Baptist churches hit by record levels of metal theft
Metal theft from Baptist churches has risen to record levels this year. By the end of October Baptist Insurance had received 110 claims for theft of metal, already 25 more than it handled in its previous worst year. In 2008 it dealt with nearly 90 claims from the churches it insures. The total cost of the metal theft claims for 2011 stands at more than £160,000, again a record. The theft of metal from churches is linked directly to the price of lead, which rose sharply at the start of 2011. 'We have seen a huge increase in theft of metal,' said Katri Link, Baptist Insurance press officer. ' This year has been the worst year for metal theft, both in terms of number of claims and cost of claims. At the start of the year we saw the price of metal go up - the demand in the market from the Far East is high - and there is a direct correlation.' Churches everywhere have been suffering, although 2008 remains the worst year across all denominations.
Pray: for the protection of church buildings from this kind of crime and increase of police and community awareness. (Dt.5:19)
Quakers in Britain call for greater tax justice
Quakers in Britain, as members of the ‘Close the Gap Campaign’, have called for greater tax justice in a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Caroline Lucas MP, Kate Green MP and Jeremy Corbin MP have introduced a Private Members Bill (Tax and Transparency Bill) to enhance transparency in corporate payment of tax. Tax evasion and avoidance is estimated by the Treasury to cost the UK purse at least £35 billion annually. Others estimate the number to be substantially higher. This is nearly nine per cent of UK tax revenue and the efficient collection of this revenue would lessen the demand to cut social and welfare expenditure which is hurting the poorest in our communities so much. Treasury estimates also suggest that those who are avoiding paying their contribution are mainly wealthy individuals and corporations, so the recouping of this money would not harm the poorest and most vulnerable.
Pray: that this Private Members Bill bring the right response from those who avoid paying correct taxes. (Ps.1:6)
Czech Republic: Europe rise up!
‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.’ This was the Scripture used to call a gathering of European Christians in Prague from December 1st-3rd. For many years Europe has been on the periphery of the Holy Spirit’s blowing. Delegates at the conference took a stand believing if the European nations come together and start building a unity in Europe God will command a blessing. Christians in Europe are taking a stand against a divided Europe. The delegates intend to start to learn what is happening in particular countries and begin praying for one another. The delegates also acknowledged, ‘It is possible that this unity cannot come about without repentance of the things we have been guilty of in the past because we trespassed against other countries. We should also repent of all prejudices we have against other countries and their people.’
Pray: for God to bless this initiative towards unity. Pray also that the desire to pray together will grow and birth more ‘Prayer Watches’ and ‘Houses of Prayer and worship’. (Is 40:3)
Czech Republic: Europe rise up!
‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.’ This was the Scripture used to call a gathering of European Christians in Prague from December 1st-3rd. For many years Europe has been on the periphery of the Holy Spirit’s blowing. Delegates at the conference took a stand believing if the European nations come together and start building a unity in Europe God will command a blessing. Christians in Europe are taking a stand against a divided Europe. The delegates intend to start to learn what is happening in particular countries and begin praying for one another. The delegates also acknowledged, ‘It is possible that this unity cannot come about without repentance of the things we have been guilty of in the past because we trespassed against other countries. We should also repent of all prejudices we have against other countries and their people.’
Pray: for God to bless this initiative towards unity. Pray also that the desire to pray together will grow and birth more ‘Prayer Watches’ and ‘Houses of Prayer and worship’. (Is 40:3)
