Schools block Gideons offering Bibles
Two schools in Staffordshire have been accused of trying to ‘silence Christianity’ by banning the Gideons from offering children a free Bible. Despite thousands of schools welcoming the respected group each year, Abbot Beyne School and Paget High School claimed the offer of a Bible was inappropriate. Critics say the schools are being overly sensitive and questioned whether they may be pushing an agnostic agenda. Each year the Gideons offer copies of the New Testament and Psalms to children in thousands of British secondary schools. The Bible Society’s Canon Dr Ann Holt said: ‘I have never met a single person of another faith in this country who objected to distribution of Bibles and the robust teaching of Christian Faith. They expect it. Such actions tend to come from white agnostics with an agenda of their own, or from people who really do not know how to manage the co-existence of a number of faiths.’ Pray: for a change of heart from the school leaders at these schools. (2Sa.22:31) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/two-schools-block-gideons-offering-bibles/
Church prayers for the Royal couple ahead of wedding
The Church of England and Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales have released new prayers ahead of the royal wedding this month. The Church of England’s prayer for Prince William and Kate Middleton is posted on its website and is also for all those ‘made one in marriage’. The prayer has been adapted from Common Worship and joins one made available earlier for schools and young children. The new prayer asks God to ‘look in favour’ on the royal couple and ‘all who are made one in marriage’. It also asks God to ‘deepen their love’ and help them to keep their vows to each other. The Catholic prayer asks for God’s blessing upon Prince William and Miss Middleton and to give them strength to serve God, the country and the Commonwealth ‘with integrity and faithfulness’. Pray: for William and Kate as they prepare to marry and for their wedding to be a positive model for many other young couples. (Jn.2:1-2)
Italy: Bibles for North African refugees
Evangelical Alliance Italy is distributing aid and Bibles to tens of thousands of North African refugees who have fled to Lampedusa, an Italian island 75 miles from the Tunisian coast. The island is struggling to cope with the influx of migrants and many of the 20,000 migrants estimated to have arrived in Italy in the last few months have been relocated - but there are around 6,000 still on the small island, many of them Tunisian. Teams of volunteers have been sent by the Evangelical Alliance Italy to work alongside local authorities in facilitating the relationship between the refugee community and the local people. The volunteers will also distribute aid, including Bibles and other Gospel literature, and witness to the refugees of the love of Christ in appropriate ways. The alliance is appealing for prayers for the thousands of migrants who face an ‘uncertain future.’ An estimated 50,000+ migrants will come to the shores of Italy. Pray: for the Church to be strengthened as she steps into opportunities to give humanitarian aid and share God’s provision. (Mt.4:19) More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/bibles-aid-being-distributed-to-n-african-refugees-49794/
Italy: Bibles for North African refugees
Evangelical Alliance Italy is distributing aid and Bibles to tens of thousands of North African refugees who have fled to Lampedusa, an Italian island 75 miles from the Tunisian coast. The island is struggling to cope with the influx of migrants and many of the 20,000 migrants estimated to have arrived in Italy in the last few months have been relocated - but there are around 6,000 still on the small island, many of them Tunisian. Teams of volunteers have been sent by the Evangelical Alliance Italy to work alongside local authorities in facilitating the relationship between the refugee community and the local people. The volunteers will also distribute aid, including Bibles and other Gospel literature, and witness to the refugees of the love of Christ in appropriate ways. The alliance is appealing for prayers for the thousands of migrants who face an ‘uncertain future.’ An estimated 50,000+ migrants will come to the shores of Italy. Pray: for the Church to be strengthened as she steps into opportunities to give humanitarian aid and share God’s provision. (Mt.4:19) More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/bibles-aid-being-distributed-to-n-african-refugees-49794/
