Concern over Beyoncé advert
The Christian Institute has voiced concern over sexually explicit advertising after a perfume advert for Beyoncé’s new perfume was deemed unsuitable for daytime television. Mike Judge, of The Christian Institute, raised concern over the effect of such adverts on young girls. ‘As Christmas approaches we are bombarded by inappropriate perfume adverts on TV, the high street and in our shopping centres,’ he said. ‘These ads only contribute to society’s sexualisation, which more and more people are speaking out against. Sexualisation damages all in society but in particular it puts pressure on young girls and women to conform to a ‘perfect’ body image.’ He added: ‘The Advertising Standards Authority took action against this advert after 14 people made complaints, which shows it only takes a handful of people to say something is inappropriate, and it can make a real difference.’ Pray: for a wider recognition of the damage sexually explicit adverts and pop videos can do to our young people. (Ps.7:14) .tv/27103.htm
Pupils 'learn to cut off hands of thieves'
Up to 5,000 Muslim children at a network of Islamic schools across Britain are being taught how to chop off the hands of thieves and that Jews are plotting to take over the world. This was disclosed on the programme Panorama on BBC One, which also claims that the children's textbooks were discovered at a network of 40 private schools, called Saudi Students Clubs and Schools, teaching the Saudi Arabian national curriculum. One book for six-year-olds warns that those who do not believe in Islam will be condemned to ‘hellfire’ in death. Another book for 15-year-olds teaches about Shariah law and its punishments. ‘For thieves their hands will be cut off for a first offence and their foot for a subsequent offence,’ it says. Two diagrams show where cuts should be made. Panorama also found examples of private Muslim schools using extremist sentiments on their websites. Pray: that the Imams who fervently wish for better understanding between our faiths will rein in the use of such subversive material in Islamic schools. (Ps.55:9) More: http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC101123-0000046/Where-pupils-learn-to-cut-off-hands-of-thieves
Pupils aged ten viewing pornography
One in three children is accessing a ‘tsunami’ of explicit pornographic images on the internet by the age of ten, a study has revealed. Four in five teenagers regularly look up unsuitable photographs or film on their computers or mobile phones, it also suggested. Campaigners warned that exposure to these images inflicts ‘serious mental harm’ on children and prevents them forming healthy adult relationships in later life. The average age of a child first exposed to pornography is just 11. At a conference in Parliament on Monday, campaigners called on ministers to force websites to carry cigarette-style health warnings. A large ‘R18’ banner would pop up on targeted websites, alerting children and parents to the nature of the site, they said. The British Board of Film Classification, which censors films, should also be called in to classify website content. Miranda Suit, director of SaferMedia, said pornography was getting more extreme and easier to access. Pray: for the internet to become better regulated to prevent corruption of our young. ( Job.5:17)
Not Ashamed’ campaign latest
Christian Concern says thank you for your continuing support of ‘Not Ashamed’ (See Prayer Alert 3910). With just a few days to go until the 1st December launch, momentum is growing. Signatures on the declaration continue to grow – please continue to spread the word at church and elsewhere. Why not send a quick email to all the Christians in your address book? We’re keen to hear of how you are planning to mark ‘Not Ashamed’ day in your local area. Some churches are thinking of placing an advert in the local paper, others of writing a letter to the editor highlighting the reason for Not Ashamed; others are intending to deliver a copy of the declaration to their local MP or mayor. Please send us your ideas so that we can share them to http://www.notashamed.org.uk/. Pray: that this initiative will grow and develop national prominence. (Ps.25:20) More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/11/21/not-ashamed-3/#more-38779
