Children at risk
There has been much improvement over the years in quality of life for children, but we have not yet eradicated the serious harm inflicted on children at risk. Risk is increased by poverty, alcohol- or drug-addiction, domestic abuse and where parents have learning disabilities or mental illness. Childhood neglect can be a gateway to deeper problems. UNICEF reported that approximately one in 10 of all girls under 20 have experienced sexual violence. Children not in school are at greater risk. Wars take place in streets these days. In conflict areas, or where natural disasters have struck, vaccination rates plummet, education stops, trauma multiplies. Worldwide 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders. The Church is uniquely well-placed to protect children at risk and make them more resilient, resourceful, and hopeful for a brighter future. No other organisation can supply such time, compassion, volunteers, skills, and spiritual resources.
Vicar resigns over secret 8-year-old’s sex change
Reverend John Parker has resigned over the way a Church of England school handled an eight-year-old pupil's plan to change gender. He supported the boy's wish to become a girl but was silenced when he raised concerns that parents and pupils would be kept in the dark. He feared staff and governors had been misled by a transgender lobby group which advise the school. After his concerns were dismissed by the bishop Reverend Parker quit the church which he had served for 14 years. His resignation letter spoke of his fear that children were being 'sacrificed on the altar of trans ideology', in Church schools. Mr Parker said, 'I was basically told by my bishop that if I wished to follow the teachings of the Bible faithfully then I was no longer welcome in the Church. It felt like I was being silenced by the Church and the school.'
Trafalgar Square Beacon Event 9 June 2019
Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a joyful family festival and service. The day is packed with festivities; live performances from acts including worship leader and Grammy award winner Matt Redman and The Kingdom Choir, made famous around the world for a memorable performance of Stand By Me at the wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle last May. There will be something for everyone, from uplifting live music, spoken word, dance, prayer workshops and crafts – to family fun and activities to keep the kids entertained. The Pentecost service will be between 4-6pm with praise, worship, witness, word and prayers. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby will be at this Pentecost celebration and is inviting all in London to take part of a joy filled celebration thanking God for the water of life and committing to be those through whom that water flows into a thirsty world.
D Day Prayers in Parliament Square
Thursday 6 June is a significant day for our nation. This year, we mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day when allied nations came together in a tremendous act of courage, sacrifice and God’s divine intervention – that became the turning point in World War II. It is the day before Prime Minister May resigns, and we can entrust our nation to the hands of God, as we enter the next chapter of our history. Christians believe in the power that comes from heaven when we come together in prayer. We may all have different views, but we can unite in praying for God’s will. ‘Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done’ for the UK. In a mark of solidarity between nations that characterised D-Day, the event will have minority churches lead prayers in Parliament Square, London between 7 and 8 pm on Thursday 6 June, or at other prayer events on the day across the nation.
