UK cases to go before European Court of Human rights
Christian Concern intend to bring two legal cases before the European Court of Human Rights in the new year, those of Gary McFarlane, a relationship counsellor from Bristol dismissed for gross misconduct by Relate for refusing to confirm he would provide directive sex therapy to homosexual couples due to his religious beliefs. Also Shirley Chaplin, an NHS nurse faced with disciplinary action after being told she was no longer permitted to wear her cross while at work on health and safety grounds. The NHS Trust indicated they would permit exemptions in their uniform policy for religious and cultural symbols that were ‘mandatory’ within the religion. An employment tribunal found that she had not been discriminated against on the basis of her religious beliefs.
Pray: for Christians in the British Isles to be free to continue and exercise their role in the workplace proclaiming and demonstrating Christian truths. (2Cor.12:12)
Excessive drinking is a significant problem
A YouGov survey has revealed that 61 per cent of UK adults believe that excessive drinking is a problem (from minor to major) in their neighbourhood. The survey, carried out on behalf of The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, asked people to judge the effects of alcohol on the area within walking distance from their home, or where they use local facilities. They believe that enforcing a minimum per-unit price could be part of the solution to this problem, a move that has already been taken by the Scottish Government and that has been backed by health watchdog, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Although the UK Government shows no sign of enforcing a minimum per-unit price nationally, the initiative is being considered by a number of local councils, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
Pray: that the authorities will be able to get a grip on this problem. (Eph.5:18)
Unwanted gifts help the homeless
Ended up with something you didn't want this Christmas? One charity is asking Brits to donate that unflattering jumper or umpteenth bubble bath set and help the homeless. Any unwanted Christmas gifts donated to Anchor will be sold on and 100% of the profits put towards its work with the homeless. The gifts will be sold through eBay and the proceeds used to sponsor a room for a homeless person. Additionally, people can sell their unwanted gifts individually and donate the amount to Anchor. Anchor House is helping thousands of homeless from its base in Canning Town, in the east London borough of Newham, the third most deprived ward in England and Wales. The centre provides accommodation for up to 180 single homeless people each year. A wide range of accredited vocational training courses are on offer to residents and the local community in construction, electrical, plumbing and distance learning.
Pray: for the success of this initiative and that many would be helped. (Ac.2:45)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/unwanted.gifts.help.the.homeless/29068.htm
Shortage of doctors leaves health care in crisis
The NHS is facing a chronic shortage of family doctors after official figures showed some GPs were responsible for 9,000 patients. More than a million people were registered with a GP who served more than 3,000 patients, almost twice the average list size of 1,600. Dr Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance, said it was a question of whether doctors were ‘able to cater as well for each patient with a list once they get much over 2,000 or 3,000’. He said shortages were already being seen in inner cities, but recruiting GPs had become a problem even in affluent rural areas such as his practice in Devon. England has 25,000 family doctors, but there are growing concerns that the NHS faces a retirement crisis. One in eight GPs is planning to retire within two years. The shortages have been exacerbated by the retirement of a generation of Asian GPs who came to Britain during the 1960s and 1970s.
Pray: that there would be an increase in those called to serve the people as medical doctors.
