[patriots] Fwd: Christian Weekly News 16/05/14
- From: Jack Lewis <home@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Patriots <patriots@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 16 May 2014 22:45:05 +0100
Hi All,
If this doesn't prove the C of E is a spent force then nothing will.
Jack
Christian Concern - Christian Weekly News. View in your browser.
<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=ac6c000a6b&e=c1bfcffbca>
Christian Concern
Follow us on Twitter
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=bd37bbc9fb&e=c1bfcffbca>
Follow us on Twitter
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=92756604ca&e=c1bfcffbca>
Become a fan on Facebook
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=96f82e33f6&e=c1bfcffbca>
Become a fan
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=5ca9a4d8a5&e=c1bfcffbca>
Donate online
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=8b16e1fb9f&e=c1bfcffbca>
Donate Online
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=31765b8cb3&e=c1bfcffbca>
Christian Weekly News
Who’s driving the agenda in schools? Stonewall or Jesus?
Write to the Archbishop of Canterbury
/Archbishop of Canterbury/
The Archbishop of Canterbury this week unveiled new guidance on
‘challenging homophobic bullying’ in church schools. He also gave an
interview to Pink News. According to the organisation, which describes
itself as ‘Europe’s largest gay news services’, it is the first time
that a Primate of the Anglican Church has given an interview to a ‘gay
media publication’.
/“As you know I have said, and got a fair amount of flak for it within
parts of the Church, we have to accept, and quite rightly, that the
same-sex marriage act is law, and that it’s right and proper, it’s the
law of the land, and that’s great” /Archbishop Welby told Pink News,
according to their article here
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=626bccfa3d&e=c1bfcffbca>.
The guidance on ‘challenging homophobic bullying’, which is to be sent
all Church of England schools, begins by quoting the Archbishop: /“The
Church is not changing its teaching on gay relationships but we must
accept that there is a revolution in the area of sexuality.”/ The report
goes on to recommend that schools should recognise a category of
‘homophobic bullying’ in their anti-bullying strategies.
It defines homophobic bullying as /“bullying on the basis of actual or
perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.” /However, no attempt
is made to explain whether ‘sexual orientation’ means same-sex
/attraction/, same-sex /activity/ or the embrace of a so-called sexual
identity. Homophobic bullying could therefore include any opposition to
same-sex sexual activity. For example, the report suggests ‘Pupils may
also experience indirect homophobic abuse, not directed towards a
particular person or group but used when remarks are made to pass *some
kind of* negative judgement”.
*The full report can be read here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=f8b82c566f&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Responding, Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern said: "What does
the Archbishop of Canterbury think he is doing? Is he aware that he is
playing into the hands of a militant, gay lobby group which has no
qualms in targeting Christians and forcing them out of their jobs. When
is he going to stand up for the Christians who have been bullied and
punished for speaking of Jesus in modern Britain?
“This new guidance for Church schools is very dangerous. It is another
step towards both normalising homosexual behaviour and also creating a
climate of fear that discourages people from speaking the truth about
God’s good pattern of heterosexual marriage as the one proper place for
sexual activity. No caring person can be immune from the pain in society
that flows from rejecting God’s beautiful gift of marriage. It’s tragic
that instead of encouraging Church schools to have the confidence to
speak clearly of God’s pattern for relationships, this report, backed by
the Archbishop of Canterbury, only adds to the confusing voices to which
children are exposed, by introducing a false category.
“Christians know that all people are created in God’s image and are
loved by Him. All bullying should be opposed. But that does not require
the creation of a false category of ‘homophobic bullying’ that suggests
that there is legitimacy to homosexual activity. To encourage children
to think that homosexual activity is valid does not protect them from
what is oppressive.”
Please contact the Archbishop of Canterbury at:
pa.archbishop@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:pa.archbishop@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
You may wish to make the following points in your message:
* What does the Archbishop of Canterbury think he is doing? Is he
aware that he is playing into the hands of a militant, gay lobby
group which has no qualms in targeting Christians and forcing them
out of their jobs. When is he going to stand up for the Christians
who have been bullied and punished for speaking of Jesus in modern
Britain?
* Ask the Archbishop why homosexual rights group Stonewall is
mentioned more frequently in the report than Jesus Christ.
* In light of the Pink News report, ask him to clarify whether he
meant that the introduction of same-sex marriage was ‘great’. Ask
him to clarify whether he still believes that it is God’s will and
purpose that life-long, exclusive union between one man and one
woman is the only proper place for sexual expression.
* The ‘Valuing All God’s Children’ guidance states that “Church of
England Schools have at their heart a belief that all children are
loved by God, are individually unique and that the school has a
mission to help each pupil to fulfil their potential in all aspects
of their personhood … Schools have a duty to try to remove any
factor that might represent a hindrance to a child’s fulfilment.”
* God’s loving pattern is that the only proper place for sexual
activity is within lifelong, exclusive, heterosexual marriage. This
is the pattern that Jesus himself recognises in Matthew 19. All
other sexual activity is sinful. As Jesus makes clear (John 8) sin
brings slavery. It is the truth that sets people free.
* Ask the Archbishop whether he believes that all sexual activity
outside lifelong, exclusive, heterosexual marriage is enslaving. Ask
him why he hasn’t encouraged Church Schools to be bolder and clearer
about speaking of God’s pattern for sexual ethics but instead backed
guidance that will lead to greater confusion amongst children about
the validity of homosexual behaviour. Ask him whether he believes
this is consistent with a school’s mission to ‘help each pupil to
fulfil their potential’ and the school’s duty to ‘remove any factor
that might represent a hindrance to a child’s fulfilment’.
* Ask the Archbishop to re-think the report, to prevent it from being
sent to schools and to clarify publicly his backing for God’s
pattern for marriage.
* The Church of England is in effect surrendering its ethical guidance
to a gay lobby group – Stonewall – which is wholly opposed to
Christian teaching.
How will you vote? Quiz the European Candidates
*Thank you* to those who have already used our simple ‘Quiz the
Candidates’ tool
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=fe6a3e04cc&e=c1bfcffbca> to
contact candidates in next week’s European elections from the bigger
parties. We estimate that over 10,000 emails have already been sent –
but it’s not too late to take part here
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=26f194e5b7&e=c1bfcffbca>. It
only takes a few moments.
We are sorry that a few people have experienced problems with the tool
when using certain internet browsers. We have made some changes and
hopefully solved most of the problems but if you have any difficulties,
please let us know.
It is worth contacting the candidates – and following up any responses
that you receive:
* *Even if you don’t receive a response,* sending an email helps the
*candidates to know what issues are important* to potential voters –
and these concerns may be fed back to party HQs too.
* Some candidates may express frustration about receiving lots of
similar emails. However, sending a pre-prepared email is perfectly
valid if it genuinely expresses things that matter to you. The
candidates will often use pre-prepared or generic responses
themselves so there is no reason why Christians shouldn’t pool
resources, especially given that life is busy. Of course, you can
amend the standard text or write your own email if you have time –
and our tool allows you to do that – *but it would be better to send
something (even if it is pro-forma) than not to send anything. *
* When a candidate responds, *reply to them if at all possible* – at
least to say thank you for replying but also to engage them in
discussion on the issues if you can. Please be gracious and respectful.
* Look carefully at the candidate’s response – some appear to ignore
some of the questions, so it may be worth picking this up in responses.
* Some candidates may say that some of the issues you have raised are
*not ‘EU competencies’* – i.e. they are outside areas on which the
EU can determine policy or legislation. However, it is not always as
straightforward as this. Take the ‘One of Us’ initiative as an
example. Legislation governing research on tiny human lives
(embryos) is outside EU control. However, the EU currently /funds/ a
lot of the embryo research that takes place within Europe. If this
funding were removed (as ‘One of Us’ seeks, it would have a huge
impact in practice. Secondly, it is perfectly valid for you to ask
candidates where they stand on key ethical and moral issues even if
these are not direct EU competencies. They can refuse to tell you
but you are entitled to take that into account as you vote. They are
seeking to be /your representatives/ in Europe, it is perfectly
valid for you to know more about their ethical framework, especially
since this may influence how they vote in different areas.
* Some candidates may suggest that the *‘Equal Treatment Directive’*
is historic and irrelevant. However, the Directive was approved by
the European Parliament in 2009 and although blocked by the Council
of Ministers, it (or something similar to it) could be revived. In
February 2014, the Lunacek report was approved by the European
Parliament. It called for the Equal Treatment Directive to be
adopted but with extended provisions that would be even more
problematic. There have also been recent calls to draw up provisions
against ‘hate speech’ and ‘hate crime’ which would be problematic
for freedom of speech and religion. So it is important to highlight
these things to the candidates, ensuring that they are aware of the
significant dangers and are committed to opposing them.
* Some candidates may express surprise that you have concerns about
*‘anti-discrimination’ and ‘human rights’ measures* and suggest that
these protect Christians. In response, why not point to the
experiences of Christians such as – Sarah Mbuyi
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=7ce6db0355&e=c1bfcffbca>,
Celestina Mba
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=89d873fd74&e=c1bfcffbca>,
Shirley Chaplin
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=91a63a716d&e=c1bfcffbca>,
Gary McFarlane
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=5b64839353&e=c1bfcffbca>,
Jeff and Sue Green
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9976e33620&e=c1bfcffbca>,
Andrew McClintock
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=e142aa9ece&e=c1bfcffbca>,
Lesley Pilkington
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=25a2818f9f&e=c1bfcffbca>
and other clients
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=59d2190160&e=c1bfcffbca>
of the Christian Legal Centre? By *sending the candidates some links
to Christian Legal Centre cases* *you will help to educate the
candidates about the way that ‘equality’ legislation is working in
practice. *
* *Please forward to us* responses that you receive from the
candidates so that we can build up a national picture.
Click *here
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=409f1a7f09&e=c1bfcffbca>*
to use the ‘Quiz the Candidates’ tool – and please point other
Christians to it.
To find out more about the European elections and to find details about
the smaller parties, including the Christian Peoples Alliance, please
visit our European election page *here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=c33b155e80&e=c1bfcffbca>*
*Click here for our easy-to-use 'quiz the candidates' tool
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=fa38a9bd91&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Promoting pro-family and pro-life policies in the European Elections
In addition to using our own ‘*Quiz the Candidates’ tool here
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=fc12b761d0&e=c1bfcffbca>*
you can also point candidates to two European-wide pledges.
*Novae Terrae’s Pledge for Europe* is available *here*
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=f47f7573f6&e=c1bfcffbca>
and articulates support for life, family and freedom. You can join over
50,000 others in signing it yourself *here*
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=7a9433ceea&e=c1bfcffbca> but
also point candidates to it.
The *‘Vote for the Family 2014’* initiative provides a pro-family
Manifesto for the European Elections and is available *here
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=5015dd077f&e=c1bfcffbca>*.
So far, over 160 candidates across Europe have signed it – but only 1
from the UK. You could point candidates to it or send them a copy.
Care for Europe have created a web site to empower Christians to engage
meaningfully in the forthcoming 22 May elections. Among other things it
provides information about key election issues, suggested questions to
put to candidates, information about church election hustings and
interviews with MEPs and candidates. You can access the website *here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=74b44779b5&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Speaking up for unborn children in Europe
The ‘One of Us’ campaign seeks to ban European funding for research that
involves the destruction of tiny human lives. So far, it has been the
most successful European Citizens Initiative in history, with over 1.7
million signatures verified. Many Christian Concern supporters joined
the effort – thank you!
Unsurprisingly, the initiative has received considerable opposition from
pro-abortion Members of the European Parliament, from well-funded
pro-death groups such as International Planned Parenthood Foundation and
from our Conservative-led Coalition Government.
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=7bb2156f76&e=c1bfcffbca>
Now you can join thousands of others in sending an email to the European
Commission urging a positive response to the ‘One of Us’ Petition.
It only takes a few moments, using this facility *here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=effc1834c2&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Poll finds ‘gay marriage’ will seriously damage the Conservative
vote next week
Three in ten voters say David Cameron’s decision to introduce ‘gay
marriage’ means they will not vote Conservative in the local and
European next week.
More than 2,000 people were polled by ComRes which found widespread
scepticism about the Prime Minister’s motives for redefining marriage.
Six in ten said they believed he pushed for same-sex marriage to make
the Conservative Party look trendy.
And the survey shows that introducing same-sex marriage not only upset
older voters but young people too - nearly one in four 18-24-year-olds
cited ‘gay marriage’ as their reason for not voting Conservative in the
upcoming European elections.
The ComRes poll:
• Predicts a UKIP win in the Euro elections, with a scrap between
Labour and the Conservatives for second place.
• Unveils a widespread scepticism about the PM’s motives for
introducing gay marriage. Six in ten people believe the Prime Minister
introduced same-sex marriage to make the Conservative Party look trendy.
• Shows that over half of those surveyed don’t believe that Mr
Cameron has the determination and power to block any proposals from
Europe which would undermine our freedoms.
• Demonstrates that introducing same-sex marriage not only irked
older voters but young people too, with nearly one in four 18-24
year-olds citing it as reason for not voting Conservative in the
upcoming European elections.
The detailed poll results are available *here > *
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=5e3e7c0dd1&e=c1bfcffbca>
Mass Prayer Vigil in support of the safe return of abducted
Nigerian schoolgirls
Nigerian Church leaders in the UK are calling on all Christians to
support a mass Prayer Vigil in Westminster on Monday 19th May 2014
between 7.00pm – 9.00pm to pray for the safe release of the schoolgirls
abducted in Nigeria a month ago.
The event, which will be held at Emmanuel Centre 9-23 Marsham Street,
Westminster, London SW1P 3DW, has the endorsement of The National Day of
Prayer and Worship, The Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians,
Christian Concern, International Strategic Alliance Committee.
Nigerian Church Leaders have united to condemn the situation as ‘deeply
serious’ and called on the Nigerian Government to ensure that no one
should be forced into any form of religious conversion.
Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and
Worship and who will be involved in the event on Monday, in statement
said: “We earnestly call on Christians everywhere to come and pray for
the Chibok kidnapped schoolgirls, their families and Nigeria!
Speaking in advance of the Prayer Vigil on Monday, Event Spokesman and
Director of Christian Concern, Pastor Ade Omooba added: “I would urge
all Church and Community Leaders to make this vital Prayer Vigil known
to their congregations and networks as we unite to support distressed
and dislocated families and communities in Borno State, Maiduguri and
surrounding towns. We are called to pray for comfort to all family
members in anguish, shock and distress over the fate of their girls. We
will pray for the Nigerian government and all supporting foreign
countries to deploy all necessary resources to find these young people.
Christian Concern has donated administration in support of the Nigerian
church to enable every penny of donations to reach the hands of ordinary
suffering Nigerians in the region.
Donations to the affected families in Nigeria can be made to:
*www.christianconcern.com/donate
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=edeb358e0d&e=c1bfcffbca>
Please mark your donation "Nigeria" to ensure that they go directly to
the affected families.*
*For printable copies of the event flyer click here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=eabd607dd1&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Call to action: please petition PM to order identification of
halal meat
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=a65bba83ac&e=c1bfcffbca>
/Andrea Williams explains
why we should be concerned
about the hidden use of
halal meat (2m 10s) >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=c158072bf0&e=c1bfcffbca>/
Last week, it emerged that a large number of high street restaurants and
supermarkets are selling ritually slaughtered meat to customers without
making this clear on their packaging.
Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders have called for clear labelling of
halal meat after the disclosure that the restaurant chain, Pizza
Express, exclusively uses a halal supplier for its chicken dishes.
Other chains including Domino’s, GBK, Nando’s, KFC, Ask and Slug &
Lettuce have also disclosed they serve halal food.
*Please support the petition to David Cameron, launched by Christian
Concern and hosted by CitizenGo, asking him to ensure that all food
which is ritually slaughtered (e.g. halal) to be served or sold in
restaurants, shops, schools, hospitals, prisons and other outlets, is
clearly labelled so that customers are made aware.*
*/Click here to sign the petition >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=37cb522d78&e=c1bfcffbca>/*
In a film interview, Andrea Williams of Christian Concern described the
revelation as a "subtle ideological" takeover. Watch it here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=0fe18f42b0&e=c1bfcffbca>
World leaders in psychotherapy and theology address conference
to challenge myths about same-sex attraction
/Dr Christopher Rosik
President of NARTH /
/Robert A.J. Gagnon/
/Associate Professor
of New Testament,Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary/
Important national conferences addressed by world-renowned practitioners
in therapy for 'ex-gay and post-gay' people, are to be held in London
and Belfast in June.
The aim of the conferences, organised by the Christian charity, Core
Issues Trust, is to expose and overcome "unscientific prejudice" against
therapeutic help for men and women who want to move away from homosexual
practices and feelings.
The conference speakers will be American Psychological Association (APA)
Member, clinical psychologist and President of the National Association
for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), Dr Christopher Rosik;
the CEO of Restored Hope Network, Anne Paulk, herself a former lesbian;
Associate Professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Professor Robert
Gagnon; and Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre which
supports Core Issues Trust.
*London Conference: *
Friday 13th June, 10.30am - 5pm The Emmanuel Centre in Marsham St,
London, Westminster SW1P 3DW
*Northern Ireland Conference: *
Saturday 14th June, 10am - 5pm Venue: Ballynahinch Baptist Church, near
Belfast
/*Click here for more information and to book your place > */
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=31bf255e33&e=c1bfcffbca>
Concerns over mega mosque campaigner’s Tory candidacy
/Alan Craig/
/Director, MegaMosqueNoThanks/
Deep concerns have been expressed that a London Islamist leader, who
wants to build the biggest mosque in Europe, is standing in local
council elections as a Tory candidate, having had no previous
connections with the Conservative party.
Mufti Shah Sadruddin, who’s been campaigning for a 12,000 capacity
mega-mosque near Britain’s Olympic Stadium, is also known to be a
supporter of Respect MP, George Galloway, and openly promotes sharia law
and the practices of Islamic states.
The fundamentalist Islamic sect, Tablighi Jamaat, has appealed against
Newham Council’s decision to reject its application for an extension of
their use of the current mosque site, in order to extend its capacity
from 2,500 to 12,000.
Director of the campaign group, MegaMosqueNoThanks, Alan Craig, warns
that the issue will become highly political when it goes before the
Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, for the final decision later this
year.
“The issue will then become immersed in the pre-election party politics
ahead of next May's General Election, and it is matter of concern that a
number of hard-line supporters of Respect's George Galloway and of the
mega-mosque plan, are infiltrating Eric Pickles' Tory Party locally,”
says Alan.
/*Read more >*/
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9bc8f4ec72&e=c1bfcffbca>
Islamic state sentences pregnant Sudanese doctor to hang for being
a Christian
A pregnant Sudanese doctor has been sentenced to death by hanging after
refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
Meriam Ibrahim Ishag, aged 26, was born to a Muslim father and married a
Christian man in 2011. She has been convicted of apostasy but told the
Sudanese court, "I am a Christian and I never committed apostasy."
In the Islamic state a child must follow the father's religion. Meriam
is eight months pregnant and has an 18-month-old son. Her sentence
includes 100 lashes before she is to be hanged.
The British, United States, Canadian and Netherlands Embassies have
issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" about the case.
“It is abhorrent to contemplate the hanging and lashing of a pregnant
woman simply because she chooses to follow Jesus. The spread of sharia
law is a threat to freedom of religious belief and freedom of speech for
all of us and we must resist it wherever it occurs,” says Andrea
Williams of Christian Concern.
*/Read more (Express)>
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9b2491573a&e=c1bfcffbca>/*
“Discrimination and bullying” of Christian twins after TV reality
show is dropped
The American Home and Garden TV network has been accused of intolerance
by campaigners, after HGTV decided to drop a reality show featuring
Christian twin brothers who expressed their views on homosexuality,
divorce and abortion.
David and Jason Benham voiced their disappointment, after HGTV announced
they would not be moving forward with the series “Flip it Forward”, when
lobby group Right Wing Watch reported on statements the twin brothers
had made on homosexuality and ‘same-sex marriage’.
/*Read more >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=0ae3bdf393&e=c1bfcffbca>*/
Nintendo U-turn on gay avatars
Nintendo has succumbed to pressure from gay activists who have demanded
that homosexual characters be included in its life simulation game,
Tomadachi Life.
Last week, Nintendo issued a statement responding to a fan who
criticised the game for not allowing gay characters by saying it “never
intended to make any form of social commentary” in the game.
But now the company says it cannot update the current fame to feature
homosexual characters but will be “more inclusive” with future editions.
/*Read more (Daily Mail) > */
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=1419d31aee&e=c1bfcffbca>
Facing Infertility: a guide to Biblical ethics
A booklet presenting a clear guide to Biblical ethics related to IVF
treatment, for Christian couples who have difficulty conceiving, has
been produced by the Christian Medical Fellowship.
‘Facing Infertility’ is designed as a roadmap for church leaders, elders
and Christian couples and shares the testimonies of those who have faced
infertility and have made a variety of choices.
To purchase the book and to find out more click h*ere >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=373e37d671&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Judge rules 13-year-old girl has capability to choose abortion
A High Court Judge has ruled that a 13-year old pregnant schoolgirl has
the mental capacity to decide whether or not to opt for an abortion.
/*Read more >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9ba42803be&e=c1bfcffbca>*/
Andrea Williams discusses current issues concerning UK Christians
on major US Christian radio network
/Andrea Williams on Moody
Radio (18m 16s) >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=c013ff6952&e=c1bfcffbca>/
Christian Concern's Andrea Williams discussed some of the latest issues
affecting Christians in the UK with Janet Parshall on her popular show
'In the Market' on Moody Radio, one of the largest Christian radio
networks in America.
During her interview Andrea highlighted the case of Christian Legal
Centre client Sarah Mbuyi and also discussed a number of topics
including halal meat labelling, 'same-sex marriage' and Sharia law.
*/Listen to the interview here >/
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=19b9d14ac3&e=c1bfcffbca>*
Wilberforce Academy 2014 applications now open
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=694db78780&e=c1bfcffbca>
/Watch highlights from
Wilberforce Academy
2013 (3m 38s) >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=64dd36eca6&e=c1bfcffbca>/
The Wilberforce Academy is set to take place this September for three
intensive days of equipping and commissioning the next generation to
take the name of Christ into the public square.
The Wilberforce Academy is aimed at students and young professionals
with a passion to serve Jesus Christ in a variety of vocations including
law, politics, education, media, arts and business.
Our aim is that delegates will be prepared for servant-hearted,
Christ-centred leadership in public life, having been equipped with a
robust Biblical framework that guides their thinking, prayers and
activity in addressing the issues facing our society. We hope that they
will also develop lasting friendships with peers and mentors that will
be a source of support, encouragement and accountability for years to come.
The Wilberforce Academy 2014 will take place from Wednesday 10th
September to Saturday 13th September 2014.
*The deadline for applications is May 31st. *
*/For more information and to download an application form click here >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=b304442516&e=c1bfcffbca>/*
Update on critical call for funding
/Andrea Williams/
Dear friends and supporters,
I am writing to you with deep gratitude for the overwhelming response we
have received to our critical call for funding.
Our immediate deficit has been closed already by your faithful giving
and we are humbled, amazed and in awe of the Lord Jesus. For those of
you who have responded, my heartfelt thanks. Many of you have written
and shared that you pray for us regularly; for this I am also enormously
grateful.
Regular committed giving makes up only a third of our income. We
desperately need more partners to establish us firmly and help us plan
wisely for the future. We’re a faith-filled ministry rising to the
tasks the Lord sets before us to do; we *never* turn away a Christian in
genuine difficulties for their faith because we can’t afford to take on
their case.
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=6501476306&e=c1bfcffbca>
Our reality remains that every month the needs of the work grow and the
requests for support, guidance and legal assistance rise unabated.
Our goal remains to cover much of the ongoing costs of the organisation
through regular committed giving. We are making progress but there is
still a long way to go!
Many of you responded to help us to stabilise our core costs - by
establishing a Direct Debit or Standing Order of £5 per month. Thank you
so much. This is the long-term foundational commitment that will make
the difference. This is partnering together for His Name and the
proclamation of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ alone.
If you have not yet responded to our call will you do so now?
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=2c16036139&e=c1bfcffbca>
We are standing in the gap - thank you for standing with us!
Andrea Williams
Chief Executive
Christian Concern, Christian Legal Centre
Radio
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=5b16669a72&e=c1bfcffbca>
/Andrea Williams on Moody
Radio (18m 16s) >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=6c2053a348&e=c1bfcffbca>/
St John’s Church Parish Weekend
Andrea is speaking at St John’s Church Parish Weekend on Saturday 17^th
and Sunday 18^th May. St John’s Church is a friendly and lively Anglican
church in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. The weekend starts on Friday evening at
8pm with a time of worship, prayer and testimony. Saturday and Sunday
start at 10am.
Andrea will be speaking at the morning teaching sessions on Saturday and
Sunday from 10:00 – 12.
*When:* Saturday 17^h May and Sunday 18^th May
*Where:* St John’s Church, High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5RX
For more information go to www.spbh.org.uk
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=271d8722ee&e=c1bfcffbca>
Big Church Day Out
We will be exhibiting at Big Church Day Out again this year which is one
of the largest Christian music festivals in the UK.
Over the weekend, over 20,000 Christians will join together in
celebration and worship of Jesus. BCDO’s “aim is to encourage and
inspire people to press in for all that God has called them to do, both
locally and further afield, and to provide a relaxed environment to
introduce friends and family who have little or no experience of church.
We are committed to giving those who attend the opportunity to respond
to the gospel message each year.”
*When: *Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th May
*Where: *Wiston House, West Sussex BN44 3DZ
For more information and tickets go to www.bigchurchdayout.com
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=6313941fc2&e=c1bfcffbca>
Emergency conference on the crisis in Nigeria - An invitation to
Church Leaders
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=ff92fbdd77&e=c1bfcffbca>
/Pastor Fred Williams
makes an appeal for the lost
Nigerian girls (1m 10s) >
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9264255088&e=c1bfcffbca>/
LoveJustice (formerly LoveJos) is inviting church leaders to an urgent
presentation about the crisis currently engulfing the Christian
community in Northern and Central Nigeria, believing that a lasting
solution to the crisis lies with God’s people, the church and not the
government.
The presentation will address in great detail the background factors
behind Christian persecution in Nigeria and what Nigerian majority
churches in diaspora can do to change the situation.
Speaking at the presentation will be:
* Pastor Fred Williams who is co-founder of LoveJos, human rights
advocate and film producer with Christian Concern. He has produced
several documentaries on Christian persecution in Northern and
Central Nigeria and has in-depth knowledge of the situation. He has
been contacted by several international organisations such as
Jubilee and Release Internationalfor his views on the current
crisis. He has also made presentations on the situation in Nigeria
at the House of Parliament in Westminster and the House of
Representatives in the USA. Pastor Fred will be sharing practical
things churches in Diaspora can do to help the situation in Northern
and Central Nigeria.
* Dr Kataza Gondwe Khataza who is currently Team Leader for Africa and
the Middle East at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). CSW is a
United Kingdom (UK)-based organization working for religious freedom
through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.
* Mr Illia Djadi who is currently African Bureau Chief of WorldWatch
Monitor and has worked for many years as a journalist with the BBC
World Service. World Watch Monitor reports the story of Christians
around the world under pressure for their faith.
*Venue:* Custom House Baptist Church, 260 Prince Regent Lane, Custom
House, London E16 3JJ (Parking is mostly free around the area at all times)
*Time:* 11am – 2:30pm
*Date: * Saturday 7th June 2014
Support Us Christian Concern
Follow us on Twitter!
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=216704c35a&e=c1bfcffbca>
Follow us on Twitter
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=99b63fe7c8&e=c1bfcffbca>
Follow us on Facebook!
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=fe87c67837&e=c1bfcffbca>
Become a fan
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=db72ac4da3&e=c1bfcffbca>
Donate online
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=20c02ee0bf&e=c1bfcffbca>
Donate Online
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9b58b5920f&e=c1bfcffbca>
Share this email:
Facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fus2.campaign-archive2.com%2F%3Fu%3Dbed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35%26id%3Dac6c000a6b&t=Christian%20Weekly%20News%2016%2F05%2F14>
Twitter
<http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Christian%20Weekly%20News%2016%2F05%2F14%20-%20http%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2FUTYOj>
MySpace
<http://www.myspace.com/Modules/PostTo/Pages/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fus2.campaign-archive2.com%2F%3Fu%3Dbed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35%26id%3Dac6c000a6b&t=Christian%20Weekly%20News%2016%2F05%2F14>
Digg
<http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fus2.campaign-archive2.com%2F%3Fu%3Dbed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35%26id%3Dac6c000a6b&title=Christian%20Weekly%20News%2016%2F05%2F14>
70 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8AX
*Phone: 020 3327 1120*
www.christianconcern.com
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=883f401363&e=c1bfcffbca>
*Unsubscribe*
Unsubscribe
<http://christianconcern.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=9e164371ca&e=c1bfcffbca&c=ac6c000a6b>
home@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx from this list.
*Forward*
Forward
<http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=ac6c000a6b&e=c1bfcffbca>
this email to a friend
Copyright (C) 2011 Christian Concern. All rights reserved.
Other related posts:
