BBC accused of anti- Christian bias
The BBC has been forced to defend an East Enders' storyline after outraged viewers accused the Corporation of anti-Christian bias. The complaints centre around a portrayal of a Christian Pentecostal pastor as a deranged killer whose deeds are motivated by his Christian faith. Viewers watched the pastor failing to help his ex-wife when she was dying, strangling a love rival to death and attacking his current wife. Over 100 viewers have now written to the Corporation saying that they find the storyline deeply offensive. The BBC issued a statement defending their controversial plot. Last year Don Maclean claimed that the BBC is keen on programmes which attack churches, and that there was a wider secularist campaign ‘to get rid of Christianity’. Daily Telegraph writer, Damian Thompson, said: ‘We are deep into the realms of BBC bias and ignorance here. Only a BBC drama series would, to quote the complainant, ‘transfer the practice of terrorist beheadings from Islamist radicals to a fantasised group of fundamentalist Christians’. Pray: that BBC will give a more balanced view of Christians in their future programming. (Ho.14:9) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/bbc-accused-of-anti-christian-bias-by-viewers/
NI leaders condemn rioting
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers have said there is no excuse and no justification for the violence of recent days. More than 80 police officers were injured in two nights of rioting by nationalist youths. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said there had been ‘outright thuggery and vandalism’. Mr Robinson also said comments by a senior police officer alleging poor political leadership were unhelpful. He said he and Mr McGuinness have been working, and will continue, to work for a resolution of the difficulties around parading. McGuinness said both men were ‘resolute’ in their commitment to tackle sectarianism. ‘This will require the community to stand united against all those forces seeking to bring conflict back on to our streets,’ NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson praised the police and said those ‘who use young people to attack the police and smash up their own area are cynical enemies of the whole community’. (See Prayer Alert 2810) Pray: for seekers of peace to prevail in Ulster and elsewhere. (Jas.1:21)
Swimming lessons during Ramadan
Swimming lessons in some Staffordshire schools should stop during Ramadan to ensure Muslim pupils ‘do not swallow water’ suggests Stoke-on-Trent City Council in an 11-page Ramadan Guide. It says swimming is acceptable to Muslims but poses a high risk of swallowing water that may break a fast. It also suggests re-scheduling sex education classes during the holy lunar month, as Muslim followers who have reached puberty are required to avoid sexual thoughts during this period. Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society said the guidance is out of proportion.’Surely it should be possible for Muslim pupils to be withdrawn from those elements of the school day that they don't want to participate in without imposing these restrictions on everybody, Muslim or not. Rearranging the whole school routine for a whole month to satisfy the religious needs of a few is totally. Pray: that the city council will think again even as the National Secular Society suggests.
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10596808
Churches unite to transform communities
Christians from 18 churches are set to work together this summer to engage in community projects in the north west of England. Engage 2010 is a project 12 years in the making and building on the success of a one-day event in Hoole, Chester in 1997. This one day developed into a week-long Hoolefest in 2004 and then Chesterfest in 2007. Each year it has grown to include more people and to have an even greater impact on local communities. 20 churches have partnered with local businesses and agencies to deliver a week-long youth and community programme. Young people have grown in confidence as they have understood their value and significance as well as building character, self-esteem and teamwork. 18 church congregations from across Cheshire West and Chester are working together with the support of partner organisations including Link Up, The Light Project and Chester Christian Schools Work to organise the programme. Pray: for God’s blessing on all those involved in this project as they live the Gospel message. (1Pe.3:15) More:http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/chester.churches.unite.to.transform.communities/26265.htm
