Royal Engagement
Clarence House announced plans for a 2011 Royal wedding on Tuesday, to the delight of the couple's parents, politicians and well-wishers. Prince William asked for Miss Middleton's hand in marriage while they were on holiday in Kenya last month, and the wedding will be held in the spring or summer next year. She will then move in with her husband in Wales. The Prince proposed with the blue sapphire and diamond ring that his father, the Prince of Wales, gave to Diana, Princess of Wales in February 1981. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are said to be 'absolutely delighted' by news of the engagement, while the Prince of Wales said he was 'thrilled'. Speaking at his Poundbury model village in Dorset, Prince Charles made reference to the length of their eight-year relationship, joking, 'They have been practising long enough.' The parents of Kate Middleton said they were 'absolutely delighted' and 'thrilled' at the announcement. Pray: for Harry and Kate as they prepare for marriage and cope with the media barrage they now face. (Pr.18:22) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/8137887/Royal-wedding-Prince-William-to-marry-Kate-Middleton-after-proposing-with-Dianas-ring.html
Outrage after Amazon sells paedophile guide
An e-book which billed itself as a guide for paedophiles has been withdrawn from sale by prominent online retailer Amazon.com after horrified customers called for a boycott of the site. The book, entitled The Paedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover’s Code of Conduct, had been available for the retailer’s electronic reading device since October. The e-book claims that paedophiles are misunderstood, and offers advice about how to avoid falling foul of the law. Though Amazon.com has now withdrawn the contentious publication, other highly controversial books can still be bought through the online retailer. Amazon initially appeared to be reluctant to withdraw the book, saying in a statement, ‘Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable. Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions.’ Pray: for Amazon to review their decision and to ban texts that support illegal activities. (Dt.7:12) More: More http://www.christian.org.uk/news/outrage-after-amazon-sells-paedophile-guide-online/
Derry priest in Mass attack
On Sunday Fr Dermott Harkin of at St Brigid's Church, Londonderry used Mass to attack republican gunmen believed to be responsible for shooting one of his parishioners. The victim, a convicted sex offender, was beaten and then shot in the legs. Fr Harkin said the attack was ‘not to be tolerated, and doesn't reflect the feelings of the vast majority of people in this area. He said that no-one has the right to take the law into their own hands, that all violence is wrong that all forms of abuse and cruelty meted out to any human being is against God's law and an insult to a good and decent community of people. The priest said he got a very positive reaction from his parishioners. Pray: that people would continue to move away from vigilante type activity and for peace to reign in North and South Ireland. (Ps.133:1) More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11755636
Religion needs a new image
Former Met chief Lord Ian Blair speaking at the annual lecture of theology think tank Theos warned that violence, infighting and abuse are obscuring much of the good that people of faith are doing today. The former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police warned that people were not always aware of the achievements brought about by religion because of some of the crimes committed by people of faith as well as internal conflicts, for example within his own Anglican Church. Lord Blair, a practising Anglican, went on to say that Islam had been ‘demonised’ by the acts committed by extremists and that to most people, faith appeared ‘irrelevant, clannish, prejudiced, old-fashioned and violent’. He believed religion was still principally a force for good and the acts of charity and love by people of faith should be and remain the glue that permits modern society to exist. Pray: for Lord Blair and other ‘high profile’ Christians to continue to speak out for truth humility and justice in our society. (Ps.45:4) More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/religion.needs.a.new.image.says.former.met.chief/27093.htm
