Life Beyond Debt
In the midst of the current economic crisis the church is playing a crucial role in helping people out who are in financial difficulty. At the Life Beyond Debt conference the Evangelical Alliance brought together many Christian poverty fighting and money education charities. Given the national networks and the vibrant local presence, the church is uniquely placed to deliver much needed compassion and assistance to people who are in need.
The Bible is not silent on issues of poverty and injustice, and we are calling the church to respond to this current crisis by being equally vocal about the role that money plays in our lives. At the conference a public statement was issued urging the church to think biblically and act practically at this crucial time.
For more information please visit lifebeyonddebt.org where you will find a wide array of resources, which you or your church can use to make a practical difference in your communities.
Please pray or the agencies who are involved in helping people who are in debt , that they will have the people and resources to meet the increased demand.
Please pray for those who are suffering in the current crisis, pray that they will know that debt is not the end.
Faith Charter
Speaking at the Life Beyond Debt conference, The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, announced plans for a charter which faith groups would have to abide by if they are to receive public funding. This charter will insist that all services offered are done without preference or discrimination. In addition to this faith groups will not be allowed to proselytise with this money.
We are concerned by the tendency of the government to tag all overt Christian activity as proselytism. Some reassurance from Hazel Blears was forthcoming; she insisted that she did not intend to stop Christians from responding to questions or being open about what motivates them.
The Evangelical Alliance is already working with the Government on this proposed charter. We are hopeful that a suitable agreement can be reached which doesn’t undermine the incredible contribution Churches and Christian groups make to society.
Please pray that over the coming months the Government will develop sensible guidelines and take heed of the suggestions that the alliance, along with other groups, have made.
Please pray that the vital services provided are in no way undermined by this charter.
Fruit Machines
The Government has announced that it will introduce a doubling of the limit on prizes and stakes for a wide category of Fruit Machines. This is despite strong representations from a range of Christian groups including the Alliance, that such an rise would dramatically increase the risk of problem gambling. It would only offer economic stimulus in the form of filling the coffers of the gambling industry by picking the pockets of the poorest.
The Evangelical Alliance is continuing to work with the Government and the Gambling commission to ensure that marginalised do not suffer because of the intense lobbying from the gambling industry.
Please pray that the Government will not introduce further rises in stakes, prizes, or the availability of fruit machines.
Please pray for those who are addicted to gambling, that they will receive the help they need to rid themselves of this dependency.
Sri Lanka
In the past two years, the human rights situation in Sri Lanka has deteriorated rapidly and seriously – as a result of the escalating conflict between the Government and the guerrilla group the Tamil Tigers.
However, religious freedom is also being threatened, in the last month the Sri Lankan parliament has passed a new ‘anti-conversion’ bill, formally entitled, ‘Prohibition of Forcible Conversion’ bill.
There are very real concerns that the bill will grant legal sanction for harassment of religious communities, will foster religious disharmony and that the loose definitions might lead to imprisonment for a wide range of legitimate religious activities.
Please Pray that this Bill will not be passed and the religious freedom of Christians, and other religions, in Sri Lanka will be protected.
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