Republic of Ireland: Rejects UN proposals for abortions
The Irish Government rejected recommendations from six European countries that it should legislate for abortion, but pledged to act on a wide range of UN suggestions to improve human rights in other areas. In a report published on 11th Oct by the UN Human Rights council 126 recommendations were made for Ireland to improve its adherence to human rights norms, the Government accepted 62 and would ‘study carefully’ a further 49. Of the 15 recommendations it rejected, six related to abortion. They included a call from the United Kingdom to introduce legislation to implement the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the A, B and C v Ireland case and a request from Slovenia to allow abortion ‘at least when pregnancy poses a risk to the health of the pregnant woman’. Recommendations on abortion from Norway, Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands were also rejected.
Pray: for the UN to recognise that foetal life has the same degree of value as born human life, and for Ireland’s stand in this issue to be honoured. (Is.51:4)
More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2011/10/11/ireland-rejects-un-recommendations/
Germany: Religious university courses for Muslims
As more Muslims become part of European society, German universities have begun courses aimed at helping Islamic clergy and religious teachers understand German culture, including Christianity and Judaism. The first programme began last year at Osnabrueck University, with another due to start this year at Tuebingen. ‘The idea was to have a programme for imams because most of them were educated in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt or Bosnia,’ Coordinator of the Osnabrueck programme said. ‘They focus very much on theology and the society where they come from, but they don't have enough knowledge concerning the situation in Germany. Some imams don't speak the German language, for example and they don't know German history.’ The government is providing funding at four universities that are developing programmes focused on interfaith education and the place of Islam in German society.
Pray: that The God of Abraham and Father of Jesus Christ would reveal Himself to them in a new and living way. (Mat.1:1)
More: http://christiancentury.org/article/2011-10/german-university-courses-aim-help-muslims-integrate
Germany: Religious university courses for Muslims
As more Muslims become part of European society, German universities have begun courses aimed at helping Islamic clergy and religious teachers understand German culture, including Christianity and Judaism. The first programme began last year at Osnabrueck University, with another due to start this year at Tuebingen. ‘The idea was to have a programme for imams because most of them were educated in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt or Bosnia,’ Coordinator of the Osnabrueck programme said. ‘They focus very much on theology and the society where they come from, but they don't have enough knowledge concerning the situation in Germany. Some imams don't speak the German language, for example and they don't know German history.’ The government is providing funding at four universities that are developing programmes focused on interfaith education and the place of Islam in German society.
Pray: that The God of Abraham and Father of Jesus Christ would reveal Himself to them in a new and living way. (Mat.1:1)
More: http://christiancentury.org/article/2011-10/german-university-courses-aim-help-muslims-integrate
Egypt: Orthodox leaders request prayer
Funerals have been held for 26 victims of an attack against Christian protestors in which hundreds were wounded, in what was possibly the worst violence against Egyptian Christians in modern history. The Coptic Orthodox Church held three days of fasting, prayer for divine intervention and mourning. An email from Archbishop Mouneer said, ‘I request your urgent prayers as the situation here in Cairo is very inflamed. Many Christians demonstrated after the incident of the burning of a church building (see P.A.40-2011). The demonstrations started peacefully as the people were requesting investigations for incidents of burning and demolishing churches to be completed; and the new law for building churches (promised four months ago) to be passed. Then it turned very violent between demonstrators and the military. On Wednesday there were separate meetings with the House of Bishops and political leaders to discuss a way out of this very difficult situation. I would appreciate your prayers for our beloved country.’
Pray: that the Christian and Muslim religious leaders would be able to discuss and implement a way forward for the situation to be defused; also for Christians to know the presence and peace of Jesus. (Ps.3:3)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/egypt/article_121782.html
