7million children from the age of five work in illegal brick factories 14 hours a day.
Every Vote Counts prayer guide
27 Apr 2016
Do you want to pray about the EU Referendum?
Every vote counts in this EU Referendum. At the moment many are confused about the issues, what to believe, what to think and ultimately how to vote. We believe the starting point is prayer and fasting, to better understand God's will and purpose for our nation and for Europe.
World Prayer Centre have compiled a 51 day prayer guide starting on 14th May until 2nd July. It will help you to pray for an issue and a European nation each day.
Download Every Vote Counts prayer guide.
Download a prayer based on the Lord's prayer.
Let's be informed – here are a few websites to help our engagement:
CARE – Read arguments from both sides.
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland – Think Vote Pray.
EU Focus – information and resources from Christians in Politics.
Evangelical Alliance's Idea Magazine May- June 2016. The Europe Issue will look at this from all sides and feature many key issues.
KLICE - Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics
Maranatha Community - What is God's will for Britain?
Reimagining Europe a multidisciplinary blog hosted by the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.
Theos Think Tank – A soul for the union.
The Jubilee Centre is producing a number of discussion papers and articles in the lead up to the EU Referendum.
An insiders view - The wife of an MEP gives her view
Anglican Mainstream - European Mission strategist view
EU Referendum prayer events
We are happy to advertise each prayer meeting for the referendum but given the nature of the debate there are a range of events with different focus. In advertising specific prayer meetings that are for an out or remain position we are not endorsing these positions. Our approach remains clear – we encourage people to make their own voting decision wisely and prayerfully and encourage them to pray with us during the period up to the referendum and beyond. Equally we believe in unity in the body of Christ – especially when we have different opinions but share a desire for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done in this nation and in Europe. Check out our events calendar.
Every Vote Counts
27 Apr 2016
Praying for the UK, Europe and the EU Referendum
14th May – 2nd July 2016
Every vote counts in this EU Referendum. At the moment many are confused about the issues, what to believe, what to think and ultimately how to vote. We believe the starting point is prayer and fasting, to better understand God's will and purpose for our nation and for Europe.
The political and economic issues are important and so is God's call on these islands and His spiritual purpose for Europe. We believe we are in fast changing times and that God is stirring us to pray for spiritual awakening. As the EU Referendum approaches we are praying that each of our votes count – that God will lead us and guide us so that His will is done among the nations.
Let us seek the Lord and His word afresh, asking the Holy Spirit to replace fear with His peace. Let us come and worship, lifting up the name of Jesus and humbly ask for His mercy and blessing on all the peoples and nations of Europe. Nations of the EU marked with *.
As we ask for His wisdom to engage with the issues He places on our hearts, let's expect Him to lead and guide us.
Use this prayer guide in your homes, small groups, prayer meetings and church services.
The World Prayer Centre will not be making a recommendation on how to vote but we do want to mobilise prayer. A vote is a choice and people will vote in different ways, but we pray for God's sovereignty over the decision and His wisdom as we make that choice.
Download 'Every Vote Counts' prayer guide.
Download 'Praying for the UK, Europe and the EU referendum using the Lord's prayer'
Updated list of resources to help you pray.
We are happy to advertise each prayer meeting for the referendum but given the nature of the debate there are a range of events with different focus. In advertising specific prayer meetings that are for an out or remain position we are not endorsing these positions. Our approach remains clear – we encourage people to make their own voting decision wisely and prayerfully and encourage them to pray with us during the period up to the referendum and beyond. Equally we believe in unity in the body of Christ – especially when we have different opinions but share a desire for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done in this nation and in Europe. Check out our event calendar for EU referendum events.
Call for great wave of prayer across the UK
25 Apr 2016
Churches around Hampshire answer Archbishops' call for 'great wave of prayer' across the country
Churches throughout the Diocese of Winchester have responded to a call from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York for "a great wave of prayer across our land, throughout the Church of England and many other Churches". Inspired by the simple, powerful words of the Lord's Prayer, the Thy Kingdom Come marathon of prayer will begin on the 6th of May and culminate at Pentecost on Sunday the 15th of May.
The Diocese of Winchester is leading the way in this national movement, with Hampshire churches pioneering a variety of creative new approaches to prayer. Many are setting up prayer stations which will be manned 24/7 for continuous prayer in the week leading up to Pentecost; others will be going out onto local high streets and into coffee shops offering to pray with people in the community; still more will be performing a Novena Prayer – a nine day long act of worship.
Commenting on the prayer initiative, the Right Reverent David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke, said: "It's exhilarating to see the way people from parishes across the diocese have taken up this call to prayer with such enthusiasm. Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the start of the Church's mission to the world. We will be recapturing something of what happened on that first Pentecost Sunday as Christians across the diocese pray for the confidence to share the good news in the 21st century."
Lyndhurst Deanery creates Clock of Prayer
The call for prayer has given churches throughout the diocese the chance to demonstrate their creativity. In Lyndhurst Deanery, for example, parishioners have taken the idea of continuous prayer and are running with it. On a map, the 13 churches which make up the Deanery resemble a clock with Lyndhurst at 12 o'clock, Lymington at 6pm, Brockenhurst in the centre and other churches spread around the edge representing each of the different hours. In the days leading up to Pentecost, prayer will sweep around the deanery like the hand of a clock, passing from one church to the next. One mobile phone will be passed around the churches and people will be encouraged to send messages to the phone with prayer requests.
Romsey residents invited to 'Say One For Me'
Meanwhile, in Romsey, a prayer meeting will be held in Caffè Nero at 9-10am every day in the lead up to Pentecost. People will be offered a free coffee to enjoy while discussing prayer, and by meeting in a local café rather than a church it will be more accessible to all. During each morning, members of the local congregation will also be out on Romsey's High Street offering to pray for people within the community. They will be asking passers-by for their prayer suggestions and handing out 'Say One For Me' cards which local people can fill out and hand in to offer their prayers. The cards will also be distributed in schools, offices, shops and nursing homes. Later, the 'Say One For Me' cards will be collected at Romsey Abbey and every prayer on every card will be offered. For each prayer given in the Abbey over the period a ribbon will be tied on a frame, creating the new altar front for Pentecost Sunday.
Prayer walks in Alton Deanery
In Alton, churches have answered the Archbishops' call for a great wave of prayer by organising prayer walks every day in the period between Ascension and Pentecost. Members of the congregation will be joined on the walks by others not so familiar with the Church as they walk through less visited areas praying for every community. Speaking of the planned prayer walks the Rev Andrew Micklefield said: "We will walk around different parts of the town each day and pray that we will see it through God's eyes, to see where needs are. Very importantly, we will also have a session afterwards to give feedback to see what we can respond to. We want to see the town differently."
24/7 Prayer
Many parishes in the Diocese will be setting up 24/7 prayer stations, where people can sign up to take part in continuous prayer. These prayer rooms will be erected in a variety of places including churches, schools, homes, and community centres, with people taking turns to maintain the uninterrupted prayer around the clock. Jess Ford of 24/7 Prayer International said: "I'm delighted that people have responded so positively to the idea of non-stop prayer. It's inspiring to think that during the week before Pentecost people will be constantly praying, encountering God day and night. It's our hope that this great prayer movement taking hold of the Diocese of Winchester will inspire others, within the Diocese and beyond, to explore prayer and discover its life-changing power."
The wave of prayer will culminate on Sunday 15th May as more than 3,000 young people will join together for an evening of prayer and worship at Winchester Cathedral to celebrate Pentecost. The service is one of six Beacon Events taking place across the country. The Bishop of Basingstoke will lead the evening, with sung worship guided by internationally renowned singer-songwriter Matt Redman. Intended for young Christians, the event will draw on their enthusiasm and energy, with an inspiring message from Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby delivered live via video link.
To find out more about Thy Kingdom Come and to get involved with what's happening near where you live, please visit the Diocese of Winchester website: http://www.winchester.anglican.org/about-us/thy-kingdom-come/
Source: Thy Kingdom Come