Sex education materials should be licensed
Sex education resources should be licensed to ensure they are age-appropriate, an MP has said, following concern among parents about ‘inappropriate’ materials. Andrea Leadsom’s comments come in the same month that a report by The Christian Institute highlighted shocking resources being pushed by public bodies for use in schools. One such resource encourages primary school pupils to learn about anal intercourse, oral sex and prostitution. (See Prayer Alert 11-2011) Mrs Leadsom, the MP for South Northamptonshire, asked if the Education Secretary Michael Gove was ‘aware of the great concern of some parents about the inappropriate material being shown to their five-year-old and seven-year-old children under the guise of sex and relationship education’. Education Minister Tim Loughton replied, saying he shared some of her concerns. He noted the current Government review into personal, social and health education, of which sex and relationship education is a key part, and said he would welcome the MP’s further input into the review. Pray: that those in authority will be given Godly insight when preparing teaching materials for the young. (Pr.3:21)
Is marriage worth defending?
By many measures, marriage has weakened in our society over the past two generations. Fewer people marry. More people divorce. Increasing numbers of people move through a series of sexual relationships without ever forming a lasting marriage. Not only the practice but also the understanding of marriage has shifted. Our society’s view of marriage, centred on mutual emotional satisfaction, is already far from classic Christian teaching. Now pro-homosexuality advocates are seeking to radically redefine the institution, reducing it to a relationship between any ‘two people who love each other’. Amidst all this conflict, is it worth the cost for Christians to continue to defend and promote this embattled institution? The Bible teaches that God brought together man and woman for the good of all humankind. Marriage is the most basic building block of human society. Almost every known culture distinguishes the marriage of man and woman from other relationships. Pray: that marriage would be restored to its rightful place in our society as God intended. (Heb.13:4) More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2011/03/22/is-marriage-worth-defending-2/
Churches against sexual violence in Africa
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams is lending his support to a new church coalition working to end sexual violence against women. The Silent No More coalition consists of the Anglican Communion, Lambeth Palace, Tearfund, Christian Aid and Restored. Its formation coincides with the launch of the Silent No More report documenting the role of the church in response to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Liberia. The report was launched Monday at Lambeth Palace, as the coalition’s first step towards addressing the silence, pain and stigma faced by survivors of sexual violence. Speaking at the launch, Dr Williams said: ‘It is of the first importance that churches and all communities of faith continue to hold before the world’s eyes the absolute priority for justice and dignity for all’. Pray: that this initiative and others in the Silent No More campaign will raise awareness and achieve lasting results. (Ps.11:5)
Church criticises government's alcohol 'responsibility deal'
The Methodist Church has criticised the Government's ‘responsibility deal’ to tackle alcohol abuse, saying that it prioritises the drinks industry over the vulnerable. Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Team Leader for the Methodist Church, said:’ We are totally unconvinced that the Government’s proposed ‘responsibility deal’ on alcohol regulation will be effective in reducing the problem of harmful drinking.’ The deal covers voluntary agreements with the drinks industry on matters such as promotions and labelling. Six medical organisations, including the BMA and Alcohol Concern, have walked away from this deal on the grounds that it favours the drinks industry, and places no limits on pricing or advertising. ‘We have an opportunity to reverse the devastating effects of years of under-regulation of the drinks market. If the Government means to keep its promises around harm reduction, alcohol policy should be informed strongly by medical evidence and not sidelined by the pressures of the industry.’ Pray: that the needs of the consumer, especially the vulnerable will take priority over commercial profit. (Lk.21:34) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=494
