Burma: Army accused of commandeering Church
Kachin Christians have accused Burma's military of violating their religious rights after government troops seized control of the Katsu Kachin Baptist Church in the village of Katsu, transforming it into a military outpost complete with fortifications, trenches and land mines. ‘They took over the church in Katsu village and started fortifying it,’ said Mai Li Awng, spokesperson for a local Kachin relief group. ‘They have banned local villagers from going to the church or moving around the area. It's not appropriate to take over a church and turn it into a military base. It's a human rights abuse.’ Members of the church sent a letter to Kachin State Chief Minister La John Ngan. ‘We therefore respectfully would like to urge the Kachin State Chief Minister to remove the mines, give us the normal situation around the church as before and the right to travel safely to farms and paddy fields by taking necessary actions’.
Pray: that the ongoing abuse by the military authorities against Christians would cease. (Ps54:2)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/10941-burmese-army-accused-of-commandeering-kachin-church
PM challenged to support prayer for Britain
In the midst of another wave of recession and record prison figures following the riots, and an onslaught of bad news in the media, one thousand leaders from across the UK will gather at Wembley Stadium's Great Hall next week to ask God to heal battered Britain. The Carry The Torch leaders prayer summit on September 17, coordinated by the Global Day of Prayer London, comes at a very strategic time as the UK faces several challenging social issues. GDOP London was even mentioned in Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons this week, when Member of Parliament for Enfield-Southgate David Burrowes said: ‘In the wake of the riots, Is this not a good time to support the forthcoming Global Day of Prayer, which in London is going to be taking place at Wembley Stadium?’ Prime Minister David Cameron responded by commending all combined efforts of communities in response to the riots.
Pray: for the prayer summit and that God will empower and inspire all those attending. (2Co.9:8)
End ‘intrusive’ equality surveys, says Govt minster
People using public services should not have to answer ‘intrusive’ equality questionnaires on subjects like sexual orientation, a government minister has said. Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, has issued statutory guidance to councils which clarifies that there is no requirement for them to carry out ‘lifestyle or diversity questionnaires’. The move follows revelations that Islington Council asks people wanting to a join a library if they are transgender. (See last week’s Prayer Alert). And it comes after a grandmother was asked about her sexual orientation after she complained about her council’s bin collection service. Mr Pickles continued: ‘Local residents shouldn’t be asked to reveal detailed personal information just because they’ve enquired about getting their bins emptied or how to join their local library. Clamping down on such town hall activity will save taxpayers’ money and protect the privacy of residents of all backgrounds.’
Pray: for the new guidance to be fully adopted by all councils and departments. (Pr.13:10)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/end-intrusive-equality-surveys-says-govt-minster/
Most schools 'shunning law on Christian assemblies'
Almost two-thirds of parents responding to a survey said their children did not take part in collective worship at school every day, it was revealed. Secondary schools are far more likely to shun the traditional requirement which has been compulsory in the state system since the Second World War. The disclosure – in research commissioned by the BBC – will add weight to growing calls to drop the legislation. It comes after a delegation of teachers, secularists and religious leaders wrote to Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, last year insisting children should not be ‘coerced’ into religion in schools. Under the 1944 Education Act, schools must provide ‘broadly Christian worship’ every day. Parents have the right to pull children out of religious assemblies but the power is not extended to pupils themselves.
Pray: that schools will not keep ignoring this law and pray that the authorities will enforce it. (Pr.6:23)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8743072/Most-schools-shunning-law-on-Christian-assemblies.html
