March 2010 Prayer News

Next fasting day is Thursday 15th April.

• Gangs replace family life, says police chief
  
• 24-hour drinking fails to deliver café culture
  
• ‘Skunk’ cannabis link to psychosis
  

• Government to introduce sex education at 11yrs old
  
• Concern as suicide doctor not struck off
  

Christian Registrar wins discrimination case
A Christian registrar from Islington who was bullied and threatened with the sack because of her religious beliefs on same sex unions has succeeded in her claims of unlawful discrimination by the council. In its unanimous judgment, the employment tribunal found that Miss Lillian Ladele was directly discriminated against by Islington Council after she asked to be allowed not to perform civil partnership registrations.
News articles: Daily Mail,Telegraph


Council members asked not to eat during Ramadan
All members of Tower Hamlets Council in east London, where 36 per cent of the population follows Islam, were sent an email asking them to neither eat nor drink at council meetings during the month of Ramadan. Tower Hamlets Council has previously insisted that staff call their Christmas meal the "festive lunch" and replaced Bonfire Night celebrations with a show based on a Bengali folk tale. But, Cllr Stephanie Eaton, leader of the Lib Dem group, said she would be ignoring the new Ramadan regime and added "We object to the request that non-Muslim councillors observe the fasting rules for Ramadan. This sends out the wrong message to our community..."
Newspaper article here.


Cathedral ponders opening wine bars in effort to "change image"

In an ill-judged move, Birmingham Cathedral is thinking of opening a string of wine bars as a means of encouraging funding and overhauling it's "image".
Full story, click here.
Let's pray that the Church turns to prayer and dedication to God.


Government attack faith schools
The Government accused faith schools of discriminating against poorer pupils in order to impress Britain’s “strident secularist lobby,” a new report claims.
The report, from the Centre for Policy Studies, also says that new admissions rules have targeted faith schools as part of a “witch hunt”.
Faith schools often out-perform their secular counterparts and are increasingly popular with parents. The report says that the real reason for new admission rules was that faith schools are unpopular with those who want to promote a secular agenda.
News article: here

Children suffering mental illness from family breakdowns
Children are increasingly suffering from mental ill health, a new report has found, with family breakdown a major cause. The report was based on the responses of thousands of children to the study which was commissioned by The Children's Society in 2006. It found that one in four under-16s regularly feel depressed, with peer pressure and worries about physical appearance also listed as causes.
For full article click here
Lets pray that God would bring repentance and revival and the breakdown of the family would be reversed in this country.

"Homophobic Hatred" Bill
May 9th
Lord's vote again to keep amendment. Government accept Lord's vote. Bill is passed with important provisions for free speech.
May 7th: Government win vote to scrap the Lord's amendment protecting free speech. Now Bill goes back to Lords so they can vote again.
April 22nd: Despite a highly unusual move by the government to scupper an amendment produced by Lord Waddington, the Lords voted in favour of a clause which protects freedom of speech. The Lords voted 81 to 57.
Let's thank God for answering prayer, but let's also pray that the government do not attempt to overturn it in the House of Commons.
news article: click here.

Drunk and disorderly fines up two thirds
The government have refused to reverse its decision to allow all-day drinking despite evidence binge drinking is increasing and fines for drunk and disorderly behaviour have gone up two thirds since 2004. The government have admitted that results have been "mixed" since the controversial law was introduced. However comments from police and local authorities have been very damning.


New law for Transsexuals threatens religious liberty again
The Government has proposed yet more equality legislation which could interfere with religious liberty and free speech, this time on transsexualism.
The planned regulations, published in Parliament recently, will make it unlawful to discriminate against a transsexual in the provision of goods and services.
The plans include a subjective harassment clause which, in some circumstances, could allow a transsexual to sue because he 'felt offended' by criticism of transsexualism.
Pray for religious liberty to be protected as in the Religious Hatred laws.

Schools advised that giving to a Christian charity would "offend" some pupils.
Schools in Bristol are being advised that supporting a Christian charity may offend some of their pupils. Samaritan's Purse collects goods in the UK before sending them to children in Eastern Europe and Africa. Bristol City Council said schools adopting charities should not offend anyone on the grounds of equality, disability, race or religion.
Pray: There's a spirit behind this attack on Christians, it's not just people. Let's pray that it would be broken.


Scientists attempt to create 'sperm' from women's bones
Scientists are seeking permission to create artificial sperm from a woman's bone marrow, a technique that could remove the need for a biological father in producing children.
Click here for more information.



Exeter University Christian Union rejects independent adjudication
Ben Martin, the Christian student at the centre of the Exeter University Student Guild row over the Human Rights of members of the Christian Union, has today rejected the Independent Adjudication into the case by QC Mark Shaw as "unbalanced and selective". He will be seeking a Judicial Review in the High Court.
Mark Shaw QC, the independent adjudicator appointed by Exeter University Strongly criticised the Constitution of Exeter CU because it restricted the membership to Christians, despite the fact its meetings were open to everyone - of all faiths and none.
Recent news, Jan 2008.
Exeter Universitys Christian Union CU has won a crucial vote in its highly publicised human rights battle with the campus Students Guild and University authorities. The Student body voted 122 to 47 in favour of the CU. The vote means that it is now acceptable for the CU to ask officers and members to sign up to the aims and belief of the society, whilst all meetings and events are open to all students at Exeter University. The CU also has permission once again to use and advertise CU events on Guild/campus premises, and, more importantly, the right to restrict membership of the CU and its leadership to those able to sign up a statement of faith. Students of all faiths and none can attend meetings.
- a great result. Let’s thank God for answering prayer.

Christian couple win back right to adopt children
Vince and Pauline Matherick, the Christian couple from Chard, Somerset, who recently were at the centre of national media attention when Somerset Social Services ordered them to sign up to a new Equalities Promise saying they would have to agree to facilitate and promote a homosexual lifestyle yesterday won the right to have their personal convictions and conscientious objections recognised. Praise God for this victory and for a significant step forward in Christian freedom.
news article, click here

Homophobia to become "criminal" offence
On Monday (8 Oct) MPs debated the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. It was expected there would be calls for the Bill to include a law against inciting 'hatred' on grounds of sexual orientation. The Bill does not currently contain such a law. A 'homophobic hatred' law could make it a criminal offence to publicly express the religious belief that homosexual practice is morally wrong. The offence could carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. News article here.
Throughout the debate there was support for the law in principle, but many MPs also expressed their worry over threats to religious liberty and free speech.
Very good list of articles can be read here.
There was hope that any Bill would include safeguards that are similar to the ones expressed in the "Incitement to Religious Hatred" law.
Pray that MPs would recognise the significant threat to free speech and religious liberty.
Also, keep lobbying your MP and Jack Straw as this has had a significant effect over the proceedings so far.
Latest News Dec 07
After pressure from all fronts (Catholics, Anglicans and Evangelicals) an amendment clause has been proposed which would protect free speech. We need to pray that this would be adopted.


Christian Magistrate Loses Freedom of Conscience Case
Christian Magistrate Andrew McClintock has lost his case to have his freedom of conscience recognized when practising as a Justice of the Peace. The judgment of the Employment Appeal Tribunal was handed down by Mr Justice Elias on 31st October 2007. The decision of the Court means that Mr McClintock, a committed Christian who became a Justice of the Peace in Sheffield in 1988, will not serve on the Family Panel. More info here

Time to end silence on abortion say Christian lawyers
Saturday 27th October, the 40th anniversary of the abortion law in the United Kingdom, was hailed as a success by the organisers, as an estimated 2000 people stood outside Parliament to listen to speakers including an MP, Pro life group leaders and a 17 year old girl who was nearly aborted.
You can look at media coverage here
For Parliamentary Science and Technology Committee Report on Scientific Developments Relating to the Abortion Act, click here - (PDF File).

Smacking ban ruled out because parents object
Smacking will not be banned in England and Wales because most parents are against the move, the Government announced recently. Over the summer many Christians wrote to their MP to express opposition to a ban. We thank God for those who did so and believe this played a crucial role in persuading the Government not to ban smacking. This shows the value of engaging in the democratic process in this way.



Report to pressure Gordon Brown on casinos
Gordon Brown is coming under pressure to rule out any chance of a super casino being built. A Government-commissioned British Gambling Prevalence Study shows that almost a million gamblers have a severe addiction.
Lets pray that those addicted come to Jesus for freedom and that the increase in gambling in the UK be blocked and reversed.

Christian Unions facing political correctness issues
Edinburgh Christian Union have been the subject of significant criticism, regarding their use of the “Pure” Course. This course follows Biblical teaching on sex and relationships, clearly stating that sex is only appropriate within the context of a life-long marriage commitment. The subsequent teaching regarding homosexuality has led to criticism from Gay rights groups.
The Christian Union at Exeter University has been forced to change its name to the ‘Evangelical Christian Union’. The change arose from one student approaching the Guild and stating that the Christian Union was not ‘inclusive’, due to its stance on homosexuality, and ‘literal’ interpretation of the Bible. This is a very similar situation to Birmingham Christian Union, who faced the same difficulties last year.
Latest news:
Exeter CU have now officially instituted legal action against Exeter University and the Student Guild as they do not support their rights as Christians to the freedoms of speech, belief and association. The decision was taken after detailed legal advice. The CU have advised that their action will be taken under the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Education (No.2) Act 1986.


Global Day of Prayer 2007!
This year's Global day of prayer takes place on 27th May.
If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land
(2 Chron.7: 14).
Click here for more information.

BBC Broadcasts gay service from San Francisco
On Sunday 29 April the BBC broadcast a Sunday service from a highly-controversial gay activists' church in San Francisco.
Click here for more info.


Glasgow fireman refuses to attend gay rights march
A senior fireman from Glasgow, who had been demoted with a £5,000 yearly pay cut because he would not take part in a ‘gay rights’ march, has had his rank reinstated.
He was one of nine men who were disciplined by the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service.
Read the article here (PDF format)


Startling leaked internal memo exposes BBC
Perhaps we've known it for a long time, but a leaked internal memo from the BBC admits bias against Christians and America, also admitting that it has gone too far in terms of Political Correctness.
Read the full article here.

Deep concern over Independent newspaper advertisement (Oct 2006)
There is deep concern over an advert which was placed by the Gay Police Association (GPA) in a recent edition of the Independent newspaper's supplement "Diversity".
The advert pictures a pool of blood alongside the Holy Bible with the caption "in the name of the father" and seems to imply that Bible-believing Christians are responsible for an increase in homophobic attacks.
Latest news: (Oct 06) After a prolonged effort by many Christians to challenge the misleading view of Christianity portrayed by the Gay Police Association in their controversial Independent Newspaper advert (see link below), the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) on 18th Oct published their final report into the matter. In the report, the ASA upheld three of the primary concerns voiced by Christians who felt they and their faith had been vilified by the advert: the ASA held that the industry code of conduct had been breached in relation to decency, truthfulness and substantiation.

The ASA’s decision lent weight to a private prosecution lead by a London Reverend.
The announcement that a private prosecution is sought is indicative of the feeling of many Christians that the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision that 50,000 complaints constituted ‘insufficient evidence’ is unjustifiable.

• To view the GPA advert, see http://www.christianconcernforournation.co.uk/Latest/gpa.htm
• To view the final report of the Advertising Standards Agency, see http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/Public/TF_ADJ_41843.htm



Christian Course axed in Dartmoor Prison (July 2006)
A groundbreaking discipleship course for prisoners in Dartmoor prison has been axed by the Prison Service after only one year because it did not comply with 'diversity policies'.
The closure of the Inner Change programme raises wider concerns for similar programmes and courses, such as Alpha, in British prisons because of fears that they may fall foul of the multi-faith approach of the government.
Lady Georgie Wates, of the Prison Fellowship, who helped to set up the course in Dartmoor Prison, said the future of Christian teaching and chaplaincy in prisons was now hanging in the balance. "There are two reasons for the closure. First we don't comply with the diversity policy of the Prison Service because we teach the sanctity of heterosexual marriage as the Bible says, which is seen as homophobic. "And secondly, because we don't fit in with the multi-faith agenda. They think we should be teaching a bit of every religion and that what we're teaching offends other faiths.
more soon...

Conservative's new Bill of Rights
Although Cameron's new idea for a Bill of Rights leaves some lawyers baffled and concerned over how it would work with the current European Human Rights laws, lets pray that even at this stage Cameron, as he compiles the document, would be influenced by God to uphold Christian values in our nation and maintain religious freedom.
News article here

British Medical Association changes it mind over Euthanasia
The British Medical Foundation have changed their stance on Euthanasia following a recent medical debate.
Dr Peter Sanders of Care Not Killing said, "This is a fantastic result for the many organisations campaigning against euthanasia. It is a very important result in terms of political and public opinion…”
Care Not Killing website here

World Scientists unite to condemn Creationism
World scientists from 67 countries united last month to condemn Creationism.
There seems to be a real spiritual battle for minds over this subject and it’s becoming more and more of an issue. Pray into it, that God would open the eyes of many to see his creation and give him glory for it.
Pray that in the UK, more and more academic establishments would be free to present an alternative to Evolution.
Source, BBC news Click here

The Equality Bill - Discrimination Law cont/d
There are serious concerns over various laws which show the early signs of a regime where speech and action are restricted. The provisions could result in churches being forced to let out their premises to groups that do not share their ethos or religion and to be used for purposes with which the church does not agree. Amongst other things, to accept civil partnership celebrations (referred to by many as gay marriages) taking place in their buildings. The threat posed by this law is in some ways even greater than the threat of the Religious Hatred Bill. Details and updates will of course be provided.

Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill
Despite a recent climb-down by Tony Blair, concern still surrounds this Bill. It has been argued that, in the Bill’s proposed current state, it could be used by ministers in the cabinet to bring in laws and amend existing laws without the need for debate and voting in the Parliament.
More news soon….

Lord Joffe's Assited Dying Bill
After a vote in the Hose of Lords in May, the Bill was defeated by 148 to 100 votes.
Praise God for this outcome. There is still prayer needed but it is a great victory.
See the www.carenotkilling.co.uk website for more details.
For a good summary of the Bill in laymans terms click here


More News...
Civil partnerships are now available in the UK for gay couples.
The Methodist Church's conference have decided to research guidelines which could be offered to ministers on how to respond to requests to conduct prayers or services for blessing same-sex couples. There is a chance that Methodists will become the first mainstream Church in Britain to offer blessing services to same-sex couples. Up until this point, the Methodists have not reached a decision on this.
Please pray that the Methodists would maintain their commitment to the Word of God and decline to offer this service.

Joe and Helen Jones court case
There is some news about the case of Joe and Helen Roberts, the Christian couple interrogated by police because they complained about their local council’s ‘gay rights’ policy.
Despite repeated correspondence, the police and the council have both refused to apologise for their actions. Joe and Helen have made clear at every stage that what they want is an apology. They are now taking Lancashire Constabulary and Wyre Borough Council to court in order to obtain this apology.