Roulette machines: the crack cocaine of gambling
Known as the crack cocaine of gambling, roulette machines have attracted new interest this year after research showed there was a far higher number of the terminals in poor areas of high unemployment than on richer high streets. The government is uncertain how dangerous the machines are, stating in a review published last month that there was "no clear evidence" to prove whether the machines "had any significant effect on the level of problem gambling in Britain". The report concedes: "It is a statement of fact that some players are harmed by gambling on machines" and "it is indisputable that some people are at risk of spending far too much time and money on them". A £500,000 study has been commissioned from the Responsible Gambling Trust into the machines, but it will take 18 months to complete, and meanwhile campaign groups such as Gambling Watch say the machines should be banned from the high street.
Pray: for all those lured into using, and for those addicted to these machines that can 'take' large sums of money in minutes. (1Ti.6:9)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/27/roulette-machines-crack-cocaine-gambling
Iona Community tackles stigma and injustice of poverty
The Iona Community is continuing its work in tackling poverty as it enters its 75th anniversary and the 1450th anniversary of Columba’s landing on the island. Iona Community Board Convener Allan Gordon. said: “In most nations today, the gap between rich and poor is widening. In Europe there is a discernible trend to portray benefits systems as burden rather than a safety net. “It has been a privilege for the Community to work alongside people on low incomes and benefits. In many instances we have done so in partnership at local and national area with the Church of Scotland Priority Areas Team and Faith in Community Scotland. The Community also collaborates with Church Action on Poverty and Christian Aid in awareness-raising and campaigning for fairer taxation and tax justice, and for effective financial regulation. Further joint initiatives are planned,” he added.
Pray: for Iona Community in their 75th anniversary year, for their work and for those with whom they work. (Dt.15:10 )
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18429
Appeals for calm after killing of Drummer Lee Rigby
The National Church Leaders Forum has condemned the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich this week and pleaded for calm amid reports of a backlash against the Muslim community. Leaders in the forum, which exists to offer a black Christian voice on current affairs, condemned Rigby's murder as an "act of barbarism" and said they were standing in "prayerful solidarity" with his friends and family. "We call upon all sections of our community to remain calm and continue to work together to ensure our communities remain safe places for all our citizens, especially our children and grandchildren," they said. They concluded: "It is our hope and prayer that all faith and community leaders will increase their efforts to ensure that every local community remains united in peace and good will." Their appeal for calm came as the Faith Matters group warned that there had been an increase in anti-Muslim incidents since Rigby's murder.
Pray: for the Rigby family, the community in Woolwich and and for calm and friendship to replace fear and violence between different groups in our society. (Lev.19:18)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/appeals.for.calm.after.killing.of.drummer.lee.rigby/32654.htm
Children's Commissioner: pupils 'raised on a diet of porn'
For the first time, the Children’s Commissioner for England has found a clear link between exposure to extreme images at a young age and a rise in “risky behaviours”. It emerged that children who regularly viewed pornography were more likely to have underage sex, develop “casual and hedonistic” attitudes, experiment with drink and drugs and indulge in sexting. Boys were much more likely to be exposed to porn than girls, it was revealed, resulting in “beliefs that women are sex objects”. The study – based on a large-scale review of international evidence – also found some evidence of a relationship between explicit images and a rise in sexual aggression and harassment of the opposite sex. Maggie Atkinson, the Children’s Commissioner, warned that “violent and sadistic imagery” was readily available among “very young children” because of easy access to the internet on home computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Pray: for a more serious response to address these issues by government, schools, parents, Internet providers and the media. (Col.3:23)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10076263/Childrens-Commissioner-pupils-raised-on-a-diet-of-porn.html
