Hope for the countryside: autumn festivals
This year, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles occur in October, preceded by the Feast of Trumpets in September. Along with the spring biblical festivals, these mark the agricultural and liturgical year, prompting us to remember God’s deeds in history, give thanks for His material and spiritual provision, and pray for His blessing on the year to come, including on its harvest. They are also eschatological. ‘Trumpets’ looks to the coming of Jesus, the rising up of believers, the releasing of God’s judgements, and the coming of His Kingdom (Revelation 8:6-11:19). ‘Atonement’ is fulfilled by Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:7-14), by the repentance and redemption of Israel (Zechariah 12:10-13:1), and the day of God’s favour and vengeance (Isaiah 61:1-3). ’Tabernacles’ looks forward to the final harvest and the Messianic kingdom (Zechariah 14:16-19). As we ponder our present times, give thanks that God is still working His purpose out.
Archbishop urged to scrap transgender guidance
Following Nigel and Sally Rowe’s recent legal victory against the department for education, which led to a £22,000 settlement for legal costs and a commitment from the Government to reform its transgender policies, they have urged the Archbishop of Canterbury to scrap the ‘Valuing All God's Children' (VAGC) guidance in CofE primary schools. This says children as young as five should be affirmed if they want to identify as the opposite gender. The Rowes want the archbishop to do this so that staff and children in schools are properly safeguarded and protected from harmful transgender ideology and practice. They also want to meet him to discuss these points and what the CofE can do about them. Recently a charity considered ‘a reliable source on transgenderism for CofE schools’ was found to be offering chest binders to children without parental knowledge.
Covid: protect elderly from rising levels
Covid is on the rise again, so those feeling unwell should avoid vulnerable friends, colleagues and relatives as a precaution, say experts. 1.3 million (one in 50) have Covid, with a ‘marked increase’ in infections among over-70s. There are no new restrictions, but people are being reminded to take extra care. There are fears of a flu and Covid ‘twindemic’ this winter, and those who qualify for free jabs should get them. NHS are sending reminders out to over six million people in at risk groups. Pray for very high levels of vaccine uptake across the UK. Covid hospitalisation rates are at their highest level in months. The NHS is asking people with respiratory infection symptoms to wear a face covering.
Private renters stuck in dangerous homes
Tenants who complain of dangerous or potentially deadly faults in privately rented homes are being let down by councils. When landlords fail to fix hazards - including serious faults that pose an immediate risk to health - councils have a legal duty to act. But the number of times councils use enforcement powers is far lower than the number of reports made. In the last five years 135,687 hazards were recorded, including 42,654 which posed an immediate risk to safety, but council action was only taken on 25,243 occasions, while less than 1% of the registered faults led to a prosecution. The housing charity Shelter said the whole system was ‘a car crash’. The private rented sector is home to 11 million people: many are young professionals who are close to buying, but there are also families and older people who will be renting for many years.
