Christian doctor goes to EU Court of Justice
Sheila Matthews, a paediatrician of 18 years, sat on an adoption panel and asked to abstain from voting on whether children should be placed with homosexual couples, due to her Christian beliefs. This resulted in her being dismissed as a medical adviser by Northamptonshire County Council. After a campaign led by Christian Concern she was reinstated in her job yet she was no longer allowed to continue as a full member of the adoption panel.This meant that she lost the opportunity to put vulnerable children in loving homes and her career was restricted. Sheila resigned this March because she felt that she could no longer work somewhere where she was denied the opportunity to fully use her skills. She has effectively been excluded from practising her vocation due to her Christian views. On Wednesday Shelia applied to be heard at the European Court of Justice mounting the legal challenge to determine whether professional medical advice regarding the child’s ‘best interests’ is ‘negated’ by ‘homosexual rights.’ Her case was heard before an Employment Tribunal in Leicester Tuesday. Pray: for the British Isles to adopt the best possible Christian options and practice for children and for religious and professional freedom for Christians in the workplace. (Job 6:29) More: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/nov/10111603.html
Royal Engagement
Clarence House announced plans for a 2011 Royal wedding on Tuesday, to the delight of the couple's parents, politicians and well-wishers. Prince William asked for Miss Middleton's hand in marriage while they were on holiday in Kenya last month, and the wedding will be held in the spring or summer next year. She will then move in with her husband in Wales. The Prince proposed with the blue sapphire and diamond ring that his father, the Prince of Wales, gave to Diana, Princess of Wales in February 1981. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are said to be 'absolutely delighted' by news of the engagement, while the Prince of Wales said he was 'thrilled'. Speaking at his Poundbury model village in Dorset, Prince Charles made reference to the length of their eight-year relationship, joking, 'They have been practising long enough.' The parents of Kate Middleton said they were 'absolutely delighted' and 'thrilled' at the announcement. Pray: for Harry and Kate as they prepare for marriage and cope with the media barrage they now face. (Pr.18:22) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/8137887/Royal-wedding-Prince-William-to-marry-Kate-Middleton-after-proposing-with-Dianas-ring.html
Outrage after Amazon sells paedophile guide
An e-book which billed itself as a guide for paedophiles has been withdrawn from sale by prominent online retailer Amazon.com after horrified customers called for a boycott of the site. The book, entitled The Paedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover’s Code of Conduct, had been available for the retailer’s electronic reading device since October. The e-book claims that paedophiles are misunderstood, and offers advice about how to avoid falling foul of the law. Though Amazon.com has now withdrawn the contentious publication, other highly controversial books can still be bought through the online retailer. Amazon initially appeared to be reluctant to withdraw the book, saying in a statement, ‘Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable. Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions.’ Pray: for Amazon to review their decision and to ban texts that support illegal activities. (Dt.7:12) More: More http://www.christian.org.uk/news/outrage-after-amazon-sells-paedophile-guide-online/
Derry priest in Mass attack
On Sunday Fr Dermott Harkin of at St Brigid's Church, Londonderry used Mass to attack republican gunmen believed to be responsible for shooting one of his parishioners. The victim, a convicted sex offender, was beaten and then shot in the legs. Fr Harkin said the attack was ‘not to be tolerated, and doesn't reflect the feelings of the vast majority of people in this area. He said that no-one has the right to take the law into their own hands, that all violence is wrong that all forms of abuse and cruelty meted out to any human being is against God's law and an insult to a good and decent community of people. The priest said he got a very positive reaction from his parishioners. Pray: that people would continue to move away from vigilante type activity and for peace to reign in North and South Ireland. (Ps.133:1) More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11755636
