Russia: Churches set on fire
Three churches in a predominantly Muslim province in Russia were set on fire by arsonists early Monday. One of the buildings, an Orthodox church in the village of Ordzhonikidzevsky, was almost totally destroyed. An Orthodox church and a Baptist church in the nearby city of Karachaevsk sustained only minimal damage after the night guard for one put out the fire and the night guard for the other called fire fighters. All the three arson attacks happened between 4:00 a.m.and 6:00 a.m. on Monday and were set when flammable objects were thrown through the churches’ windows. Vandalism of churches is rare in Russia's mainly Muslim North Caucasus. The head of the regional Spiritual Administration for Muslims believes Monday’s arsons were aimed at destabilizing the mixed Christian and Muslim society. Pray: that these attacks will not influence the different religious communities living in the region. (Ps.2:10-11) More: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20101101/arsonists-target-3-russian-churches-burn-1-to-ground/
Facing the axe? Bradford Diocese
A historic Church of England diocese where Muslim worshippers outnumber Anglican churchgoers by two to one is set to be scrapped. Apparently the Dioceses Commission is drawing up proposals to axe the impoverished Diocese of Bradford in Yorkshire and merge it with neighbouring Ripon and Leeds. Some are pressing for both dioceses to be subsumed into the adjoining Diocese of York, to create a ‘super-diocese’. Religious statistician Peter Brierley said that as the Muslim population in Bradford is about 80,000, on a conservative estimate 20,000 are regular worshippers, i.e. more than double the number of their Anglican counterparts. Canon Rod Anderson, of St Barnabas Church in Heaton, Bradford, said that during his 16 years at the church the congregation had diminished from more than 100 on Sundays to between 40 and 60. He added: ‘I have seen a demographic shift with a large ethnic Asian influx’. Relations between the Church of England and Muslims are highly sensitive. Pray: that the Church of England in West Yorkshire earns an increased following through its outreach activities. (1Pe.1:13)
Young people feel 'isolated' in their community
More than a third of young people in the UK aged 16 to 24 do not feel part of their local community, research by the Prince's Trust suggests. The study of more than 2,000 youngsters found one in 10 felt like an outcast. It said more than half ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ spoke to people over the age of 40 in their local community. And those who were not in education, employment or training were significantly more likely to feel isolated, the Trust said. Almost a third (30%) did not think there was a future for them in their local area. Almost a quarter (23%) felt ignored by older people. Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Prince's Trust, said: ‘It is a tragedy that so many young people feel separated from the people around them. ‘Being part of a community and interacting with a mix of people is a crucial part of a young person's development.’ Pray: for our young people and the opportunity for the church communities to engage with them. (Ps.148:12-13)
Teaching of Christianity in schools
The former Bishop of Rochester is urging Education Secretary Michael Gove to restore the teaching of Christianity in Britain's schools. Writing in Standpoint magazine, the Rt Rev Nazir-Ali welcomed the move to end what he calls Britain's ‘collective amnesia’ about its Christian heritage. He said Christianity was the most significant link in the story of Britain and that education should look at the vital role played by reformers in the struggle for the freedoms he says shaped the British nation and are now under threat. He wants to see schools teach children about the link between Britain today and its foundations in the Judeo-Christian traditions of the Bible. He particularly mentions the role of Christians in abolishing the slave trade, introducing universal education, improving working conditions, and caring for the sick. ‘I am glad that the Minister is setting out to remove our collective amnesia. This will also have to mean the rediscovery of our spiritual and moral identity’. Pray: for the renewal of Christian faith and values in all aspects of public life including our schools. (Isa.41:1) schools/26959.htm
