Increases in crime documented
The statistics set out in Crimestoppers website are shocking in their summaries of the growth over recent years of all types of crime. Crimestoppers is an independent charity working to fight crime and well worth supporting in our view. It has nothing to do with the BBC’s Crimewatch programme. Anonymous information passed to Crimestoppers has led to 100,000 criminals being arrested and charged. This milestone was reached 22 years after the charity was formed in 1988. Anonymity is assured for those offering information about crimes in their area. An example of a local initiative is shown by the well known boxer, Ricky Hatton. He has joined up with Crimestoppers to encourage people in Greater Manchester to rid their community of crime by passing on information to Crimestoppers anonymously. Pray: that Christ’s light will shine into dark places so that justice may be delivered and peace prevail. (Eph.5:8-10) More: http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/latest-crime-statistics
Christians must not be sidelined
A senior Government official has said that Christians should not be sidelined for their faith and that Christianity has a valued and important role to play. Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said that the Government is keen to look at the church’s role in communities for inspiration. He knows the flawed logic of the view that the state can solve society’s ills does not work. In an interview with the Sunday Express, he said: ‘One of the things I want to do is to use the pastoral experience of the Church of England and the Catholic Church in getting out there into the community. Religious tolerance is immensely important. Religion has a valued and important role in binding our society together and is a vital part of the cultural fabric of the English and British nations.’ It is reported that there are 22,000 Christian charities in Britain providing more than 23 million hours of voluntary service. Pray: for recognition of the vital role that the church plays in the life of the nation. (Mt.5:3)
We must do more on knife crime
David Cameron hinted at tougher sentences for knife crime in the wake of the latest ‘absolutely horrific’ death of a 15-year-old in London. The fatal stabbing of Zac Olumegbon outside his school in West Norwood on 2 July was raised in Parliament by MP Chuka Umunna. In his response, the Prime Minister referred to a review of sentencing, saying: ‘I'm very clear we do need to have the strongest possible signal about how carrying a knife is just unacceptable. We need to send out a signal that it is not a defensive measure, it's not a cool thing to do. It should not happen and the punishment will be tough’. Mr Cameron said the long-term solution was ‘to give people an alternative to the gangs they are drawn towards, because they don't have other networks and help and hope in their lives. (See 4th item) Three teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with Zac's murder. Pray: for the Lord to effect changes to the youngsters’ role models. (Mt.18:3)
David Cameron: Church schools ‘under threat’
The Church of England was warned last week that, unless there are further amendments, its 140-year-old partnership with the Government over schools could be ended by the new Academies Bill. The warning came in a client-advice paper from the solicitors that acts for the National Society, the body set up in 1811 to found church schools. The new Bill is potentially the largest change in the provision of education in England since 1870. Before then schools had been provided by voluntary bodies, principally the Church of England. The balance then swung towards state provision; but the new legislation could swing the balance back again to the voluntary sector, says the solicitor’s education specialist. ‘We suppose that the Government would ideally wish to see the end of local authorities as providers of schools. Modifications to the Bill have been by the bishops in the Lords which would increase diocesan boards’ influence over their schools. Pray: that Church schools will continue to underpin the faith of future generations. (Lk.18:16)
