Archbishop on prison reform
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu questioned the deterrent effect of imprisonment, severity of sentencing, the pivotal role of communities and the need for restorative justice in his Prisoners Education Trust Annual Lecture. Dr John Sentamu said, ‘We should be pained and troubled by the size of our prison population in Britain, the sheer number of individuals who have given up on community – and feel that community has given up on them. We need to show love and compassion while ensuring justice is served and seen to be served’. Dr Sentamu outlined that reintegration should be the stated aim of all justice and penal systems; and that a culture of blame and condemnation alienates both the victim and offender. The Archbishop said: ‘Putting more and more people away behind locked doors, for longer and longer sentences, does not help society. Neither does it help the individual’. Pray: for a wider range of sentencing options that will better serve society and the individual. (Ps.11:7)
Late attempt to avert tube strike
The strike weapon is being deployed yet again with its knock on effect to millions of the travelling public. The sick, elderly and infirm will be as badly hit as the hale and hearty. Last-ditch talks aimed at averting yet another strike by London Underground workers are under way. Leaders of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) and the Rail Maritime and Transport union are meeting, as we go to print, London Underground at the conciliation service Acas. Thousands of workers are due to walk out for 24 hours at 7pm on Sunday 3rd October in a row over 800 job cuts, which will cause travel chaos across the capital following another strike earlier in September. TSSA’s leader said: ‘We hope that the mayor, Boris Johnson, is now genuine in his wish to secure a settlement ahead of the walkout from Sunday.’ Two further strikes are planned for November if the dispute remains unresolved. Pray: for a fair resolution to all industrial disputes so that the innocent are not harmed. (Dt. 25:1) More: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/late-attempt-to-avert-tube-strike-2093788.html
Bishop hits out at selfish leadership
The Bishop of Lichfield has called on leaders in the Church and secular society to put serving others before their own comfort. The Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill criticised the MPs’ expenses scandal and banking practices, comparing some of today’s leaders to the tyrant kings spoken of by the prophet Ezekiel. ‘Those who should have been looking after the people, the flock, were apparently fiddling their expenses, awarding themselves huge bonuses, while at the same time cutting the pensions of ordinary folk. In other words they were in leadership for what they could get out of it,’ the bishop said. ‘A nation loses its social coherence if a few very comfortable leaders enrich themselves at the expense of the majority.’ Bishop Lichfield said a bishop’s task is not to ‘major on keeping the church going for another 10 years. He is here to help us serve our country and those who are scattered like sheep without a shepherd’. Pray: for all our leaders in whatever field, that they be guided wisely and selflessly. (2Ch.12:6) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bishop.hits.out.at.selfish.leadership/26791.htm
Reform the ECGD, don't abolish it
Jubilee Debt Campaign, which works for the cancellation of unpayable and unjust poor country debts, says it wants the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) reformed not abolished. Responding to press reports that the ECGD is ‘under review’ as part of the Government’s ‘bonfire of quangos’, Nick Dearden, director of the UK coalition, commented: ‘We welcome the news that the ECGD is being considered for serious reform. For too long it has underwritten dodgy deals which have harmed human rights and the environment, and created toxic debts in the developing world. But scrapping or privatising the ECGD would leave unanswered questions about whether the state would continue as an underwriter of last resort for UK exports, and how the Government plans to fulfil its manifesto pledge to champion green exports. Privatisation could make the situation even worse if it means public money being spent with no public oversight’. Pray: that the Government will seriously consider reforming the ECGD. (Job.35:2-3)
