UCB Broadcast - 
July 2006
Hello and welcome to the Parliamentary prayer update, my name is Gareth Wallace and I work in Westminster for the Evangelical Alliance Public Affairs Department.
Sunday Trading
Following a lengthy consultation on Sunday Trading Laws, the Department of Trade and Industry have decided not to act upon requests from certain retailers to extend the existing six hour limit of trading on Sundays in England and Wales.
The campaign group Keep Sunday Special succeeded in generating strong Parliamentary support for the principle of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and described the decision as a “victory for Britain’s families.” The Evangelical Alliance responded to the DTI consultation in April 2006.
Religious groups and trade unions alike have welcomed the decision, warning of the negative social consequences of extending Sunday trading hours for both retail workers and shoppers to the detriment of family life across the country. Freedom from being pressured to work is more important than freedom to shop.
The campaign continues, though increased support will be necessary since it cannot be expected that the big retailers will concede defeat.
Give thanks that the biblical principle of rest is apparently being understood. It is not about restricting freedom but it is about protecting us from overwork.
Please pray for those families who do not get adequate time away from the pressures of work.
Charities Bill
The Charities Bill nears the end of its Parliamentary journey this month. It has been the first ever review of charity law, proposing a revision of the currently employed 400-year-old definitions of charitable status.
Not only does the Bill increase the numbers of charitable categories, but also requires charities to demonstrate objective and sufficiently wide ‘public benefit’ in order to acquire or retain charitable status.
Whilst the Charity Commission will be tasked with verifying this public benefit, the Government has sought to reassure religious groups that it has readily accepted the principle that religion generally contributes to social and spiritual well-being and that they therefore have nothing to fear.
The Evangelical Alliance has worked closely with the Government and the Charity Commission to ensure that the burden on churches and religious groups is kept to a minimum and that the guidelines are appropriate.
Give thanks that Churches and Christian Organisations will be able to continue as Charities, pray that their good work in the community will grow from strength to strength.
Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill
There have been several developments in the campaign against Euthanasia and Assisted Dying.
The British Medical Association voted overwhelmingly to reverse their previously neutral stance to oppose all forms of assisted dying.
Care Not Killing is still actively campaigning against future moves to reintroduce euthanasia by the back door and for greater palliative care.
The Care Not Killing alliance, of which the Evangelical Alliance is a member, is particularly keen to encourage MPs to sign the recently tabled early day motion number 2485. This is a petition confirming support for the BMA’s position and highlighting the breadth of this support amongst various medical and religious groups.
Please pray: for wisdom, energy and strength for those involved in the campaign against this and any future legislation and that they may be able to maintain a focus on what they believe to be right and just despite the pressures of the decisions they have to make.
You can write to your MP highlighting your opposition to the Bill and urging them to sign this early day motion. Please log unto the Care Not killing for more information
Persecution of Christians in North Korea
The Evangelical Alliance is deeply concerned about the persecution of Christians in North Korea, and the lack of religious freedom afforded by one of the world’s most oppressive regimes.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide recently organised a Global Week of Prayer for North Korea and launched a petition urging an end to the persecution of Christians in that nation. The petition will be handed to the North Korean Embassy in London at the end of the year. You can download a copy of the petition from the Christian Solidarity Worldwide website
Please pray for endurance and hope for those currently suffering under the regime, and for persistence on the part of those lobbying for an end to human rights abuses in North Korea.
Parliament
Parliament rose for the summer recess on Tuesday the 25th of July. The House of Commons and House of Lords return on the 9th of October.
Please pray for MPs as they immerse themselves in their constituency work and for MP’s and Peers as they take well earned holiday.
Pray that Members of Parliament will be able to have some quality family time away from the pressures of Westminster.
Further Prayer and Action
For further insights on these and other issues The Evangelical Alliance Public Affairs department produces a monthly parliamentary magazine, PQ, prayer and campaigns action sheet along topical political briefing material. If you have any questions please e-mail the public affairs team at pub-aff@eauk.org
Thank you, Gareth Wallace.
