Europe and Eurasia brace themselves for impact of nations in transit
The migration crisis and economic problems are threatening both the survival of the European Union and the stability of Eurasia’s entrenched dictatorships, according to an annual report on democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Eurasia. It says the EU’s response to the migration crisis has left the door wide open to those who reject democracy. Renewed nationalism and the erosion of freedom of movement and other fundamental principles are threatening the emergence of democracy. The goal of a Europe ‘whole and free’ has to be updated. The biggest challenge is the spread of xenophobic rhetoric denouncing migrants. Claiming that Europe faces a Muslim invasion has become standard fare for a range of politicians and political parties in Europe, and it undermines a fundamental principle of equality before the law. There is a danger that this kind of hate-filled speech will lead to violence against minorities and refugees.
The Queen turns ninety
Yesterday the Queen became the country's first nonagenarian sovereign. She celebrated with a walkabout with the Duke of Edinburgh to meet members of the public and at midday gun salutes were held across the UK. Later in the day she lit the first in a chain of a thousand beacons across the UK and worldwide. We can thank God for the life of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrate the love that she has for her people and for the grace and commitment with which she carries out her duties. We can thank God for her open declaration of her Christian faith and we can ask God to bless her health, giving her strength and vigour. We can also ask God to bless Prince Philip and all her family, their marriages and their relationships, with health, strength, peace and joy.
Watch and pray for the EU referendum
The vote, and the actions the nation takes after the vote, need soaking in prayer. We are entering a time of political and economic uncertainty. The World Prayer Centre believes this vote is an individual decision and encourages people to pray and listen to God, seeking His will and purpose for this nation and the countries of Europe, believing that God’s heart is that none should perish and all should come to a knowledge of Him. The referendum is happening at a time of great spiritual challenge and opportunity, so we can look beyond the political and economic issues and pray for God’s Kingdom purpose, His mercy and deliverance. The WPC are calling for a season of prayer and fasting from 14 May to 2 July (40 days of prayer up to voting day and for 10 days after). For further information and prayer resources, click the ‘more’ link.
Sexual violence and harassment in schools
After a freedom of information request the BBC revealed 5,500 sexual offences were recorded in UK schools between 2011 and 2014. Over 600 were rapes, and 1/5th of offences were carried out by children on children. As a result of this publication there will be a Commons committee inquiry to establish who is offending and whether incidents are rising. The committee wants teachers, students, parents and youth organisations to share experiences and knowledge. It has already gathered the views and experiences of 300 UK youngsters in a pilot study, and found that in school corridors and playgrounds sexually charged behaviour drives young people's physical interactions: it permeates their life online 24/7. They're feeling pressurised into sex, with fear of being branded 'frigid' by their peers if they detach themselves from the moral belief scene. Some reported 'being bullied for being a virgin'. Some teachers brush off incidents of sexual assault because of the young age of students.
