Christian foster carers campaign for re-instatement
The Christian couple from Derby at the heart of the controversy over whether couples with mainstream Christian views on marriage and sexuality can become foster parents have re-submitted an application to foster to Derby City Council asking the Council to change its policy on carers. Owen and Eunice Johns, together with Derby City Council, had previously made a joint application to the High Court, asking the Court to make a declaration on how the Council should treat an application from potential foster carers who were unwilling to promote the practice of homosexuality to a small child. As was widely reported at the time, although the particular Judicial declaration on the balancing of rights that the parties sought was not given, the Judges used the opportunity provided to make a forceful case against the right to manifest Christian beliefs in the face of equalities legislation, stating that homosexual rights trumped freedom. (See Prayer Alert 09-2011) Pray: that this move will lead to the Johns’ reinstatement and a change to the law. (Lk.21:15&21)
New website for children, teenagers, youth workers & parents
A new website from the Methodist Church is offering resources for children, young people, parents and youth workers. www.childrenandyouth.org.uk has age-appropriate sections offering stories, ideas and advice for children and young people themselves as well as specialist sections for youth and children’s workers. ‘This isn’t just another website about working with young people,’ said Penny Fuller, Children and Youth Development Officer for the Methodist Church. ‘It’s a hub of resources for the whole Church as we join children and young people on their journey of faith. It’s a place where children and young people can find advice and support as they live out their discipleship in the classroom, on the playground and in the high street.’ The website also has a special section dedicated to parents, with guidance and information for parenting children of all ages on topics ranging from bereavement to relationships. Pray: that this web site will be well used and will provide additional support to all its visitors. (Tit.2:7) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=498
Online video promotes church weddings
An online video promoting church weddings is launched today on the Church of England website, to meet an increase in demand for information on church weddings. Featuring vicars enthusiastic about weddings, couples who have rated their church weddings extremely highly, and the Bishop of Hertford, the professionally produced five-minute video explains how the church has a warm wedding welcome for all. It can be viewed on the weddings website www.yourchurchwedding.org and on the national Church of England website www.churchofengland.org The video, and website, form part of the Church of England's project to promote church weddings that has included road-shows and workshops for clergy in many parts of the country. The Rt Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Hertford, explains in the video: ‘Now people move around the country a lot more, we've changed the law so you can get married not just in your local church, but also in a whole range of churches that are special for you.’ Pray: for a strengthening of marriage in society and that this site will be a helpful aid to those considering how to go about getting married. (Jn.2:2)
Seven-year-olds shown ‘graphic sex cartoon’
A mother has taken her seven-year-old daughter out of school after she was shown a cartoon featuring a couple chasing each other around a bed and having sex. According to The Daily Mail, seven and eight-year-old students watched the controversial Channel 4 sex education DVD, ‘Living and Growing’, at their local elementary school. A voice-over on the DVD describes the sex as ‘exciting’. Lisa Bullivant, from Legbourne, Lincolnshire, was so upset by the content, she took her daughter out of East Wold Primary School and placed her with another school. Bullivant said, ‘The cartoon was very graphic. My daughter was frightened and children have unfortunately been copying what they have seen. Parents should have been given the decision of whether the video should have been shown or not.’ She added, ‘There is no educational, psychological benefit or need for children of this age to have full knowledge of what sexual intercourse entails.’ (See also Prayer Alert 11.2011) Pray: that material that is considered controversial should not be taught without wise discernment. (Tit.1:11a)
