All Christians to back Pope’s visit
The Evangelical Alliance has called on Christians of all denominations to support the Pope’s visit to Britain. The organisation, which represents around a million evangelical Christians, believes the papal visit is especially timely as Christians face growing hostility from a small but influential secular wing. It acknowledges that the visit is taking place amid anger over the Church’s handling of child abuse cases and strong opposition to its stance on issues like homosexuality, women and abortion, but says there are ‘other critical issues at stake’ that will affect Britain’s future as a whole.The Alliance is urging all Christians to support the Pope’s address. The Evangelical Alliance said it hoped the Pope’s visit would ‘act as a catalyst’ for society to protect religious freedom in Britain and overseas. Pray: for the Pope and his message of religious freedom as he continues his visit to the UK. (Ga.5:1) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/evangelicals.urge.all.christians.to.back.pope.visit/26703.htm
Peacemaking Sunday
Churches are being encouraged to mark the United Nations’ International Day of Peace on 19 September - Peacemaking Sunday - using ecumenical worship resources provided by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, The Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. The United Nations’ International Day of Peace is celebrated on 21 September and provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and nations to focus on peace and peacemaking in the world and within their own lives. The three denominations have compiled a selection of art, prayers, a sermon guide, meditation and a commissioned hymn designed to help congregations focus on peace this coming Sunday. Mrs Val Morrison, moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, says 'Peacemaking Sunday and the United Nations’ Day of Peace highlight our need to pray for peace in the many areas of conflict across the globe, but also, in our own lives and relationships.’ (See also World/Africa below) Pray: for God’s peace to be upon us all. (Mi.4:3) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=461
Children exposed to inappropriate TV
Two thirds of parents in the UK believe children are exposed to unsuitable content on television before the watershed, a survey has shown. An online survey of 1,004 parents of children under the age of 18 revealed that 67 per cent thought inappropriate content was broadcast before 9pm. A further 80 per cent said they felt films and video games with violent or sexual themes can be accessed too easily by children. The research, conducted for The Mothers’ Union, also showed that most parents think television, films, magazines and the Internet make children sexually aware at a younger age. The charity has called for a ban on marketing and selling sexualising products to children under 16 and put in place safeguards to protect children under 16 from viewing displays of goods of a sexual nature. Pray: for the media to recognise their responsibility in protecting children and young people. (Dt.5:29)
Head’s job in peril
Council bosses are investigating a head teacher who urged school girls to show more modesty in how they wear their uniform. Robert Kelly, rector at Berwickshire High School in the Scottish town of Duns, said flouting uniform rules by wearing short skirts and half-buttoned blouses would encourage inappropriate thoughts among boys. But some parents thought he was blaming girls for unwanted male attention, and he is now under investigation by the Scottish Borders Council. Union leader Ken Cunningham said: ‘There will be a lot of sympathy for Mr Kelly as it’s a difficult issue that affects schools around the country – there’s no way he should lose his job and I hope common sense will prevail. ‘I’m very worried about sexualisation, particularly of young girls, which I think has got worse. Parents and schools have a duty to ensure that dress is sensible – common sense is the key factor.’ Pray: for God’s guidance to all involved in this matter and for common sense to prevail. (1Ti.2:9)
