Iceland names new prime minister
Iceland's coalition government has appointed a new prime minister, a day after Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson stepped aside in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal. It is unclear whether the move will satisfy angry Icelanders. Protesters, already fed up with the financial and political elite after the 2008 banking crisis wrecked their economy, have gathered on the last three nights in Reykjavik, some pelting parliament with yoghurt and eggs. Iceland has struggled to recover from the 2008 collapse of its highly indebted banks, the fall of a government, and the jailing of many bankers. Many Icelanders still harbour a strong distrust of their leaders. Pray for Iceland’s Christian radio Lindin as it reaches 90% of the population.
Germany: risks to security
A German intercessor says that the influx of refugees presents a challenge for the president of the Federal Office for Homeland Security, Hans-Georg Maassen. He sees three problem areas: 1) Active supporters and members of terrorist organisations entering Germany as refugees. 70% of migrants have no valid identification document. 2) Migrants become radicalised from accessing the Internet. 3) The attempts by Salafist Islamists to recruit migrants for terrorism activities. The situation has also led to a rise in right-wing extremism.
Prophetic word for the Church
In March, Rev Malcolm Duncan spoke at the World Prayer Centre (WPC) WATCHING 2016 prayer conference. It was a time of envisioning, watching and hearing what the Lord is saying in these times: there were also four workshops to equip people in prayer, evangelism and the prophetic. Malcolm brought a significant prophetic word to Christians in these islands. It builds on words spoken by Smith Wigglesworth (1947) and Jean Darnell (1967) of God’s call on Great Britain. The WPC believe it is right to release this Word to the wider Church. You can download the transcript of Malcolm’s prophetic word at: Please study and pray about this word, asking God for wisdom, direction and guidance, asking, ‘Lord, how are You calling me to respond to this? Show me Your heart for my neighbourhood, town, workplace or community.’ You can listen to the podcast talk on being a watchman by clicking the ‘more’ button.
Oxford theology students won't have to study Christianity
Students reading theology at Oxford University have overturned an 800-year-old tradition of studying Christianity throughout the course. Changes are being made to the undergraduate degree to ‘keep up with the changing face of Britain’. Students will have a broad choice of areas to study in their second and third year. One module is thought to be 'feminist approaches to religion and theology'. The move was instigated by students and lecturers challenging the lack of curriculum diversity, saying that the way religion is seen and practised in the UK had changed over recent years. Oxford University's theology faculty board chairman said, ‘The dominance of the Church of England has been receding, but religion hasn't disappeared. We want to offer students what is interesting for them.’
