MP wants to force churches into same-sex unions
A member of David Cameron’s government is calling for a ban on marriages at Christian churches if they refuse to also perform same-sex unions. ‘As long as religious groups can refuse to preside over ceremonies for same-sex couples, there will be inequality,’ wrote Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, in an August 21 letter to Cameron. While Weatherley’s proposal is currently a ‘minority view,’ it ‘could quickly become a main stream point of view,’ warned Neil Addison, national director of the UK‘s Thomas More Legal Centre. The UK‘s 2004 Civil Partnership Act, which legalized same-sex unions, forbade them from being performed in religious venues or from using religious imagery. But Cameron’s Coalition government has proposed an amendment to the 2010 Equality Act that would allow churches and other religious venues to perform same-sex unions if they choose.
Pray: that this proposal would not gain support within parliament and lead to a further erosion to God’s laws. (2Ki.17:37)
More: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/british-mp-urges-government-to-force-churches-into-same-sex-unions
Scottish Catholic opposition to homosexual ‘marriage’
A senior Catholic clergyman has voiced strong opposition to the Scottish Government’s proposals to introduce homosexual ‘marriage’. Bishop Tartaglia, of the diocese of Paisley, argued that should the Government allow for homosexual ‘marriage’, it would not deserve the trust of the Scottish people. The Bishop used tough language to challenge the State’s authority, saying that: ‘Marriage is an institution which does not owe its existence or rationale to governments or legislatures. Governments do not have the authority to say what marriage is or to change its nature or to decree that people of the same-sex can marry.’ The Bishop also warned ministers that churches may be forced to solemnise homosexual partnerships against their will, a claim which has been denied by supporters of the proposals. His comments followed those of the Archbishop of Glasgow, who said over the weekend that homosexual ‘marriages’ would be ‘meaningless’ as it would not result in the creation of a natural family.
Pray: that Church leaders will continue to speak out boldly against any action that would degrade marriage. (Heb.13:4)
Bible tour heads to 66 cities
Church insurance specialist, Chris Knott Insurance, has picked up the tab for a unique Bible tour taking place this month. The tour is part of year-long celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Premier Christian Radio presenter, the Rev Victor Robert Farrell, will preach from the 66 books of the Bible at each stop of the 66 city-tour over 66 days. He set off from London on Sunday and will finish back in the capital on November 16 - 16/11, a reference to 1611, the year the King James Bible was completed. Rev Farrell said: ‘What makes this tour so unique is that this is potentially the last year we’ll have just 66 cities in the UK. The Queen can grant city status to any growing town and it is expected she will do so next year as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.’
Pray: for this opportunity to promote the Bible around the country; may all those that hear be blessed. (Ps.40:5)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bible.tour.heads.to.66.cities/28617.htm
Hungary: Churches take over state schools
Local government officials in Hungary are handing state-owned schools over to churches, unable to afford their upkeep during the economic recession, according to church sources. ‘Churches are entitled to run schools in Hungary as public service providers, receiving the same taxpayers' money as public sponsors,’ said Balazs Odor, ecumenical officer of Hungary's Reformed Church, in an interview with ENInews. ‘The school system has its own problems here, which affect church-run schools as well. However, it's generally true that the wellbeing of church schools is better looked after since each has a community behind it,’ he added. In April, the premier Viktor Orban's centre-right government steered through a new national constitution that states Hungarian citizens ‘recognise the key role of Christianity in upholding the nation.’ A
new religion law in July strengthened the position of mainstream churches when it deprived all but 14 of Hungary's 358 registered churches and religious associations of legal recognition, and required others to re-apply for court registration after parliamentary approval.
Pray: for the work of the Church as it takes on the role running schools and teaching the young. (Dt.32:2)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/September/Fighting-the-Ghosts-of-Bosnia-with-Love-Hope-/
