IRAN: Pastor Nadarkhani Verdict Expected in Mid-December
Latest reports from sources close to Pastor Nadarkhani’s case informed CSW that Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyers have been told to expect a decision from the Supreme Leader in mid-December. Verdict expected mid-December but may be delayed until Christmas. CSW learned this week that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is expected to make a decision on Pastor Nadarkhani’s case in mid-December, raising fears that it may be issued to coincide with the Christmas season in order to avoid an international outcry. The court in Rasht has sent two letters about the case to the Supreme Leader but is still awaiting a response.
Please pray for his vindication and release and for his courage in witness for Christ during the rest of his imprisonment and trial.
Christian 'targeted' by Islamic extremists
A Christian worker has launched a landmark legal action after she lost her job when she blew the whistle on what she says was a campaign of ‘race hate’ by fundamentalist Muslims. Nohad Halawi, who worked at Heathrow Airport, is suing her former employers for unfair dismissal, claiming that she and other Christian staff at the airport were victims of systematic
harassment because of their religion. She claims that she was told that she would go to Hell for her religion, that Jews were responsible for the September 11th terror attacks and that a friend was reduced to tears having been bullied for wearing a cross. Mrs Halawi worked in the duty-free section as a perfume saleswoman of the airport for 13 years but was dismissed in July. Her case is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre, who say it raises important legal issues and also questions over whether Muslims and Christians are treated differently by employers.
Pray: for Mrs Halawi and for her case when it comes before the tribunal. (Ps.11:7)
Prime Minister rebuts Dawkins’ faith school attack
David Cameron said atheist campaigner Richard Dawkins ‘just doesn’t really get it’ on the issue of faith schools. The Prime Minister made the comments as he answered questions from well-known figures for a Guardian newspaper article. Prof Dawkins asked the Prime Minister: ‘Why do you support faith schools for children who are too young to have chosen their faith?’. Mr Cameron responded: ‘I support faith schools on the basis of the proof that over the years they’ve been good schools. Why? Because the organisation that’s backing the school – the church or the mosque or the synagogue – is part of the community. It brings a sense of community and a sense of responsibility and the backing of an institution to a school. The church was providing good schools long before the state ever got involved, and we should respect the fact that it’s not just the state that can provide education – other bodies, too’.
Pray: that the Prime Minister's comments would bring reason to Prof Dawkins’ comments. (Dt.32:2)
Olympic Park Prayer Walk
You are invited to join Christians from East London on the first Saturday of 2012 in a Prayer Walk of the Olympic Park. Saturday 7th January 2012 10.00am - 12.00 midday. The whole route is approximately 1.5 miles and it is expected that the prayer walk will take between one and a half to two hours, with stops for prayer at key points. Members of the More than Gold Prayer Team and others will be leading in prayer for the Olympics, Paralympics and the main Olympic site. No need to book - just turn up! Full details of where to meet, transport and parking can be found on the ‘More’ link. For those who are unable to attend please join them in prayer wherever you are.'
Pray: for all those who are coming together to pray that God would guide their prayers. (Ps.25:5)
More: http://prayerforum.org/news/national/olympic-park-prayer-walk/
