New study on human sexuality
02 Sep 2016
A new study exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and well-being by Dr Lawrence S Mayer, an epidemiologist trained in psychiatry, and Dr Paul R McHugh (described by The New Atlantis journal as ‘the most important American psychiatrist of the last half-century) found that contrary to popular belief, the claim that sexual orientation and gender identity are inborn is insupportable. The first part of the study, focusing on sexual orientation, concluded that the claim that it is ‘an innate, biologically fixed property of human beings’ is not supported by scientific evidence. There was found to be some correlation between childhood abuse and later same-sex attraction and higher rates of mental health problems amongst the LGBT community. Pray for more research in these areas.
France: refugees update
02 Sep 2016
Migrants in Calais seeking asylum in the UK should be allowed to lodge their claim in France, the president of the region has told the BBC. Xavier Bertrand said people living in the camp known as the Jungle should be able to apply at a ‘hotspot’ in France rather than waiting to reach Britain. UK officials currently check passports in France, stopping many from entering. The Home Office said ‘those in need of protection should seek asylum in the first safe country they enter’. There are 9,000 people in the Jungle; most nights, many try to circumvent passport checks by hiding inside vehicles entering the port and the Channel Tunnel to get to Britain. Mr Bertrand hopes that amending the current agreement between France and the UK - called the Treaty of Le Touquet - will help to alleviate those problems. The treaty allows British immigration officials to check passports in Calais and their French counterparts to do the equivalent in Dover. The French government has repeatedly said that removing juxtaposed controls would not be in France’s interests.
The lawless EU?
02 Sep 2016
Europe's Competition Directorate dispatches corporate raids across Europe without a search warrant, and operates outside normal democratic judicial control. It is judge, jury, and executioner, imposing fines large enough to constitute criminal sanctions, but without the due process protection of criminal law. It misused evidence so badly in pursuit of Intel that the company alleged a violation of human rights. Apple has vowed this week to appeal against a €13bn Brussels fine for violation of EU state-aid rules, but the only recourse is the European Court of Justice - usually a forlorn ritual. Many believe that powerful EU forces are using state-aid probes to break the global dominance of America's technology giants, hoping to nurture its own 'Silicon Valley' behind a digital wall. Amazon, Facebook, Google and Apple are all under fire, while Microsoft has fought an epic battle. Are some in Brussels viewing America as the enemy?
Africa: property-grabbing
02 Sep 2016
The following is just one of the many stories of property-grabbing, injustice and false imprisonment of poor, vulnerable people. A mission worker writes, ‘Please join us in praying for Albertina, an 82-year-old widow who has been working with The International Justice Mission (IJM) team in Gulu after falling victim to property-grabbing. The perpetrators in this case have repeatedly bribed local officials to get out of custody while actively threatening and assaulting Albertina and her family. Earlier this week, the perpetrators worked with the police to come up with false charges against Albertina and her adult family members, having them arrested despite a clear lack of evidence. The arrest of these victims left ten children under the age of thirteen living in huts alone with no supervision. Please pray for wisdom and favour as the International Justice Mission team works to secure the release of Albertina and the other victims.’
Colombia : peace agreement after fifty years
02 Sep 2016
Colombia declared an end to the longest-running civil conflict in the Western hemisphere last week. In a historic agreement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - known as FARC - signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government to end over fifty years of civil war that has killed nearly 225,000 people. Please pray that the marginalised communities will now have access to healthcare. Pray that land will be given back to rightful owners. Pray for a reconciliation process to start so that communities can overcome the legacy of bitterness.
Libya: thousands of migrants rescued
02 Sep 2016
On Monday, 6,500 migrants were rescued from the sea twelve miles off Libya in one of the biggest operations of its kind to date. Migrants from Eritrea and Somalia were cheering and some were swimming to rescue vessels, while others carried babies aboard. The previous day, another 1,100 migrants had been rescued in the same area. Libya’s instability has made it a hub for people-trafficking. About 106,000 people have arrived in Italy so far this year, while 2,726 have died in the attempt. The International Organisation for Migration says there are a further 275,000 migrants in Libya waiting to travel. Several vessels run by humanitarian organisations help to patrol the route, but the risks were highlighted earlier this month when Médecins Sans Frontières said one of their boats was fired on by armed men.
Vietnam: protesters beaten by police
02 Sep 2016
4,000 Catholics were beaten by police as they protested against the government allowing the contamination of seventy tons of fish from waste dumped into the sea. The pollution was caused by Formosa Plastic Group, a steel company. Christian fishing families affected by the pollution marched on municipal offices in Ky Anh, but were blocked and beaten by police, leaving several injured by truncheon blows. Officials deny that police used violence, saying people were injured because of the size of the crowd. International Christian Concern noted that the dying fish have left many families in a state of panic as fishing is a vital and important source of income and food. Pollution will also have an impact on the economy if the situation continues without proper counter-measures. Please also pray for an end to Vietnam’s harassment and intimidation of religious minorities as countless Christian pastors remain in prison merely for their beliefs.
MAF: flying for life
02 Sep 2016
For seventy years the Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has helped vulnerable people in hard-to-reach places. Flying onto desert and jungle airstrips, lakes and rivers, tracks and roads, its light aircraft and their mission pilots go the extra miles to provide a lifeline, working in partnership with other Christian and relief organisations. They have now started a new initiative that they hope will increase prayer support for their work. Each month they will produce a short prayer video that brings the needs of those in remote communities into people’s internet mailboxes. This fresh approach highlights the stark differences between life in the west and some of the countries where they serve, prompting people to call on our heavenly Father with thanksgiving and praise, while seeking His provision for others. To watch the video and pray this month for those lacking access to clean water please click the ‘More’ button.