Imam preaches at Oxford college chapel
Two religious leaders are claiming an historic first after an Islamic Imam preached at a Christian chapel. For the first time a Muslim, Dr Taj Hargey, from the Summertown Islamic Congregation in Oxford, was welcomed to deliver a sermon at Pembroke College’s chapel. The Rev Dr Andrew Teal, of Pembroke College, said he had been trying to get a Muslim Imam to deliver a service for many years and he believed it was a first. ‘We wanted to do something which brought together Christianity and Islam, but not to create a third thing. I think what we are doing today is very unusual. The two faiths are actually very close Abraham being a key figure in both Islam and Christianity.’ Dr Hargey added: ‘It is up to Muslims and Christians in this great city of ours to show the way for the rest of the country’. Pray: for increased respect for Christianity by the Muslim community with ‘no-go’ Muslim areas a thing of the past. (Pr.9:10) More: http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8474153.Muslim_preaches_at_Oxford_college_chapel/
Military Christian Organisations (MCOs)
November 6th will be a National Day of Prayer for our Armed Forces. A number of Christian organisations support the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and work closely with the Service chaplaincies. These organisations include the Armed Forces’ Christian Union; others can be seen at www.afcu.org.uk. All these organisations work together to encourage Christians serving within the Armed Forces, to pray for them, evangelise, provide Bible teaching and studies and Christian resources, to support marriages and family life and to encourage discipleship and spiritual growth. There are also links to Christians of other Armed Forces, through Military Missions International. There are 120 Military Christian Fellowships (MCFs) worldwide so far and they desire to encourage the formation of more MCFs to support and equip Christians in Armed Forces around the world. Pray: for the work of all these MCOs in the service of our Armed Forces (Heb.12:11)
Vatican meeting of Middle East Bishops
Middle East Bishops have demanded that Israel end occupation of Palestinian lands. In a final joint communiqué, they also told Israel not to use the Bible to justify ‘injustices’ against the Palestinians. While they condemned terrorism and anti-Semitism, they laid much of the blame for the conflict squarely on Israel. They listed the ‘occupation’ of Palestinian lands, Israel’s separation barrier with the West Bank, military checkpoints, political prisoners, demolition of homes and disturbance of socio-economic lives as factors that have made life increasingly difficult for Palestinians. All forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianism and Islamophobia are to be condemned. Religious leaders’ responsibilities are to promote dialogue between cultures and civilizations. That the bishops are making these ‘bold’ statements is a testament to Israel’s essential decency and humanity. The bishops know that there will be no serious consequences or massive reprisals against Christians in Israel for ‘speaking out’, whereas similar Christian criticism or questioning of an Arab government in the region, or Islamic extremism, would produce such. Pray: for even-handedness to prevail in judging Middle East issues by opinion-formers. (Pr.16:10) More: http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2010/10/singling-out-israel-isnrsquot-christian
Vatican meeting of Middle East Bishops
Middle East Bishops have demanded that Israel end occupation of Palestinian lands. In a final joint communiqué, they also told Israel not to use the Bible to justify ‘injustices’ against the Palestinians. While they condemned terrorism and anti-Semitism, they laid much of the blame for the conflict squarely on Israel. They listed the ‘occupation’ of Palestinian lands, Israel’s separation barrier with the West Bank, military checkpoints, political prisoners, demolition of homes and disturbance of socio-economic lives as factors that have made life increasingly difficult for Palestinians. All forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianism and Islamophobia are to be condemned. Religious leaders’ responsibilities are to promote dialogue between cultures and civilizations. That the bishops are making these ‘bold’ statements is a testament to Israel’s essential decency and humanity. The bishops know that there will be no serious consequences or massive reprisals against Christians in Israel for ‘speaking out’, whereas similar Christian criticism or questioning of an Arab government in the region, or Islamic extremism, would produce such. Pray: for even-handedness to prevail in judging Middle East issues by opinion-formers. (Pr.16:10) More: http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2010/10/singling-out-israel-isnrsquot-christian
