Former Archbishops criticise tax credit plans
16 Oct 2015
Two former Archbishops have criticised the Government’s plans to reduce tax credits. Lord Carey and Lord Williams have called for a re-think of the policy, which they claim will hit the low-paid the hardest.
Lord Carey said that he himself relied on Government support while bringing up his four children and knows first-hand what damage the proposed changes to tax credits could cause. He said, ‘I support the aim of the Government to make work pay and put in place a reasonable cap on welfare pay. But I urge the Government to reconsider these cuts to working tax credits that will hit many hardworking families very hard.’ Lord Williams said, ‘They are inflicting heavy damage on hard-working families.It ought to be common sense and compassion.’
The UK Government has confirmed that abortion will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The decision has been welcomed by one of Scotland's leading Christian charities who have called for the issue to be debated for the first time in Holyrood. CARE for Scotland said, ‘It makes plain constitutional sense for this new power to be given to Holyrood so that the Parliament here has power over start of life issues as well. The transfer of such a major new power clearly merits a full parliamentary debate and MSPs should take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible.’ Scottish Secretary David Mundell said that people felt very strongly about the issue and the Government understood that. ‘We will bring forward an amendment to the Scotland Bill so that abortion law can be devolved to the Scottish Parliament,’ he told the Scottish Affairs Committee in Westminster.
On Monday three men were arrested in Portadown regarding a drugs’ seizure and illegal entry into the UK. One was arrested for possession of criminal property and one was arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class B controlled drugs. The third man was arrested for importation of Class B drugs and illegal entry into the UK. Northern Ireland is the UK's back door for illegal immigrants and the number of illegal immigrants intercepted at Northern Ireland ports trying to reach other parts of the UK has risen significantly in the last three years. Home Office figures show 468 people were intercepted in 2014/15, including those who crossed the border with the Irish Republic. (up 71% on the 2012/13 total). This year's figures for interceptions in Northern Ireland include 30 convicted criminals who had previously been deported from the UK. See also: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-33728450
The Lordship of Jesus over all life
16 Oct 2015
Dr Joe Boot argues that the common tendency among Christians to avoid political topics is not an act of prudence, but a failure to take seriously the work that God has given us to do in this world. ‘In much of evangelicalism today, it has become a grievous fault, even a sin, to be concerned and vocal with regard to the modern state’s redefinition of marriage, the mass murder of infants in the womb, the social engineering of the family, state-sanctioned theft and the usurpation of charity, the diminution of independent Christian education and the assault on religious freedoms and the Church. Concern is seen as ‘political’ and deemed outside the scope or priority of the gospel – as though true Christianity were a progression from the material to the spiritual, from the earthly to the heavenly, from the body to the soul. This is Neo-Platonism, not Christianity, and it has revived in recent decades, making deep inroads into the mindset of many Christians. See also the Mill Gathering. http://www.prayer-alert.net/index.php?view=download&alias=572-statement-from-the-mill-gathering-1&category_slug=insight-articles-1&option=com_docman&Itemid=216
Tackling corruption
16 Oct 2015
Transparency International is a global movement working towards a world in which government, politics, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. Transparency International UK (TI-UK) is the UK national chapter of this movement whose vision is a society in which the health of our institutions is enhanced, we can trust the integrity of those in authority and there is no freedom for the corrupt at home or abroad. At the beginning of this month Sir Eric Pickles gave a major scene-setting speech on corruption in his capacity as the recently-appointed Anti-Corruption Champion. Never before had any of his predecessors as Champion (Benn, Hutton, Straw, Clarke, Hancock) delivered such a speech. Characteristically frankly he said, ‘I want to see this through and there’s nothing they can do to stop me.’ Then he set out his priorities: - domestic corruption, money laundering, asset recovery, sports governance and electoral fraud.
Albania, Southeast Europe
16 Oct 2015
Not long ago, Albania was one of Europe’s poorest nations. Now the state boasts an upper-middle income economy. Under Communist rule, no religion was allowed. Now, Islam claims twice as many followers as Christianity, though most who claim Christianity are reported to be nominal. The country has no restrictions on proselytism and no persecution threatens the Church. However, neo-paganism is growing in Albania and the Church needs to be equipped to respond in a relevant way. Albania is currently the most corrupt country in Europe and we are asked to pray that Albanian leaders would repent of their ways and seek God according to 2Cor.4:2 – Renouncing underhand ways and refusing to practise cunning.
Turkey: Kurds, Y.P.G. and dangerous instability
16 Oct 2015
Turkey has launched waves of airstrikes against elements of a Kurdish separatist group known as the P.K.K., with its allies the Y.P.G. (who work closely with America relaying intelligence and coordinates for potential airstrike targets). The resulting strikes help Kurds seize territory along the Turkish border. Turks don’t want Kurds on their border. Kurds have historically sought an independent state, which the Turkish government strongly opposes. The peace rally bombing has come just weeks away from a re-run of an inconclusive general election. For so long a beacon of stability between Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is fighting Kurdish militants in the east and struggling against violence from Syria. Until now most violence in Turkey took place in the Kurdish areas, but twin bombing at a peace rally close to government and intelligence buildings in the heart of Ankara has caused even Turks to be afraid of shopping centres and open spaces. The residents of Turkey just want a normal life. See also: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/08/12/world/middleeast/turkey-kurds-isis.html?_r=0
The power of a booklet in the refugee crisis
16 Oct 2015
In the worst of times God is at work. There’s proof of that with the refugee crisis. Hundreds of thousands have poured into Europe, legally and illegally, some to opened arms to the persecuted, some to closed gates. ‘All sorts of churches and ministries are reaching out,’ says Helen Williams of World Missionary Press. Churches, even in unwelcoming countries, are opening arms, accepting refugees and providing for them. In Hungary several churches went to train stations to give out food, clothing and the Gospel in Hungarian and translated languages to the flood of refugees. Other church groups and a Bible college are also ministering to refugees with the gospel. One of their favourite booklets to give is How to Know God, which was written specifically for Muslims. Almost every person that they gave it to received it gladly. So far they have given away 12,000 Scripture booklets in 10 different languages.