Archbishop says desire for God is 'undimmed'
Dr Rowan Williams insisted the country has not ‘turned its back on God’ as he personally invited its residents to return to church this week. His comments echo those of the Pope, who declared at the end of his historic visit to Britain that he detected a ‘deep thirst’ for faith despite the forces of ‘aggressive secularism’ at work in Britain. Churchgoing has declined in recent decades, although some figures suggest it is now stabilising. (See Prayer Alert 3810) This has led many organisations, particularly in the public sector, to stop traditional celebrations of Christianity and to make staff keep their beliefs private. When launching a publicity campaign ahead of the annual Back to Church Sunday, the Archbishop said: ‘The desire for God is undimmed in Britain. This country has not turned its back on God or spiritual things and the Church of England is here for the whole nation: we are a spiritual home on every street corner.’ Pray: for God to grant a renewed confidence in living and working the Christian life in the UK. (Ac.16:5)
Government’s commitment to people of faith
The Evangelical Alliance(EA) has welcomed assurances from Baroness Warsi that this Government ‘does God’ and is ‘comfortable’ with faith. The Government minister made the comments to Church of England bishops last week, adding that the church was ‘at the heart of society’ and that the Labour Government had failed to ‘create policies to unleash the positive power of faith in our society’. The EA head of public affairs, Dr Don Horrocks, said her comments were ‘welcome’ and ‘timely’. He pointed to the work of Christian charities like Redeeming our Communities in Manchester, whose volunteers have been credited with helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. The General Director of the EA, Steve Clifford, said that Christians were ‘already at the heart of serving their communities’ but should grasp the opportunity to get even more involved by being a part of the Government’s Big Society initiative.(See Prayer Alert 3010) Pray: for Government to act on their words to place the Church at the ‘heart of society’. (Isa.26:2) More:http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/evangelical.alliance.welcomes.governments.commitment.to.people.of.faith/26745.htm
Pope's visit ‘challenges stereotypes’
After all the fears expressed before the Pope left Rome of a possible debacle - street protests and a poor turnout - there was a tangible sense of relief, even of euphoria, among Pope Benedict's entourage during the return flight. The Prime Minister, Mr Cameron, said the Pope had challenged the whole country ‘to sit up and think’ about the relative roles of religion and politics. The Pope had talked about ‘the development of a healthy pluralistic society’. He expressed his admiration for Britain's ‘instinct for moderation’ which found an echo in the Prime Minister's vision of a country that is ‘deeply but quietly compassionate’. The Pope's triumph was really his speech to leaders of civil society at Westminster. One politician said that his performance had been ‘sheer magic’. Pray: that the Papal visit will leave a long-term legacy in the role of the Christian faith in this country. (Phm:20)
Police need to reclaim streets
Police have ‘given up’ on the street and are failing to take problems caused by anti-social behaviour as seriously as victims do, a police chief says. About 45% (3.5m) of police calls relate to anti-social behaviour, but Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O'Connor said officers did not regard it as real crime and were slow to act. He warned cutting spending on the issue would be ‘a very significant mistake’. Police chiefs say they are deeply aware of the impact of anti-social behaviour. Home Secretary Theresa May said the report was a ‘damning indictment of Labour's failure to tackle anti-social behaviour’ and the government was reviewing the tools the police needed to deal with anti-social behaviour because Asbos were ‘clearly not working’. The work of Street Pastors www.streetpastors.co.uk and Street Angels www.streetangels.org.uk/ have contributed to crime reduction in many of the areas where they serve. Pray: that the Police, together with the Church and all peace-makers, would reclaim the streets bringing law and order and God’s new life. (1Jn.5:5)
