Prayer Connect, A New Resource for the Prayer Movement
The U.S. National Prayer Committee announces the release of its new magazine, Prayer Connect. “Can Prayer Save America?” is the timely theme of the premiere issue, which will release the week of July 4. Orders are being taken now at www.prayershop.org. Click on “Prayer Connect Magazine”. (if you want to use a hot link directly to the product page of the issue, use this URL:
http://www.prayershop.org/Can-Prayer-Save-America-p/pcm-0711-mg-001.htm
Inquiry to be held - Equality law concern by Synod
A Christian MP, Gary Streeter, is arranging for an inquiry to be held over the autumn looking at discrimination against Christians in the UK. The inquiry comes amidst increasing concern over the erosion of religious freedom in the UK and will examine how the law currently affects believers. Gary Streeter MP said that the panel would invite submissions from legal professionals, businesses, individuals and social policy groups from faith and non-faith backgrounds. They will be asked to evaluate hate crime and equality legislation in the light of the need to protect freedom of belief. The inquiry will be open to the public. The issue was raised at the General Synod, the Church of England’s national assembly, last weekend. Dr Philip Giddings, chairman of the Church of England’s public affairs council, warned that employers too often failed to respect religious rights interpreting the law in ways which seem to assume that reasonable and respectful expressions of faith are, almost by definition, offensive.
Pray: that the Government will listen and respond positively to the submission from general Synod. (Job.34:2)
Belfast riots: Appeals for calm
Police and community representatives are appealing for calm after trouble in west and north Belfast. An investigation is under way into the possibility that shots were fired in west Belfast during the trouble. Petrol bombs and other missiles have been thrown at police during rioting in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast. The trouble broke out after police in riot gear took up position ahead of an Orange parade walking past the Ardoyne shops on Tuesday evening. Stones, bottles and fireworks were thrown at police. Water cannon was used to push back the crowd of about 200 people. Community worker Robert McClenaghan, from the Falls Residents Association, said the violence was organised by nationalist youths. Crowds of nationalists threw petrol bombs and masonry at police who fired plastic bullets in the Broadway and Oldpark areas. Mr McClenaghan said the violence was ‘nothing but thuggery’.
Pray: against this annual violence and pray for a cessation of hostilities and reconciliation. (2Co.5:19)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14128807
U-turn on ban of religious items at elderly home
Elderly residents living in a sheltered housing complex in Preston were left shocked when they were told to remove their religious items to promote ‘diversity’. But the housing company that manages the properties, Places for People, issued a swift apology today and lifted the ban. Residents in the 40 flats at St Paul’s Court were sent a letter warning them that religious items had to be removed from communal places, including letter boxes and number plates on doors. Some residents were left upset by the letter, which also called for volunteers to become ‘equality and diversity’ champions. The move was criticised by local religious leaders with one warning: ‘Political correctness is getting silly.’ But a statement from
Places for People, issued today, said: ‘We apologise for any insensitivity and concern this may have caused. It was a local decision not reflecting on the group’s national policy.’
Pray: that local ‘officials’ are not misled into imposing senseless and discriminatory rules in the name of political correctness. (Pr.3:7)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/diversity-bans-elderly-from-displaying-religious-items/
