Italy/EU: Protect migrants' human rights
Amnesty International is urging the authorities in Italy and the European Union to protect the human rights of thousands of migrants from Tunisia arriving on the Italian mainland and the island of Lampedusa. More than 4,000 people have arrived in Italy in recent days following political unrest in their country. There have previously been many reports of asylum-seekers rights being abused in Italy following their arrival from countries around the Mediterranean Sea. Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty International’s Europe Programme Director, said: ‘While we recognise the challenges of dealing with very large and mixed migration flows, the relevant authorities must ensure that previous instances of asylum-seekers rights being abused are not repeated. No one should be forcibly expelled to a place where they face serious human rights abuses, or without adequate consideration of their circumstances and needs for protection. Any decision to detain a person should be considered individually.’ Pray: for all those displaced by the unrest in Tunisia and across the Middle East. (Ps.12:7)
Christian GP ditched from drugs panel
The Christian GP who was appointed as a Government drugs adviser last month (See Prayer Alert 04-2011) has now been sacked because he co-wrote a study which linked homosexuality and child sex offences. Dr Hans-Christian Raabe, a respected GP, was appointed to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) by the Home Office last month. But because Dr Raabe didn’t declare his involvement in the 2005 scientific study his appointment has now been controversially revoked, a decision which has prompted considerable criticism. Dr Raabe said: ‘My appointment has been revoked based on the wrong perception that I could potentially discriminate against gay people – something I have never done, neither in my private nor professional life.’ He added: ‘My appointment has merely been revoked as a result of my views on matters completely unrelated to drugs policy.’ His concern was echoed by Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, who warned: ‘It looks like political correctness is alive and well at the Home Office.’ Pray: for Dr Raabe and pray against poor decision-making based on ill-informed political correctness. (Isa.26:13) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/christian-gp-ditched-from-drugs-panel-over-gay-row/
Islamic sect in fight for 'mega-mosque'
Leaders of the Islamic sect Tablighi Jamaat want to overturn an enforcement order served by Newham council requiring them to leave their West Ham site where they want to create a 12,000 capacity megga mosque. Over the years Tablighi Jamaat have been denied permission by the council to erect a permanent mosque on the site and a five year permit for a temporary mosque ran out in 2006. Since then they continue to develop facilities without permission, acting unlawfully. Their track record since buying the site in 1996 demonstrates they don’t abide by planning regulations. Opposer to the Mega Mosque, Newham Concern, is calling two Muslim experts as specialist witnesses to highlight the fundamentalist and socially harmful nature of the sect - highlighting their promotion of hard-line separatism, intolerance, and refusal to open their facilities to women. This inquiry is a moment of truth. If the appeal fails, the temporary mosque will close down and their dreams for the mega-mosque will be over. Pray: for the Christians who intend to be present at the meetings from Tuesday to Thursday this week and next week. (Pr.1:20)
Clergy told to take on the 'new atheists'
The Church of England will this week vow to fight ‘new atheism’ in an attempt to combat the rise of secularism and defend Christianity in Britain. Clergy are to be urged to be more vocal in countering the arguments put forward by a more hard-line group of atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, who have campaigned for a less tolerant attitude towards religion. A report endorsed by Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, warns that the Church faces a battle to prevent faith being seen as ‘a social problem’ and says the next five years are set to be a period of ‘exceptional challenge’. It expresses concern that Christians are facing hostility at work and says the Church could lose its place at the centre of public life unless it challenges attempts to marginalise religious belief. Pray: for a new vision to ensure a strong future for the Church. (Ac.18:9)
