The health gap between rich and poor
The health gap between the richest and poorest in Britain is now wider than it was during the great depression, according to researchers from Sheffield and Bristol Universities. They say that the gap was gradually narrowing until the 1970s, when the trend reversed. Health inequality has grown rapidly in the last twenty years. This reflects a growth in economic inequality over a similar period. ‘Health and wealth are directly linked’, insisted researcher Danny Dorling, ‘Unless we tackle the income gap, we could well see life expectancy actually starting to fall for the first time in the poorest areas.’ Campaigns for economic equality have gained momentum since the publication last year of the The Spirit Level. The book's authors, Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, use detailed analysis to demonstrate lower levels of crime, unwanted pregnancies and other social problems in more equal societies. This perspective is now promoted by the Equality Trust. Pray: for an understanding that redressing this imbalance will also address other problems in society. (Dt.15:4)
How churches fight belief in witchcraft
African churches in Britain are learning how to safeguard children's rights against exploitative pastors. Monday’s ‘Dispatches’ programme on Channel 4 highlighted the harm caused to children in the UK, mainly from an African background, by church pastors who are apparently labelling them as witches or as in some way ‘possessed’. Enormous strides have been made recently in building relationships with African churches, many of whose members do not speak English as their first language. To that end, the Child Protection Advisory Service has already trained more than 5,000 church leaders and volunteers in the optimum standards of child protection. The practices of a minority of ‘rogue’ churches and pastors are being challenged by African communities. This voice has been strengthened by community-led meetings and training for parents and young people. Specialist training has improved social work and health practitioners' knowledge and understanding of harmful cultural practices, which is critical to improved identification of abuse linked to spirit possession and witchcraft. Pray: for the complete eradication of child abuse linked to these ‘cultural practices’. (Dt.18:10) More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/jul/27/religion-witches-africa-london-exorcism
INSIGHT ARTICLE: 2012 Olympic Games
Sir Craig Reedie, the former British Olympic Association chairman said London will be a ‘magical’ place to be when the Olympics begin in under two years' time. He was at the Olympic Park on Tuesday when Seb Coe, the London 2012 chairman, and London Mayor Boris Johnson launched the countdown to the Games. In 2012 the Olympic flame signalling the start of the Games will begin its journey in Olympia, Greece and travel across the world to be held high by torch bearer across the UK to the Olympic Stadium in London. The flame burns continuously until the closing ceremony. This INSIGHT ARTICLE (cllick on 'Info' button) has been prepared to encourage prayer throughout the coming months for God to bless the Olympic torch route in advance of 2012. Records reveal the Olympic Games and the rituals we still use today began in 776 BC in Olympia in Greece and are rooted in pagan religious symbolism, and declarations. Pray: that every village, town, city, ancient path and site on the proposed route will be blessed with God’s light. (Ps.67:1) Info: http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/Olympicroots2.pdf
Ukraine Church hit by explosion
An 80-year-old woman has died after an explosion at an Orthodox Christian church in southern Ukraine which injured at least eight other people, officials say. The blast in the city of Zaporizhzhya is believed to have been caused by a homemade explosive device. It is not clear who is behind the explosion. It came towards the end of a visit to Ukraine by the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill I which has attracted protests by right-wing nationalists. Thousands of Orthodox believers gathered in the Ukrainian capital to celebrate the historic ‘Baptism of old Russia’. Modern Kiev is the place where the Christianity started in this part of the world. Back in 988, Prince Vladimir took the first bunch of pagans into the Dnepr River in Ukraine and baptized them to become the Orthodox Christians. The whole Christianization process took several centuries, but Kiev is still considered to be the cradle of Orthodox Christianity in this part of Europe. Pray: for the believers in Ukraine and against the enemy that is stirring up dissention. (Ps.64:1) More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10123640
