Religious hate crimes on the rise in Scotland
The number of religious hate crimes in Scotland has risen by nearly 10% in a year, according to new figures. The Crown Office report came as First Minister Alex Salmond warned the ‘parasite of sectarianism’ would not be tolerated in Scotland. Last year's figure is the highest since 2006-7. Meanwhile, the number of charges of race crime fell by almost 4% to 4,165 in 2010/2011. More than nine out of 10 of the cases in 2010-11 led to court proceedings. Speaking at Holyrood following his re-election as first minister, Mr Salmond said modern Scotland was ‘built on equality’. Solicitor General Frank Mulholland QC said there was no place in modern Scotland for crimes motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. He said: ‘The high prosecution rate demonstrates that offending motivated by prejudice will not be tolerated, and that perpetrators will be dealt with robustly by Scotland's prosecutors'. Pray: for a growing tolerance and neighbourliness to allow people of different creeds, denominations and beliefs to live harmoniously together. (Lev.19:18)
Cross-party support for free speech amendment
Prominent MPs have signed an amendment to improve the law on free speech – offering more protection for Christian street preachers. The amendment would remove the word ‘insulting’ from Section 5 of the Public Order Act. In recent years a number of street preachers have been unjustly arrested because someone claimed to be ‘insulted’ by their message. The Government is so far resisting the change, arguing that the problem can be solved by better police training. But Simon Calvert, The Christian Institute’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, says the law needs to change. Genuine Christians don’t want to insult anyone. But insult can often be in the eye of the beholder. Too many Christian street preachers have been unjustly silenced by the police and even arrested simply because someone doesn’t like what they are saying. The amendment is expected to be debated in the House of Commons next month.
Pray: for Parliament to agree to this proposed amendment to the law. (Job.9:35)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/cross-party-support-for-free-speech-amendment/
Christian doctors back GP over 'Jesus' remarks
The medical standards watchdog is facing a backlash from doctors after censuring a Christian GP who raised his personal beliefs with a patient of a different faith. Dr Richard Scott, a family GP with 28 years’ experience, is facing disciplinary action and fears he could lose his job after he discussed his faith in Jesus with a patient last year. The 50-year-old is being investigated by the General Medical Council but Christian doctors rallied to his defence and criticised the way that the professional standards regulator had handled the case. In 2010, Dr Scott, who works at Bethesda Medical Centre in Margate, Kent, a practice known for its Christian partners, saw a patient at the request of the patient’s mother. He maintains that he only discussed how his faith in Jesus had helped him at the end of the consultation, and with the patient’s consent. Dr Peter Saunders, chief executive of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said ‘It does seem to me that the GMC have overreacted by censuring him.’ Pray: for Dr Scott at this time of personal challenge and for the GMC to rethink their view in this case. (Ps.89:21) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8529595/Christian-doctors-back-GP-over-Jesus-remarks.html
Call to churches to pray for toddler groups
Churches are being invited to take part in the first ever day of prayer for toddler groups this June. The day is being organised by 1277, an alliance of Christian denominations and agencies including the Church of England, the Catholic, Methodist and United Reformed Churches, and the Baptist Union of Great Britain. The name of the alliance represents the average number of days between a child’s birth and the start of formal education. There are around 27,000 church-based toddler groups across the UK, many of them run by committed volunteers and amounting to half of the total support and care on offer to the nation’s pre-schoolers and their carers. The day of prayer on 5 June falls within National Family Week. It is being dedicated to those who attend a church toddler group and will also celebrate the valuable work of those who help out.
Pray: for all those who care for, prepare for and work with all our pre-school children. (Lk.15-16)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/call.to.churches.to.pray.for.toddler.groups/28005.htm
