Tackling poverty and injustice in York
Backed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, the Fairness Commission has been launched in an effort to ensure the wellbeing of every resident in the city and to ensure no-one is left out of a job. Dr Sentamu opened the first of a series of public meetings for the new organisation this week. The meeting gave an opportunity for key stakeholders across the city to give their views. The Archbishop said that a society can be judged by how it looks after the poor and vulnerable. He added: ‘I am so encouraged by the establishment of this Fairness Commission for York – and so proud to be its patron. ‘Indeed, it is a great privilege to be asked to open this ‘Fairness debate’ in this great city of ours. As our country goes through tough economic times we need to remember that not all in our society are greatly privileged.
Pray: for the Commission, all who will contribute to it and the success of its work. (Job.5:16)
Lib Dems vote for complete removal of blood safeguard
A weakened safeguard (From November men whose last sexual contact with another man was more than 12 months ago will be allowed to donate blood) which protects against HIV contaminating the blood supply should be removed because it is homophobic, the Liberal Democrats’ conference has heard. Delegates at the Lib Dems’ annual conference passed a motion which called for the complete removal of the weakened safeguard. One party member claimed the new rule was an example of ‘institutionalised homophobia’. Following the weakening of the blood safeguard The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge warned the new rule was a ‘huge cave-in to the demands of the homosexual lobby’. He wrote: ‘After lobbying by homosexual campaigners, we have now arrived at a situation where homosexuals have the right to donate blood regardless of the increased medical risks. This is the Alice-in-wonderland world of the equality agenda.’
Pray: for policy to be based on clinical evidence not political correctness. (2Co.7:1)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/lib-dems-vote-for-complete-removal-of-blood-safeguard/
Stars attack BBC over politically correct 'drivel'
The BBC is facing a backlash from leading presenters over suggestions that they should use ‘religiously neutral’ terms instead of ‘BC’ or ‘AD’ to avoid causing non-Christians offence. Guidance from the broadcaster’s ethics specialists suggested that the modern phrases ‘common era’ and ‘before common era’ should be considered as potential replacements for Anno Domini and Before Christ. The proposal caused consternation among Christian traditionalists and some of the corporation’s most famous names, who promised to ignore the idea. James Naughtie, the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, said: ‘Nobody has suggested this to me, and if they do, they will get a pithy answer. His fellow Today presenter, John Humphrys, said he did not see ‘a problem’ with using BC and AD, as the terms were ‘clearly understood’ by most audiences. During his Sunday morning political programme on BBC1, Andrew Marr said that he would also continue to use the traditional date descriptions
Pray: for the BBC to concentrate on broadcasting rather than to try and undermine internationally held convention. (Ec.3:11)
Police ban Bible from Christian café
Police in Lancashire have told the owner of a Christian café to stop displaying Bible texts on a video screen, because it breaches public order laws. Officers attended the Salt & Light Coffee House on Layton Road, Blackpool, on Monday 19 September, following a complaint about ‘insulting’ and ‘homophobic’ material. The café’s owner, Mr Jamie Murray, says the officers did not specify which texts had caused the offence. The Bible texts are displayed on a TV screen at the back of the café. Mr Murray uses a set of DVDs called the Watchword Bible that cycle through the whole of the New Testament verse by verse. Mr Murray is being supported by The Christian Institute, a national charity that defends the religious liberty of Christians. There is widespread concern that the police are misusing the law to clamp down on words or material that others may find ‘insulting’. Civil rights groups worry about the impact on free speech.
Pray: for the police action in this case to be overturned in court as an infringement of free speech. (Pr.4:5)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/video-police-ban-bible-from-christian-cafe/
