Freedom of religion
Over the past year we have been praying for Nadia Eweida, Shirley Chaplin, Lilian Ladele and Gary McFarlane as they took freedom of religion cases to the European Court of Human Rights. Last Tuesday three of the cases finally reached the end of the road when the EHCR's Grand Chamber rejected the appeals. When the cases had previously been heard in January Nadia’s (which involved the wearing of a cross in the workplace) was successful. The other three were rejected. Their lawyers decided to apply for a hearing by the Grand Chamber, but the judges have now rejected the requests. These rulings indicate that some of the religious foundations of our society are being replaced by an academic belief in equality for all where religion is put on an equal footing with a variety of sections of British society. Christian belief no longer defines the law, but instead is increasingly subject to it.
Pray: that commerce, industry and governments would cease using ‘equality’ in a self-important way. (Ex.20:3,4)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/grand-chamber-rejects-christians-cases
Leprosy Mission says levy on charities 'unfair'
The Leprosy Mission has hit out at suggestions that the Treasury might take a share of Gift Aid or impose a levy on charities. The call came from the Charity Commission, which has warned that it will not be able to cope with the Treasury's request to make a further saving of 10 per cent in the year 2015/16. The Leprosy Mission said, however, that it was "unfair" to take a slice of gift aid to plug the Government's spending cuts. Peter Walker, national director of The Leprosy Mission said a levy could put people off giving while penalizing recipients of the money. ‘If the Government wants a Big Society, it is responsible for providing the framework for the charitable sector to operate effectively, which includes rigorous investigation where necessary,’ he said. ‘The charitable sector is paramount to the delivery of the Big Society and it is, therefore, unreasonable for the government to expect charities to pay to regulate the sector.’
Pray: that this proposal will not become policy and that charitable donation remains entirely with the charity receiving the gift. (Pr.22:16 )
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/leprosy.mission.says.levy.on.charities.unfair/32723.htm
Central Europe Floods
Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are dealing with record levels of flooding. Cities in southern and eastern Germany have been on high alert as heavy floodwaters swell rivers including the Elbe which has been rising since Monday lunchtime. In Halle an appeal went out to residents asking for help to reinforce flood defences while Dresden was preparing for water levels 5m higher than normal. By Tuesday afternoon river levels in Prague had begun to fall as floodwaters moved north. Overnight flood barriers on the River Vltava in the south of the country were raised releasing a torrent of water, which had implications on the Elbe. The city of Regensburg has declared a state of emergency. Hungary has also declared a state of emergency. Floodwaters on the Danube are expected to peak there on Thursday. Germany has drafted in the army to help with flood defences. In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, but have now begun to recede.
Pray: for the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes, particularly the farmers, the frail and elderly; pray also for governments and NGO’s bringing relief where roads and bridges have been destroyed. (Ps.18:6)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22752544
Central Europe Floods
Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are dealing with record levels of flooding. Cities in southern and eastern Germany have been on high alert as heavy floodwaters swell rivers including the Elbe which has been rising since Monday lunchtime. In Halle an appeal went out to residents asking for help to reinforce flood defences while Dresden was preparing for water levels 5m higher than normal. By Tuesday afternoon river levels in Prague had begun to fall as floodwaters moved north. Overnight flood barriers on the River Vltava in the south of the country were raised releasing a torrent of water, which had implications on the Elbe. The city of Regensburg has declared a state of emergency. Hungary has also declared a state of emergency. Floodwaters on the Danube are expected to peak there on Thursday. Germany has drafted in the army to help with flood defences. In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, but have now begun to recede.
Pray: for the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes, particularly the farmers, the frail and elderly; pray also for governments and NGO’s bringing relief where roads and bridges have been destroyed. (Ps.18:6)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22752544
