Vicar offers support to those struggling after church theft
Following a theft at St Matthew's Church, Burnley, Fr Alex Frost has appealed to those in financial distress to seek help rather than resorting to crime. On 15 March, during a choir rehearsal, a thief entered the unlocked church and stole around £1,000-worth of items, including a watch and charity donations. The incident prompted the church to issue a statement urging visitors to protect their belongings and warning that criminal acts will lead to prosecution. Fr Frost emphasised the church's willingness to assist those in need and discouraged speculation about the thief's identity. Saddened by the event, especially as the suspect might have been a previous aid recipient of the church, Fr Frost spoke of the desperation behind such actions and encouraged anyone struggling to reach out for support, promising guidance and assistance. In a compassionate note to the thief, he also expressed hope for their rehabilitation.
Revival events on US border draw many thousands
'Revival on the Border,' led by Pastor Tony Suarez, surpassed its target, drawing about 9,000 people to Christian revival events in El Paso and McAllen, Texas. Initially aiming for 5,000 attendees, these late March gatherings included prayer, tent meetings, and nearly 70 baptisms. The nightly events were unexpectedly peaceful, and Border Patrol agents actively participated, requesting prayers. A 'prayer army' ministered across the US border, distributing Bibles and prayers. Impressed by the faith of the agents, Suarez's team found a tranquil atmosphere, contrary to national headlines. He plans to continue this expansive evangelical initiative. See
Legal experts call for halt in British arms exports to Israel
A letter signed by over 600 legal experts, including three ex-Supreme Court justices, says that the UK is potentially violating international law by supplying arms to Israel, The pressure on Rishi Sunak to halt arms exports is growing, The government has been facing growing calls to suspend arms exports to Israel after the killing of three British aid workers and four others in an Israeli airstrike. The letter calls for immediate action towards a ceasefire and sanctions against those inciting violence against Palestinians. It also advocates restoring funding to UNRWA, which had been cut amid allegations of staff involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel. The letter’s signatories emphasised the UK's legal responsibilities under international law, including the Genocide Convention. Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, has demanded that the Government disclose legal advice about Israel’s adherence to international law. See also
UK and US to partner on safety testing AI models
The UK and the USA have embarked on a landmark partnership for AI safety testing, with technology secretary Michelle Donelan formalising the collaboration. This will align the efforts of both nations' AI safety institutes to test and evaluate emerging AI models. Key elements include sharing scientific strategies, exchanging experts, and conducting joint AI model testing exercises. The move follows commitments made at last November's AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, where major firms like OpenAI and Google DeepMind agreed to voluntary testing of new models by safety institutes. The Department for Science, confirming the immediate start of this partnership, has stressed its role in addressing the rapid development and potential risks of AI. The Government has also announced a £100 million investment for AI regulation and safe usage, opting to use existing regulators for AI monitoring rather than creating a new central body.
