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
Condom advertisements and young people
Condom use and their promotion in TV ads only helps to promote risk-taking behaviour in young people - behaviour that contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted disease and teenage pregnancies, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has said in a new campaign. The condom ads on UK television, which were approved by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority in March this year to be shown during children’s peak viewing hours, are ‘priming’ children to have sex in their teens, SPUC says. Also increased condom use has resulted in ‘shamefully high rates’ of sexually transmitted disease among young people, and creates a ‘false sense of security’ for teens. A briefing by another organization, the Southern Cross Bioethics Institute, says that advertisers should not be allowed to promote condoms to children. The authors quote the BBC’s own editorial guidelines that state, ‘Programmes broadcast between 5:30am and 9pm must be suitable for a family audience including children’. Pray: for the protection of young children from unnecessary and premature sexualisation. (Lev.18:21) More: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10102203.html
Christian students and 'Prayers of Freedom'
Over 200 people from all over the world gathered in Manchester Cathedral over the weekend for a candlelit Taizé service, as the Student Christian Movement (SCM) celebrates a growth in interest among students. The service on Saturday 23 October 2010 was the highlight of the 'Prayers of Freedom' weekend organised by SCM and the Taizé Community, which brought together students and young adults from more than twelve different countries, many of them studying in Britain. The success of the 'Prayers of Freedom' event is the latest indication of a growing interest amongst students in a Christian faith that links spirituality, prayer and action for social justice, says SCM. The SCM conference in February 2010 saw the highest turnout for 20 years, and organisers of the 2011 conference, which will take place from 4-6 February, are hoping for the highest turnout since the 1970s. Pray: for the student community and the SCM that many more will respond to the Gospel message. (Ps.119:9)
