Young Christians inspired to speak of Jesus in public life
Christian Concern's fourth Wilberforce Academy brought together students and young graduates at Trinity College, Oxford last week. The academy is held annually by the advocacy group to equip the next generation of Christian leaders in public life. The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey opened the three-day gathering with a call to "maintain a public witness and stand just as much as Wilberforce was called upon to do in his day". "You are like shock troops who are called to lead in the battle… You are here to take the fight wherever it leads," he said. Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali expanded on the themes of his new book, Triple Jeopardy for the West, in which he warns of the challenges posed by aggressive secularism, radical Islamism and multiculturalism. Roger Trigg, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick, highlighted the importance of religious freedom as a cornerstone for other vital freedoms.
Pray: for tall those who attended this event that they will respond to the call to leadership to 'fight the good fight'. (Eph.6:14-15)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/young.christians.inspired.to.speak.of.jesus.in.public.life/32040.htm
Christian printer faces being sued by gay magazine
The Christian owner of a printing firm in Northern Ireland faces being hauled to court over his refusal to print a gay magazine. Nick Williamson, who is being advised by The Christian Institute, says printing the material would go against his religious beliefs. But the editor of MyGayZine, Danny Toner, has approached a solicitor and referred the matter to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Mr Williamson was asked to provide a cost estimate for printing the magazine, timed to coincide with a gay rights march in Belfast. But in an email to Mr Toner, Mr Williamson said he did “not feel comfortable” taking the job on because it “would be in contradiction to my own faith”. Mr Williamson had initially explained: “Unfortunately due to the nature of the magazine we are unable to give a quote.” But Mr Toner said “If we can take the printer to court, we will”.
Pray: for understanding and respect of each others views that will resolve this matter without litigation. (Ro.8:7)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/christian-printer-faces-being-sued-by-gay-magazine/
UK can lead G8 on global poverty, say religious leaders
Religious leaders from across the G8 countries have called on heads of government to follow the UK in fulfilling existing commitments to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on aid. Over 70 religious leaders emphasised in a letter to the Financial Times that from April 5, only 1,000 days remain to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the 2015 deadline. With a focus on tax, trade and transparency, the religious leaders argue, the UK Presidency of the G8 has the potential to advance the MDG agenda in ways that will strike at the underlying causes of poverty, in particular by ensuring the wealth created by developing countries is not lost through unfair tax practices, a lack of transparency or a failure to secure the benefits of trade for developing countries. Meeting the remaining targets, while challenging, is possible - but only if governments do not waver from the moral and political commitments made over a decade ago," the letter stresses.
Pray: for a positive response and continued commitment to the MDG by the G* leaders. (1Jn.3:17)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18284
Sharia courts putting women at risk, CPS warns
Sharia courts are putting women at risk of violence from abusive husbands, the Crown Prosecution Service has warned. The courts, which issue rulings according to Islamic law, have been found to be giving Muslim women advice which experts warned may place them in danger. Undercover filming in some of the 85 councils operating in mosques and houses across the country has revealed that the courts, which are run by sharia councils, are ruling in favour of men meeting estranged wives or having access to children when they have found to have been abusive. Sharia law has no formal place in any of Britain’s legal systems. However, the investigation found courts in London which follow it were making rulings on domestic and marital issues according to Islamic law which appeared at odds with English family law. It is suggested that sharia courts may act contrary to English courts in matrimonial and child care issues.
Pray: for sharia courts to operate within British law and to ensure that the safety of women and children is of the highest priority . (Ac.10:43)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9976822/Sharia-courts-putting-women-at-risk-CPS-warns.html
