Christian group concerned over human rights changes
The Christian Legal Centre says proposals by the Conservatives to stop British laws being over-ruled by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg could cause problems for Christians. The Tories have said if they win the election they will change the law to say British courts wouldn't have to listen to the European Court of Human Rights. But the Christian Legal Centre says it could mean that believers who feel they've been discriminated against won't get a fair deal. Andrea Williams said, ‘What we have seen coming out of Europe when we've taken our Christian interest cases there is that the European Court gives the Christians more rights than we've been seeing in our national courts. It was the European Court of Human Rights that actually recognised the cross as a Christian symbol.
Wonga to write off £220m of customer debts
Payday lender Wonga says it is writing off £220m of debts for 330,000 customers after putting in place new affordability checks. The company, which has faced criticism for its high interest rates and debt collection tactics, made the changes after discussions with regulators. Customers in arrears whose loans would not have been made under the new checks will have their debts written off. A further 45,000 customers in arrears will not have to pay interest on loans. Affected Wonga customers will be notified by 10 October. Wonga's chairman Andy Haste, who joined the company in July, said a review of lending practices had shown that the need for change at Wonga was ‘real and urgent’, and new stricter lending criteria would mean ‘accepting far fewer applications from new and existing customers’. (See also Prayer Alert 31-2013)
British hostage David Bolam freed in Libya
British teacher David Bolam has been released after being held hostage by militants in Libya since May. The Foreign Office said Mr Bolam, who taught at the now-closed International School in Benghazi, was ‘safe and well’ and had been reunited with his family. Mr Bolam's MP in Craven Arms in Shropshire said he was ‘delighted’ that the 63-year-old was back home safely. It is thought the teacher's release was secured by local political factions and that money changed hands. Mr Bolam's kidnapping had not been reported at the request of the Foreign Office and his family. BBC world affairs correspondent Caroline Hawley said she understood demands for a ransom had been made to the school and that money was handed over to secure his release. She said it was ‘unclear’ how much money was paid and who paid it, but the Foreign Office was not involved in the negotiations. (Ps.105:1)
USA: 'Non-discrimination' Bill and Christians
Bishop James Johnston says Missouri State’s non-discrimination bill discriminates against people of faith and forcing believers to recognise same-sex relationships violates their religious freedoms and essentially makes Christians criminals. The leader in the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Diocese issued a letter opposing the measure. ‘Does the government have a compelling interest in forcing every member of our society to participate in the celebration of same-sex relationships?’ Meanwhile a new study revealed that 1/3 of American workers say they have seen or experienced religious discrimination at their workplace according to a new study that asked more than 2,000 Americans about religious freedom at work. 32% of white evangelicals said others look down on them because of their beliefs, while 31% of non-religious workers said the same. See
