Minister throws his weight behind judge's campaign to promote marriage
Iain Duncan Smith last night signalled support for a major campaign to promote marriage and turn back the ‘appalling’ tide of divorce. The Work and Pensions Secretary, widely seen as the social conscience of the modern Conservative Party, indicated he was wholeheartedly behind a bid by High Court judge Sir Paul Coleridge to end the ‘destructive scourge’ of family breakdown. Sir Paul will formally launch the Marriage Foundation in a bid to raise awareness of the vital role of marriage in bringing up children. The senior family court judge said he felt compelled to speak out because of the unprecedented scale of the problem. It is unusual for a serving judge to speak out in such a way but Sir Paul, who sits in the Family Division, has been outspoken on the issue of marriage and divorce.
Pray:for the campaign as it grows and gains more support that more MP’s will join and add their support for marriage. (Heb.13:4)
More:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2137659/Iain-Duncan-Smith-backs-campaign-promote-marriage.html
Scotland for Marriage
Scotland for Marriage is a campaign to support marriage as the union of one man and one woman. This definition has served Scotland well down the centuries. We argue the case for marriage. We draw on a well-researched evidence base which shows that, although death and divorce may prevent it, children do best when raised by their married mother and father. We know that many ordinary Scots whatever their religious beliefs or lack of them, will agree with and lend support to the Scotland for Marriage campaign. Scotland for Marriage – which is supported by some religious groups – opposes the Scottish Government’s proposal to extend the definition to same-sex couples. The campaign said it hoped to leaflet every house in Glasgow and had put the cost of doing so at £15,000. Advertising vans will also be used to put across the opposition to same-sex marriage.
Pray:that this campaign will lead to increased support for marriage.
More:http://scotlandformarriage.org/about-us/
Volunteers for Olympics
2,700 people from London churches signed up to be community volunteers during the Olympics. PRAISE GOD! Members of ‘the2012’ collective were commissioned by the Bishop of London at St Paul's Cathedral this week, and will be helping with Olympic initiatives planned by local churches and community groups ranging from distributing water to spectators to operating a community cafe for local people to watch the Games in company. As the service concluded, a blizzard of confetti was released from the whispering gallery at St Paul’s - covering the newly commissioned ambassadors. May this be a prophetic representation of Gods Holy Spirit blessing all they do for His Kingdom throughout the Olympics. HOWEVER WE STILL NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS TO COME FORWARD TO ENROL AS GAMES PASTORS. (similar to street pastors but just for the duration of the Olympic Games they will play a lead role in responding to the practical and spiritual needs of thousands of visitors coming for the Games. The application deadline is Friday 1st June.
Pray:for God's provision throughout all Olympic planning and preparation. (Ps.16:3)
More: http://www.morethangold.org.uk/service/games-pastors.html
Reflection on the Significance of the World Prayer Assembly
‘The WPA is a once in a generation moment for the parts of the body of Christ to come together from around the world, to stand together in humility, to worship Him, to seek His face, to hear His voice and to receive the grain, the wine and the oil to take to the ends of the earth. The more I pray and ponder regarding the assembly, the more I see this as a unique
moment in church history. This is not about promotion of ministries. It is not about well known speakers. It is not about networking. There are many other events at which these things can rightly take place. This is a moment in history when representatives of the Body of Christ from around the world to stand in unity, listening, ready to hear the word of the Lord.’ - Ian Cole, Director of the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham.
Pray: for all those gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia on the 14 May to hear from the Lord and be blessed so as to be a blessing. (Ps.86:5)
