UCB Broadcast March 2009

G20 Summit 

Next week leaders of the 20 most powerful countries, along with the EU will meet in London to try to find a way out of the current global economic crisis. Issues such as reforming the international financial system, and introducing new mechanisms to prevent such a crisis reoccurring will be discussed, as to will any efforts to coordinate the financial assistance packages the different countries are proposing. 

Alongside these issues will be the continual them of climate change. With leaders making their preliminary moves prior to the climate change conference in Copenhagen which will take place in December. In response to these issues and more many Christians will join together this Saturday, the 28th, to hold a church service and join a rally under the title 'Put People First'.

This week Gordon Brown has been travelling the world seeking to rally support for his proposed measures, meeting with leaders in the US, Europe and South America. At a time when his popularity is declining this summit provides Gordon Brown with an ideal opportunity to show some global leadership, enjoy the company of Barack Obama, and remind everyone that this is a global problem.    

Coroners and Justice Bill

On Tuesday the House of Commons voted to pass the Coroners and Justice Bill. In the main this Bill reforms the way coroner's courts operate, however, tucked away in the Bill was inserted a clause that would undermine our freedom of speech. Last year while passing legislation that created a new offence of inciting hatred based on sexual orientation, the Government eventually accepted an amendment offered by the Lords that sought to protect criticism and discussion of sexual orientation from falling foul of the law.

Despite cross party support to reintroduce this protection for free speech the Government won the vote. The Bill will now be considered by the House of Lords, and hopefully a they will be able to protect free speech. Lets pray that the Lords do protect our freedom of expression, and that the Government do not use their power to overrule any protection of freedom of speech placed in the bill.    

Visas

Over the past few weeks there have been a number of cases where Christians travelling from overseas to the UK for various reasons have been refused entry. Many of the problems have been caused because of complications introduced with the new points based system that has been phased in over the past year. Under this both temporary and permanent workers will require a sponsor before they can enter the country to undertake employment. Into this category also fall voluntary workers who are coming to the UK to take part in charity projects.

It is important that any churches or ministries that are hosting groups from overseas for such purposes have a license and are able to issue sponsor certificates to all those who will be coming to the UK. However, there have also been cases of people being turned away at the border when they are coming over to speak at conferences or perform. Under the guidelines you are able to enter the country as a visitor to attend a conference, even if this includes preaching or undertaking any other pastoral work within the conference.

We will be producing more detailed guidelines in the near future so keep an eye on the www.eauk.org  website