USA: Alabama ordered to uphold sanctity of marriage amendment

Although the Episcopal Church in the USA allows its clergy to perform same-sex marriages, Chief Justice Roy Moore has ordered the reaffirming of the marriage law in Alabama with an administrative order saying, ‘Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not to issue any marriage license contrary to the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment. Confusion and uncertainty exist among the probate judges of this State. Many judges are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples; others are issuing marriage licenses only to couples of the opposite gender or have ceased issuing all marriage licenses.’ Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel said, ‘In Alabama and across America, state judiciaries and legislatures are standing up against the federal judiciary or anyone else who wants to come up with the view that somehow the Constitution now births some newfound notion of same-sex marriage. The opinion of five lawyers on the US Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage is lawless and without legal or historical support.’

Praise:

God for the state legislatures who favour God’s Word to be the last word on marriage. (Col.3:16a)

Iran releases Pastor Saeed Abedini

We rejoice that Pastor Saeed Abedini, an Iranian believer from a Muslim background, has been released from prison. He has US citizenship and had been imprisoned since September 2012, accused of undermining national security, due to his involvement with house fellowships. During his imprisonment he had serious health issues, suffered physical and verbal abuse, and received death threats on account of his faith in Christ. Saeed was released as part of a prisoner exchange between the US and Iran that also saw the release of three other Iranian-Americans: Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati and Nosratollah Khosravi. Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, expressed her joy and surprise at the news of his release and thanked everyone around the world who had been interceding for Saeed and his family (1.1 million people joined the ‘Save Saeed’ campaign). Iranian Christians request our continuing prayer that Saeed and his family will know God's strength in the necessary adjustments, and that other Christians detained in Iranian prisons will be encouraged and released soon.

Praise:

God for Saeed’s release. May he recover quickly from his prison ordeal and find strength in God. (Is.40:29)

Primates 2016: walking together in the service of God

The meeting of Anglican Primates took place in Canterbury last week. At its conclusion, they stated, ‘It is our unanimous desire to walk together. However, given the seriousness of these matters we formally acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a period of three years the Episcopal Church in America will no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, and should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee. While continuing to participate in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision-making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity. We have asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a task group to maintain conversation among ourselves with the intention of restoration of relationship, the rebuilding of mutual trust, healing the legacy of hurt, recognising the extent of our commonality, and exploring our deep differences, ensuring they are held between us in the love and grace of Christ.’ See also article 1 in this week’s world section of Prayer Alert.

Pray:

that God will mightily anoint the task group with all wisdom needed for such a time as this. Give thanks that this meeting did not result in schism, as was widely feared. (Heb.13:17)

Christians in Parliament prayer requests

Please pray that the fortnightly Tuesday lunchtime services on the parables of Jesus over the coming months will be a source of encouragement and nourishment to those who attend and for the speakers as they prepare what they will say. On 21 March the Speaker’s house event will include a talk on an Easter theme: please pray for a good attendance from MPs and staff. The annual national parliamentary prayer breakfast will take place on 21 June, and will be chaired by Fiona Bruce MP. The main speaker will be Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK. Please pray for the preparations for the breakfast, and for many church leaders to attend with their local MP. Please also pray for the ongoing Bible study groups with both MPs and staff.

Pray:

for new contacts with other Christians working across the parliamentary estate, and for wisdom as other events are organised throughout 2016. (Ps.127:1)

Birmingham church leaders sign tea-drinking pledge to oppose anti-Islam march

Pegida UK is an anti-Islam organisation that holds protests against what it describes as ‘mass immigration and Islamisation of the West’ and is led by Tommy Robinson, formerly of the English Defence League. The Bishop of Birmingham is among those urging people who oppose this group to share a cup of tea with someone from another ethnic, cultural or religious background. The ‘Hope not Hate’ pledge is being organised to counter a march due to take place in Birmingham on 6 February at midday. Birmingham has a long and proud tradition as a diverse and harmonious city, known historically as the ‘city of a thousand trades’. People have always come from around the world to work in Birmingham, and still do to this day. Unfortunately despite its roots and proud history, the city has been 'chosen' by Pegida as the target for the British leg of a European 'day of action' targeting Muslim communities. When the English Defence League marched in Birmingham in 2013, over fifty people were jailed, thousands of pounds’ worth of damage was done, and thirty police officers were injured.

Pray:

for God to pave the streets of Birmingham with peace. (Ps.4:8)

Britain has 'turned its back' on child refugees

Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has harshly criticised David Cameron’s refugee policy and accused the British Government of ignoring the plight of refugee orphans who wash up on Europe's shores. Mr Farron sent a letter to the Prime Minister demanding that he accept 3,000 unaccompanied orphans from the Middle East in addition to the 20,000 Syrian refugees the UK is already pledged to take over the next five years. ‘The British and French governments are guilty of turning their backs on hundreds of unaccompanied children in Calais and Dunkirk, with increasing evidence that children are subject to trafficking by criminal gangs involved in prostitution and drugs.’ The 3,000 number was originally developed by Save the Children, following reports that 4,000 children have gone under the radar since arriving in Italy in 2014; authorities fear that they have been taken by people-traffickers and forced into drugs or prostitution.

Pray:

for David Cameron to support initiatives based on helping vulnerable children. (Ps.82:3)

Scotland: calls for prayer

Alistair Barton, the director of Pray for Scotland, writes, ‘For many the year opens up like a new dawn - full of potential and promise. We may have fresh excitement about what God may do in us, with us, through us, and in our nation. But as the pressures of the world flood in on every side, it can often be difficult to maintain our sense of excitement, anticipation and hope that God will break through the seemingly ever-increasing darkness. Nevertheless, we continue to believe that prayer changes things, and that persistent, faithful prayer can change the destiny of families, communities and nations.’ “Trypraying” is launching a new forty-day prayer guide for Lent entitled ‘Catching the Wave’. Pray for Scotland and Parliamentary Prayer Scotland are jointly promoting a forty-day prayer call from Easter Sunday to the Holyrood elections on 5 May, called ‘As One! - Prayer Shield 2016’.

Pray:

for this to be a year of answered prayers and breakthrough in the nation. (Acts 4:31)

Over-zealous approaches to detecting potential child terrorists

All school and university teachers are legally obliged to report any suspected extremist behaviour to police under the 2015 Counter-Terrorism and Security Act. This week a ten-year-old Muslim boy’s spelling error led to police suspecting him of belonging to a terrorist family resulting in him being spoken to by Lancashire police. In an essay the boy wrote he lived in ‘a terrorist house’, but meant ‘a terraced house’. His error led to the school referring his statement to police. The county council said it was untrue to suggest that this situation was brought about by a spelling mistake, even though no further action was taken. Last year a fourteen-year-old wrote, ‘Some people use the term ‘ecoterrorism’ to describe those who take action in environment issues.’ A few days later he was pulled out of class, taken to an inclusion centre, and questioned about whether he supported IS. See also

Pray:

for God to give wisdom to establishments looking for evidence of potential terrorists. (Ps.34:17)

Man arrested on suspicion of terror offences.

A 22-year-old man in Maidenhead arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism command. Police said the arrest was in relation to the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism. The man is being held in custody in a central London police station, while officers search a residential and business address in Berkshire. The local police area commander for Windsor and Maidenhead stated that he understands that the local community may be concerned following today's operation. He said, ‘I would like to reassure everyone that today's activity is as a result of an ongoing investigation which was intelligence-led. There is no evidence to suggest the community was at risk.’

Pray:

for the intelligence agencies and security forces to be powerfully guided by God. (Ps.46:1)

European prayer canopy

If we ever needed to pray for the cooperation of European countries in peace, freedom and solidarity, it is now. Through the Greek crisis the Alliance held together. Is the refugee situation to break it? With incalculable consequences? Germany as a former destroyer of Europe has become the guarantor of the construction of Europe in peace and unity. Many believe that God is saying that the future spiritual life of Europe will come from Germany. It was in Germany in 2006 that the prayer movement ‘European Union of Prayer’ (www.euofprayer.eu) was born. Every six months this group meets in the home country of the EU President and prays there for that country, for Europe, and for Israel. But there is more to the vision: it is to be a continuous prayer blanket over the continent. Thank God that this has started! Christians of Europe have on their hearts to give fifteen minutes or more each week to pray for the European nations. They receive a fourteen-day prayer letter to launch them, and by praying they weave a thread into the canopy of prayer over our continent.

Pray:

for this idea of a prayer canopy to gain momentum, as Christians work with God to bring about His purposes. (1Ch.29:11)

Germany: 200+ arrested at anti-islamisation rally

German police arrested more than 200 people last Tuesday after masked right-wing supporters went on a rampage at an anti-Islamisation rally of roughly 2,000 in the eastern city of Leipzig. The extremists, who are known to police as hooligans, went on the rampage during a march by supporters of the anti-migrant Pegida (Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the West) movement. The ‘peaceful’ demonstration was a protest against German chancellor Angela Merkel’s open door policy for refugees. German police said that as anti-Muslim supporters marched peacefully in the city centre, a separate group of 211 people walked through the largely left-wing Connewitz district before setting off fireworks, erecting barricades, and vandalising property. The top floor of one building caught fire. See also article 3 in this week’s British Isles section.

Pray:

for an end to the fomenting of animosity towards refugees and particularly Muslims. (Jn.14:14)

USA and Uganda Primates in Canterbury

The Most Revd Dr Foley Beach, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, was a full, voting participant in the Primates’ gathering, but did not feel it appropriate to vote as he’s not part of the official Anglican structures. He is in communion with provinces which represent the majority of the Anglican Communion but left the Episcopal Church after it approved consecration of non-celibate homosexual persons to be bishops and gave approval to liturgies for same-sex unions. The Archbishop of Uganda, the Most Revd Stanley Ntagali, left the gathering. This was because canons passed by Uganda’s provincial synod prevented his sitting with the US Episcopal Church or the Church of Canada unless they repented on their stand on the same issue. For him to attend was putting him out on a limb with his people. He didn’t leave out of anger. He just felt he was not being faithful to his duties as an archbishop. So the Primates blessed him, and he blessed them and left. See also article 1 in the British Isles section of this week’s Prayer Alert.

Pray:

and thank God that the brothers do not speak evil against one another, pray that they will all know the right thing to do, and do it according to James 4 (Jas.4:17)

Global: developing young leaders with disabilities

Over a billion people live with some form of disability, and it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. They often do not receive needed health care, and disabled children are less likely to attend school. They are more likely to be unemployed and are vulnerable to poverty. However rehabilitation maximises functioning and independence; they can live and participate in the community, and barriers can be overcome. Last year’s Lausanne Movement gathering stated, ‘Developing young leaders is a biblically sustainable mission strategy.’ John Stott has said that training the next generation of young leaders should receive the highest priority. At the climax of history, when people from every tribe and nation worship the Lord on His holy mountain, persons with disabilities will be among them. Decades ago we ministered to the disabled; today we have quite a few leaders with disabilities, but need to encourage more.

Pray:

for the Lausanne Movement as they encourage church and mission leaders to recognise, affirm, and facilitate the missional calling of believers with disabilities. (Ps.133:1)

Iran: Nuclear pact = freedom of movement = Christian opportunities

President Rouhani says the official implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers will increase Tehran’s engagement with the world. Companies will again be able to send skilled workers and university lecturers into the country, opening the door for Christian ‘tentmakers’ to officially enter the country. Young people are the largest population bloc in Iran (over 60%) and are among the most politically active in the Islamic world. Iran is also one of the most tech-savvy societies with an estimated thirty million Internet users, led by the youth, and boasting between 60,000 and 110,000 active blogs (one of the highest numbers in the Middle East). Pray for visas once again to be issued to Christian teachers and technicians and for ‘businesses’ to move into Iran legally. Pray protection for Iranians who are currently engaging with the underground Church.

Pray:

for openings and opportunities for Iranians to encounter western Christians. (2Cor.2:14)

Pakistan: pastors’ and prayer leaders’ gathering

A pastor and prayer warrior in Pakistan writes, ‘We started the prayer chain for our conference ten days ago, and will close it with a fasting day on Saturday. Thanks to the Lord, we are expecting more than three hundred leaders from all over Pakistan this weekend. Our budget target is $15,000; by His grace so far we have reached $10,000, and I trust in the Lord for the rest. Please join us in prayer for this weekend’s conference. We need God’s security for the venue and protection of church premises and accommodation venues. Other prayer points are: speakers and organisers; management/administration; food; financial provision; and transformation of our vision.’

Pray:

for emerging prayer networks and prayer chains that are being developed across Pakistan. (Ps.78:23)

Cuba: unprecedented church crackdown

Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the scale of persecution being encountered by Christians in Cuba is unlike anything seen before, with a ten-fold increase in violations of freedom of religion or belief last year (2,300 cases). Cuban church-goers are being arrested and dragged away on a weekly basis. CSW says, ‘Perhaps the Cuban government is trying to limit the potential for social upheaval by cracking down on civil society. The church, after the revolution and following the repressive measures enacted against civil society as a whole, is one of the few places where people can come together. As the government is trying to retain control, Christians are also starting to push back a bit. They're trying to resist in a peaceful, non-violent manner, and we think that the government is trying to assert itself.’ The rise in violations of religious or belief freedoms last year was largely due to the Cuban government declaring two thousand Assemblies of God churches illegal.

Pray:

for religious groups who have spoken out publicly for the right to freedom of religion or belief to be upheld. Pray for the Communist Party's Office of Religious Affairs. (Mt.24:14)

Syria: Hezbollah has acquired sophisticated Russian weapons

Advanced weapons are going from Russia to Syria and then into Hezbollah's hands, according to an Israeli Defence Force reserve officer. The weapons are capable of hitting Israel's gas rigs and paralyzing the Haifa and Ashdod ports. General Yaakov Amidror, who is an adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said that the sophisticated weapons reached Hezbollah as a result of the Syrian civil war. Russia sold its advanced weapons to the Syrians and the Syrians transferred them to Hezbollah. The Russians are said to be aware of what is happening. These first-class weapons, such as Kornet and surface-to-air missiles and perhaps even the very sophisticated Onyx missiles, are now in Hezbollah's possession.

Pray:

for the protection of Israel in face of global jihad and Hezbollah in both Syria and in Lebanon. (Ps.147:14)

Guatemala: protection for children

The International Justice Mission (IJM) has been working alongside local authorities in Guatemala rescuing children from sexual violence and securing convictions against rapists and violent criminals by pushing individual cases through the justice system. Guatemala now has a law that defines a crime of sexual violence and has recently elected a new president, Jimmy Morales. Pray that he will make the protection of children from sexual violence a priority for his administration. Some cases were delayed in 2015 and re-scheduled for early 2016. Pray that the hearings in January and early February will see justice-system officials motivated to deal with these cases fairly. Pray that the new president will lead the country with wisdom and integrity, after a tumultuous political year in Guatemala.

Pray:

for IJM’s clients in Latin America - especially children who chose to give their testimonies. (Ps.5:11b)