Summer holiday Bible reading as Sir Cliff gets on board
Churchgoers are being encouraged by Sir Cliff Richard to make the most of their summer holiday by recording their favourite Bible chapter on the beach or wherever they are spending their break. The King James Bible Trust has this week released new easy to follow summer recording guidelines for their ambitious YouTube project to get the whole Bible read aloud online, with the support of the Summer Holiday popstar. A range of figures from the Church, politics and the arts have already supported the project including the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams who recorded Job 38. The YouTube recordings are part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the King James Bible.Sir Cliff who plans to record his chapter in the autumn said this week: ‘ The King James Bible was translated to be read out aloud and the YouTube Bible is a great modern way of fusing this wonderful old literary text with a worldwide digital phenomenon.
Pray: for this original approach to speaking and spreading the Word of God. (Dt.32:1)
Government Sharia inquiry ceases after ‘challenges’
An investigation into how Sharia courts are operating in the UK has been dropped after the inquiry faced ‘challenges to undertaking more robust research’, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. The Ministry of Justice probe was launched due to concerns that some judgments of Sharia courts contravene English law. The Ministry of Justice said ‘The challenges to undertaking more robust research were that the councils are generally run on a volunteer basis, were short staffed and very busy, so there were practical difficulties in speaking with respondents.’ Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented: ‘The activity of Sharia courts in this country is shrouded in secrecy. The failure of these councils to co-operate with the Government investigation does not alter this impression. It is important that the truth comes to light both to ensure that they are complying with English law and for the protection of women and children.’
Pray: against the bland acceptance of a situation just because it is challenging to investigate it. (Rev.3:2)
Equality Commissioner: we’ll backtrack on religious liberty
The equality commission’s commitment to protect religious liberty in the workplace has been put in doubt by one of its own commissioners. Angela Mason claims the commission will break its promise to support the principle of ‘reasonable adjustment’ for the religious beliefs of staff in the workplace. She was formerly head of homosexual activist group Stonewall and currently sits as a commissioner on the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Last month the commission issued a public statement saying it would intervene in four religious liberty cases going to the European Court of Human Rights. Yesterday homosexual news website, Pink News, reported Angela Mason saying: ‘The commission has already decided not to put forward ‘reasonable adjustment’ arguments if we do continue with our intervention.’ putting the commission’s commitment to religious liberty in doubt. Her comments have been welcomed by Stonewall, but the commission has not formally responded.
Pray: that the Equality Commission will not be so swayed and will honour its commitment to reasonable adjustment. (Ps.106:3)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/equality-commissioner-well-backtrack-on-religious-liberty/
Agapé to unveil vision for UK
Christian ministry Agapé is set to unveil its vision for spiritual transformation in the UK this month. It is holding a celebration at the Broadway cinema in Nottingham on August 20 during which its new national director, Lesley Cheesman, will be commissioned. The event will showcase the work of Agapé and its ministry partners, and include the premiere screening of Agapé's new short film, also called 'Reckless Love for a Reckless Nation'. The film examines the state of the nation, highlighting both the challenges the church in the UK must face and Agapé’s distinct role in the body of Christ. Ms Cheesman said, ‘Shouldn’t everyone in the UK have the opportunity to hear the message of Jesus and witness the counter-cultural values of God’s Kingdom being put into practice? ‘We hold the belief that this can happen in our lifetime! We want to work closer with the wider Church to see lives changed and devoted to Jesus 100%.’
Pray: for Lesley as she is commissioned and for the work of Agapé in spreading the Gospel message. (Col.1:25-26)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/agap.to.unveil.vision.for.uk/28390.htm
