Government climb-down after CU free speech concerns

A free speech safeguard has been introduced into a new anti-terror bill, following widespread concerns that Christian Unions and other university societies could face censorship. Warnings about the threat to free speech have come from student charity UCCF, university leaders, a top QC and numerous peers. Under the draft guidance for the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill, university societies would be forced to hand over presentations to be vetted. However, late last night the Government introduced an amendment which requires universities to give ‘particular regard’ to freedom of speech when fulfilling their duty to combat terrorism. It has also committed to rework a paragraph in the guidance which was at the centre of the controversy. The revised guidance will need parliamentary approval before it can be implemented. The Christian Institute welcomed the climb-down while noting that a ‘close watch’ on the guidance was needed ahead of it being finalised. (See also Prayer Alert 04-2015)

Praise:

God for answers to prayer. (1Chr.5.20b)

'Would you like a beer, or some Holy Spirit?' Pub swaps booze for Bible

The former local has gone from public house to a house of God after residents clubbed together to raise enough funds to buy the dilapidated building. The move came after numbers at two local churches in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, dwindled and parishioners believed the new venue would be perfectly located to attract more people. Last Sunday Stoke Methodist Church opened its doors to a new set of regulars – including many locals who used to drink in old The West End pub. The holy watering hole now consists of an altar, a community cafe, a vestry and a quiet room - where the bar, pool tables and gambling machines once stood. On Sunday Rev Nichola Jones said: ‘It’s not the building that makes a church, it’s the people, and they are all very excited about starting something new'. Jenny Walker, from Penkhull, in Stoke, who used to drink at the pub, added: ‘The transformation is just amazing and unbelievable.’

Praise:

God for this initiative and fresh expression of church. (2Cor.9:12)

Prince Charles expresses alarm about radicalisation in Britain

The Prince of Wales has appealed for bridges to be built between faiths as he expressed his alarm at the number of young people in Britain being radicalised. Prince Charles said ‘The frightening part is that people can be so radicalised either by contact with somebody else or through the internet. I can see, I suppose, to a certain extent, some aspect of this radicalisation is a search for adventure and excitement at a particular age.’ In the interview with BBC Radio 2’s Sunday Hour, he also suggested that when he becomes king he may still be sworn in as Defender of the (Anglican) Faith, following years of speculation that the title could be changed to encompass all faiths. He added that he had ‘deep concerns’ for churches in the Middle East and feared there would soon be very few Christians left in the region.

Pray:

for the work of the Prince's Trust in building bridges between faith groups particularly amongst young people. (Mic.4:3-5)

Jeremy Hunt orders yearly study of 'avoidable' hospital deaths

New plans to reduce the number of ‘avoidable deaths’ in English hospitals have been unveiled by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Mr Hunt said an annual review of 2,000 cases of patients who later died would allow hospitals to be ranked according to avoidable mortality rates. Mr Hunt said there were about 1,000 avoidable deaths in the NHS per month. These statistics would be used to establish a national rate of avoidable deaths. As part of the drive, hospital chairmen will have to update the Health Secretary every year with their plans to eradicate avoidable deaths. Mr Hunt also promised additional training for new clinical staff. Hospital mortality rates expert Professor Nick Black said: ‘A national annual review would place England as the first country in the world to monitor the extent of avoidable deaths, and provide a basis for stimulating quality improvement in each individual hospital.’

Pray:

for the number of 'avoidable deaths' in hospitals to be significantly reduced. (Jer.17:14)

Lift burden off rural clergy, C of E study recommends

An urgent review of parish structure - including the number of churchwardens and other office-holders - is needed to release the time and energy of clergy and lay people for mission in rural areas, a report has recommended. The report, 'Released for Mission: Growing the rural Church', will be debated at General Synod next week. Two-thirds of C of E churches are in rural areas, but fewer than half the clergy serve in them. The vast majority of rural churches are in multi-parish benefices or groupings. Clergy working in multi-church groups - some of whom have as many as 11 or more churches to look after - report feelings of exhaustion, as they rush to conduct as many services in as many churches as possible each Sunday. The Bishop of Knaresborough, the Rt Revd James Bell, said, ‘Rural ministry must be re-thought in a way that is authentic to the place and people to whom the Church is reaching out.’

Pray:

for the General Synod to seek appropriate and effective answers to this problem. (2Co.14:4)

Elderly care home residents auctioned off by councils on 'eBay-style' website

Councils are putting the elderly and disabled ‘up for auction’ on eBay-style websites where care homes bid against each other to offer them a bed. More than a dozen local authorities are listing vulnerable people’s details including their age and what care and medication they need. Care homes in the area are then invited to bid to offer the elderly person a home. Often, the cheapest offer wins. The bidding is sometimes open for only a few hours but at other times it can last for two or three days. It means the patient or their family often do not see the care home, and that those running the home do not see the patient before they arrive. One critic likened the system to ‘auctioning your granny’ and said it was like a ‘cattle market’. Others complained that computers are only interested in costs and should not be making sensitive decisions about an elderly resident’s final years.

Pray:

for councils to fully assess the needs of each individual and consult with their families as part of the process of placing the elderly into care homes. (Ps.71:9)

‘Assisted Suicide’ and ‘Dignity in Dying’

Lord Faulkner’s private members’ bill on ‘Assisted Dying’ was debated again recently. Some issues covered by the private members’ bill attract greater public interest than others. Discussions and votes are an important safety valve, people then express their views by e-mail, petition or demonstration and put pressures on the Government. If there is clear support for a Bill, there is a case for returning to the issue and persuading Government to bring in a Bill of its own. The Assisted Dying Bill is a good example of one attracting considerable interest. The ‘Dignity in Dying’ campaign supports the Assisted Dying Bill. They are generating much interest on line and in the media to make assisted dying happen. The implications of this Bill going through are huge. In 1967 an abortion bill was supposedly ring-fenced and safe; now millions of lives are destroyed. See also

Pray:

against the growing momentum favouring a law that would oblige society, doctors and nurses to take life. (Pr.13:14)

Bishop Libby Lane launches anti-human trafficking campaign

Bishop Libby Lane launched a campaign on Monday against human trafficking, her first official engagement since becoming the Church of England's first female bishop. Bishop Lane, who was consecrated last month, visited Manchester Airport to raise awareness of the issue. Staff will be given training on the identification of at-risk passengers as part of the Travel Safe Week initiative in partnership with Border Force, the airport chaplaincy and local organisations who work with victims. Speaking to Sky News, Bishop Lane said the training would allow staff to ‘be alert to those indications that perhaps relationships between people are not all that they seem and to be able to spot the signs that people are at risk and are vulnerable. We hope that the publicity and the information in and around the airport will give those people the courage and hope to be able to turn to those who may be able to help them.’ (See also article in 04-2015 Prayer Alert.)

Pray:

for the success of this campaign and any initiative that targets those being abused. (Is.1.17)

Loneliness a major middle class problem, says Church

A survey of clergy finds loneliness is a significant problem in both wealthy and deprived areas of England. Loneliness and isolation are England’s most widespread social problems and are common even in affluent middle class areas, according the survey. The number of clergy reporting that social isolation is a major problem in their area has risen by ten per cent in the past three years. The survey published by the Church Urban Fund and the Church of England showed loneliness was the only issue to be cited by clergy as a significant problem in the majority of wealthier, as well as deprived areas. Social isolation was listed as a more common problem than unemployment, homelessness and poor housing by the 1,812 clergy who completed the questionnaire. In London, nearly three quarters of vicars said social isolation was a major or significant problem in their community. (See also Prayer Alert 04-2015)

Pray:

for all those who are lonely and feel isolated. Pray that initiatives will be made to meet the needs of those who are lonely. (Ps.25:16)

Ukraine: Some facts to pray into

At the time of this week’s Prayer Alert publication Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will be discussing the war in his country at an EU summit. Lithuania believes they should supply weapons to Ukraine during the civil war. Many are undecided. A ‘worst-case scenario’ facing Europe was outlined by a former US ambassador to Ukraine. He said, ‘I think that those who argue against helping Ukraine defend itself against a much bigger and stronger aggressor do not understand the strategic stakes.’ Lord Ashdown is urging the West to use ‘military diplomacy’ while avoiding direct conflict. Many are saying that countries must stand up to Russia over Ukraine, or Europe could descend into a major war for the first time since 1945. The Estonian President compared Western inaction against Russia with the appeasement of Adolf Hilter in 1938. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond accused Mr Putin of ‘acting like some mid-20th century tyrant.’See also

Pray:

for the EU and international community to be directed on to God’s paths of decision-making. (Ps.119:105)

Hundreds feared dead after boats sink off Italy

An estimated 300 people are feared dead after attempting to reach Italy from Libya in three inflatable rafts, the UN refugee agency said after speaking to survivors rescued by Italy's coastguard in the past few days. An Italian tug boat rescued nine people who had been on two different boats on Monday and brought them to the Italian island of Lampedusa on Wednesday morning. They are the only known survivors from their two boats, leaving more than 200 unaccounted for, according to a tweet by Carlotta Sami, the UNHCR spokesperson for Southern Europe. Three boats, each carrying about 100 people, are missing, according to interviews with survivors from two of the boats, Barbara Molinario, another UNCHR official, told the Reuters news agency.

Pray:

for the ongoing situation involving migrants from North Africa. Pray for the authorities, that ways will be found to meet the needs of migrants. (Ps.44:26)

Nigeria: Parliamentary elections now on 28 March

Nigeria’s Election commission chief delayed Nigeria's election until 28 March because no troops were available to protect voters. All available military personnel are fighting against Boko Haram in north-east Nigeria. The opposition described the delay as a ‘setback for Nigerian democracy’. Police in Abuja and other cities are on the alert for unrest. The delay is highly contentious and will be seen by many as foul play. What is not clear at this stage is whether it will favour President Goodluck Jonathan or his rival, Muhammadu Buhari. It is unlikely that the conflict will be brought to an end within the next few weeks, so will the election be held at all? That may depend on whether some powerful personalities feel President Jonathan is well placed for a victory. Please pray for Nigerian police providing security. Pray against violent demonstrations due to the postponement. Pray for a breakthrough in the war against Boko Haram.

Pray:

for a new Nigeria in 2015, for peace to flow across the nation and, for God to comfort those carrying war wounds spiritually, emotionally and physically. (Is.66:8-13)

Central African Republic: Reports from the interior

People have ventured into the interior of CAR for pre-national dialogue discussions and returned with chilling eyewitness accounts. Whole villages lie wasted by fire or abandoned with inhabitants living in the bush. Many families continue to suffer terribly. Churches are not being spared. Those in Markounda commune and the surrounding area in the north have been the most affected. Persons committing crimes continue to claim their right to return to power. Kouango commune and the areas as far as the village of Ngakobo are deserted. Fulani Seleka carry out a reign of terror; you can travel 200 km without meeting a single individual. People are forced to cross the river south into the Democratic Republic of Congo, but there are manhunts and If the Congolese military don't like the look of you, you are accused of something and executed. Some escaped by canoe to Bangui, bringing eyewitness accounts they need you ongoing support in prayer. To read a Guardian article on CAR click 'More' link.

Pray:

against the escalating hold-ups, hijackings and the militia groups left to roam unrestrained. (Ps.10:1,2 & 12)

Iraq: Archbishop of Irbil addresses UK peers and MPs

Archbishop Bashar Warda travelled to London this week to address a Westminster gathering on Iraq's declining Christian population and requesting further action by UK’s government. ‘Christians in Iraq do not have much time left without direct military action on the ground', the Archbishop of Irbil told UK peers and MPs. Iraq's Christian communities have declined dramatically since Saddam Hussein and he said air strikes were ‘not enough’ to defeat Islamic State militants. He ‘begged’ for Western troops to be deployed on the ground. The archbishop said, ‘As a Catholic I find it hard to say, but I want military action. There is no other way now'. He also addressed the Church of England's ruling General Synod. ‘What we are seeing is worse for the world than what happened in Afghanistan'. Former Cabinet minister John Gummer, now Lord Deben, said the archbishop's speech was an example of the ‘desperate dilemma the Christian community of Iraq is now in’.

Pray:

for Iraqi refugees to experience God’s provision', for successful removal of militants from villages.(Na.1:9)

Jordan: War against IS

After Jordanian pilot, Muath al-Kasasbeh, was captured by IS and then burned to death in a cage, Jordan pledged to go after Islamic State until the terror group is ‘eliminated and completely wiped out.’ The United Arab Emirates (UAE) which reportedly stopped its participating in US led air-strikes after the Jordanian pilots capture has now resumed its participation and is reported to have said, ‘The UAE holds a ‘deep belief in the need for Arab collective cooperation to eliminate terrorism, through actions and words, and bolster the security, stability and moderation of the nation through the collective encountering of these terrorist gangs and their misleading ideology and brutal practices’. On Tuesday Jordan deployed ‘thousands’ of troops at its border with Iraq to prevent the infiltration of ISIS fighters into Jordan and as a show of force, according to the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.See also

Pray:

for the further ‘Arab collective’ formation against terrorists and false teachings to succeed. (Ex.15:2)

Egypt: War against Gaza terrorism

A strip of land along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, called the Rafah buffer, is five km long and its demolition is one of several measures undertaken by the Egyptian government to counter insurgency in North Sinai and destroy all the underground smuggling tunnels from Egypt to Gaza. Egyptian armed forces discovered and blew up a 1,200-metre long tunnel containing weapons and explosives in January. Last year Egyptian military operations destroyed 1,500 smuggling tunnels, however recent satellite photos revealed hundreds more tunnels inside mosques in Rafa, inside bedrooms and inside stores. Consequently Egypt has decided to destroy the city of Rafah and build a new ‘Rafah city’. Hundreds of family homes have been demolished and 1,220 houses are marked for demolition in the area.

Pray:

for appropriate provision for residents and for the action to remove border terrorism successfully (Ps.5:8)

Global: Banking scandal

Authorities in 203 countries are considering examining HSBC's actions in helping 100,000+ wealthy individuals avoid paying tax. In the UK the Public Accounts Committee plans to investigate HSBC's former Head. There have been calls for action in the US, Belgium, France, Argentina and Switzerland. An American Senate member has asked the Government to reveal what it knew about the scandal. In Belgium a judge may issue international arrest warrants for directors of the Swiss division of HSBC. France has launched an investigation and its Prime Minister has promised more action both at home and at a European level. Swiss politicians are asking for regulatory investigation. HSBC faces criminal investigations in many countries but not in the UK where it is based. People use legal off-shore accounts to hide cash from tax authorities but deliberately hiding money to evade tax is illegal.

Pray:

for all that is dishonestly hidden to continue to be revealed in banking, commerce and industry. (Job 5:15-17)

Syria: President either deluded or lying in a BBC interview

In a BBC interview Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has defended his government's actions in the region since the uprising against his rule, which erupted in 2011. He denied the use of barrel bombs on rebel-held areas, killing thousands of civilians, and dismissed as propaganda a statement by the UN that his government often blocks access to besieged areas for relief organisations. He also said his forces were ‘definitely not’ using chlorine as a weapon.

Pray:

for the President, his advisors and army to recognise the reality and to give a truthfull account their actions. (Job 42:5-6)