EU to defend Christian minorities
The European Union has announced the creation of a working group to assist Christian minorities in countries around the world where they are persecuted. The initiative launched by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini is to help EU member countries' embassy staffs know how to intervene on behalf of persecuted Christian minorities. Frattini says that before action the first step will be to write a manual that will be given to the embassy staff of all EU member nations. It is the first European government organisation devoted to addressing the persecution of Christians, he said in an interview in the Italian newspaper Avvenir. EU analyst Jonathan Racho says ‘This panel will be an official EU governmental agency designed to intervene on behalf of a nation's Christian minority,’ Racho said. ‘They will advocate on behalf of persecuted Christians even though the report we have from our sources doesn't go into a lot of detail.’
Pray: for this initiative to bring God’s help to those persecuted for their faith in Jesus. (Ps.9:13)
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Christian nurse says NHS 'persecuted' her faith and favours Muslim employees
A Christian nurse who refused to remove her crucifix at work has told an employment tribunal she felt ‘persecuted’ because of her faith. Shirley Chaplin, who has worn her cross every day for 30 years, said she felt that Muslim members of staff were treated with greater understanding when it came to outward symbols of their religion. The 54 year-old was banned from working on hospital wards and moved to an office job by Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust after she failed to hide the cross she wore as a necklace. She is now suing her hospital employers. Mrs Chaplin is supported in her case by seven
leading bishops who have written a letter to The Sunday Telegraph published on 28 April. DailyTelegraph In the letter, the Bishops express their deep disquiet at the double standards of public sector employers, claiming that Christians are punished while followers of other faiths are treated far more sensitively. (See Prayer Alert 3909)
Pray: for all those whose faith is challenged in the workplace. (Ps.109:28)
Two-thirds of Europeans want Christian values
Around two-thirds of Europeans feel that Christian values are relevant to modern life and are ready to acknowledge Church efforts to promote them. A survey conducted in France, Britain, Italy, Germany and Spain for the Catholic La Croix newspaper found that ‘Christian anchorage’ among Europeans was still strong. Around half of Europeans also felt Christian values could promote dialogue with different cultures and religions and solidarity with the poor. Over half believed Christians were ‘sufficiently visible’ in society, but a quarter felt they were under-represented. However, only Italians felt the churches were doing a good job in communicating with young people.
Pray: for this underlying trust in Christian values to be strengthened by the work of the Church in Europe. (Ac.16:5)
Two-thirds of Europeans want Christian values
Around two-thirds of Europeans feel that Christian values are relevant to modern life and are ready to acknowledge Church efforts to promote them. A survey conducted in France, Britain, Italy, Germany and Spain for the Catholic La Croix newspaper found that ‘Christian anchorage’ among Europeans was still strong. Around half of Europeans also felt Christian values could promote dialogue with different cultures and religions and solidarity with the poor. Over half believed Christians were ‘sufficiently visible’ in society, but a quarter felt they were under-represented. However, only Italians felt the churches were doing a good job in communicating with young people.
Pray: for this underlying trust in Christian values to be strengthened by the work of the Church in Europe. (Ac.16:5)
