Christians to 'light up' for poverty
Christians are being invited to ‘light up' beacons of hope for the world's impoverished communities through a week of prayer. Tearfund is asking Christians to take part in One Voice 2011, a worldwide week of prayer focused on social justice issues and ending global poverty. The aid agency is urging Christians to pray for people still suffering in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, as well as thousands of refugees displaced by post-electoral violence in the Ivory Coast, and those affected by the floods in Pakistan. Tearfund Chief Executive Matthew Frost said: ‘One Voice 2011 hopes to make an incredible difference to the world’s poorest people, those suffering social injustice and the effects of natural disasters. As Christians, when we engage with God in prayer, we re-focus our hearts on the mission Christ calls us into - to love our neighbours, to reach out to people living in poverty and care for those in need.’ Pray: for One Voice 2011 and for all those that Tearfund wish to support. (1Sa.2:8) More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/christians.to.light.up.for.poverty/27511.htm
Target brothels to combat trafficking say campaigners
Campaigners against sex trafficking have warned that unless there is a crackdown on brothels in Britain sex trafficking will rise in the UK. The Poppy Project has urged police to prioritise brothels as an urgent target because they create an environment where trafficking can thrive. The call comes after a Romanian father and son, Bogdan and Marius Nejloveanu, were jailed recently for trafficking five young women to England. The son, Marius, was given 21 years for repeatedly raping and beating the women, the longest sentence for trafficking in the UK. The Poppy Project’s spokesman, Abigail Stepnitz, called on police to urgently target brothels masquerading as saunas, massage parlours and private flats. According to the Observer, almost 6,000 have been identified in England and Wales. There are 17,000 migrants working in UK brothels, according to a report completed by the Association of Chief Police Officers last year. Pray: against the evil that seeks to make profit from this form of human slavery. (Ps.34:16) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/target-brothels-to-combat-trafficking-say-campaigners/
Sentamu: Don't force churches to conduct gay weddings
Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, has warned against forcing vicars to conduct same-sex civil partnerships as the Coalition prepares to grant full marriage rights to homosexual couples. Some critics fear the reforms could pave the way for legal challenges that would force vicars to conduct homosexual ‘wedding’ ceremonies against their will. Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, told BBC One’s Andrew Marr show ‘I live in a liberal democracy and I want equality for everybody. I cannot say the Quakers shouldn’t do it. ‘Nor do I want somebody to tell me the Church of England must do it or the Roman Catholic Church must do it because actually that is not what equality is about.’ Stephen Parkinson, director of Forward in Faith, a traditionalist Anglican movement, said: ‘It is a matter for the Christian churches to order their own affairs. Her Majesty’s Government has no place interfering.’ Pray: for the Church to retain is own jurisdiction on such matters. (Ro.7:22)
Church of Scotland to be celebrated in the heart of the Scottish capital
The life of the Church of Scotland is to be celebrated with a special outdoor event in Princes Street Gardens in May. Roll Away The Stone will showcase the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, in front of the iconic castle. The Church's work will be brought to life in a variety of ways, including through worship, entertainment, stalls, music, drama, storytelling, puppets, juggling, drumming and crafts. Co-organiser Rev Dr George Whyte, Deputy Principal Clerk of the Church of Scotland, said up to 4,000 visitors are expected to take part in the free festival on May 22, during the Church's General Assembly week. Dr Whyte said ‘We are there to publicly celebrate the life of the Church of Scotland. It’s for those who know nothing about the Church and those who are deeply involved. We are encouraging anyone in the broader church family within a reasonable travelling distance to come to Edinburgh on the day.’ Pray: for spiritual protection for those staging this event and for its success in reaching out to people. (Ps.145:7)
