Places of worship to have more security
29 Jul 2016
Churches, mosques, synagogues and all places of worship will receive government-funded ‘protective security measures’ to keep them safe after a rise in hate crimes. £2.4 million will protect places of worship across the country. The steps will be outlined in the Government's hate crime action plan to be published next week. It includes calls for prosecutors to give tougher sentences for perpetrators of hate crimes. The action plan sets out steps to boost reporting of offences and support victims, with guidance on racially and religiously aggravated offences. There will be a continued emphasis on eradicating anti-Semitism. Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, said ‘We are Great Britain because we are united by values like democracy, free speech, mutual respect and opportunity for all.
British security - attack on UK is ‘very likely’
29 Jul 2016
A terrorist attack in the UK is ‘highly likely’ following attacks in other parts of Europe, a five-judge tribunal has been told, as churches in Britain are told to tighten security. The heightened state of security comes as images threatening attacks in London and other major world capitals were reportedly posted on jihadi messaging app Telegram. Despite there being no specific intelligence relating to attacks against the Christian community in the UK, the National Police Chiefs' Council is urging the community to be alert but not alarmed. They are reiterating protective security advice to Christian places of worship and have circulated specific advice reminding Churches to review their security arrangements as a precaution, stating: ‘While the threat from terrorism remains unchanged at severe, (which means that an attack is highly likely) we urge the public to be vigilant.’
Northern Ireland: Arson attack on church
29 Jul 2016
A Presbyterian church was targeted in an arson attack in south Belfast, in the early hours of Sunday morning causing a significant amount of damage. Police said, ‘a sectarian motive is one of a number of lines of enquiry’. A Sinn Féin spokesman said: ‘I condemn this attack, - the second attack on a church in South Belfast in recent months. As with the previous violence the people behind it are targeting a hub of community endeavour and a place of worship and peace building.’ He added , ‘My thoughts are with the congregation of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church. I have been in contact with them and I know they will not be deflected from their good work by this senseless act.’ Pray for an end to the continued guerrilla war activities rooted in the historic ‘Troubles’ conflict that began in the 1960’s
The Trussel Trust charity reported, ‘Some parents will skip a meal to feed their children this summer.’ There is an increased demand for their 35 food banks during July and August, when there is no access to school dinners or breakfast clubs. In response the Trussell Trust has launched new holiday clubs to offer children activities and provide them with meals. Families who rely on free school meals during term time can find themselves facing hunger in the school holidays. No one knows the full scale of hunger but these figures make one thing clear: many families are closer to crisis than we think. Trussell Trust is just one of the many charities, churches and clubs delivering lunches and activities to families in poverty across the United Kingdom. Pray for the organisers to have enough volunteers to run the clubs/activities. Pray for more people to recognise the need and donate their money/food to these resources. Pray for good communication between referral agencies and churches/charities.
Trafficking a hidden UK crime
29 Jul 2016
Modern slavery and human trafficking is increasing in the UK. Demand for cheap goods, cheap labour and cheap sex has driven a steep increase in the number of victims reported to authorities. 3,266 people were identified as victims of modern slavery and efforts to eradicate it are failing, with potential number of victims being trafficked into Britain rising by 245% over the last five years, according to official figures. Ministers believe these figures suggest that more victims were willing to come forward for help while others are urging the police to step up their efforts, arguing that the statistics confirmed that trafficking and slavery are thriving in the UK. Andrew Wallis, founder and chief executive of the anti-slavery charity Unseen, said that although the UK Government passed the Modern Slavery Act in 2014, more needs to be done. Jakub Sobik, of Anti-Slavery International agreed. Pray for even more awareness by the public of this hidden crime. See also: http://www.itv.com/news/west/topic/human-trafficking/
Trafficking a hidden UK crime
29 Jul 2016
Modern slavery and human trafficking is increasing in the UK. Demand for cheap goods, cheap labour and cheap sex has driven a steep increase in the number of victims reported to authorities. 3,266 people were identified as victims of modern slavery and efforts to eradicate it are failing, with potential number of victims being trafficked into Britain rising by 245% over the last five years, according to official figures. Ministers believe these figures suggest that more victims were willing to come forward for help while others are urging the police to step up their efforts, arguing that the statistics confirmed that trafficking and slavery are thriving in the UK. Andrew Wallis, founder and chief executive of the anti-slavery charity Unseen, said that although the UK Government passed the Modern Slavery Act in 2014, more needs to be done. Jakub Sobik, of Anti-Slavery International agreed. Pray for even more awareness by the public of this hidden crime. See also: http://www.itv.com/news/west/topic/human-trafficking/
Following the European Union referendum result and the uncertainty and division that has followed, Premier Christian Radio feel it is crucial that Christians intercede in prayer at this time. They have put out a call to prayer for our nation, saying, ‘Together we'll be praying every day at midday for 5 days from 1 August. Taking part could not be simpler. All you have to do is text PRAY to 70700 and you will get sent the prayers by text message. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing you will be able to join this wave of prayer which will also be reflected on Premier Christian Radio and Premier Praise.’
South Korea: UPRISING UPDATE
29 Jul 2016
Following the World Prayer Assembly held in Jakarta in 2012, the leaders of the International Prayer Council felt that a NEW WAVE of prayer and missions movements is coming and is now here - for the youth, by the youth - hence the inception of gathering this generation for a World Youth Prayer Assembly, called UPRISING (United Prayer Rising). This week ordinary people from every nation have been extraordinarily impacting our world. (Acts 17:6) They gathered because they believe their prayers matter and are willing to fight and make a sacrifice together, seeking the face of God to bring justice and peace among the nations. (1 Peter 4: 7-8, Joel 2:15, Joel 3:9-10, Psalm 24:6, Isaiah 2:2-4). Old and young are honouring each other to bring healing between generations and are praying to set a standard for their own generation. (Malachi 4:5-6,) See also: http://www.worldprayer.org.uk/ipc-wypa-2016/item/7224-uprising-2016