Religious Education standards ‘unacceptable’, MPs warn
A new report by a group of MPs has found that almost half of those teaching Religious Education (RE) in secondary schools have no qualifications in the subject. The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Religious Education also revealed that one in four primary school children were being taught by a teaching assistant. ‘This is unacceptable and in many cases has a detrimental impact on the quality of RE’, the report concluded. About half of RE teachers lack confidence in teaching the subject, whilst 40 per cent have ‘inadequate access to continuing professional development.’ Stephen Lloyd, the Liberal Democrat chair of the committee, said that a number of Government policies, including the decision to exclude RE from the English Baccalaureate, had ‘served to lower’ the status of the subject. He added: ‘It is illogical to think that we can dilute the professionalism and expertise needed to teach RE well.’
Pray: that the teaching of our faith to the young will not be neglected. (Pr.6:23)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-education-standards-unacceptable-mps-warn
Scottish Minister condemns £1.6 million grant to homosexual group
A Scottish pastor has criticised the Scottish Government’s decision to give £1.6 million to a homosexual organization’s school campaign. Rev David Robertson, minister of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee and director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, warned that the decision to give so much taxpayers’ money to Equality Network will further undermine Christianity and do little to stop bullying. He commented: The Equality Network have a definition of homophobia which means that anyone who disagrees with their position is homophobic. For example, I am not homophobic but am opposed to the redefinition of marriage. The Equality Network has now been given money, not to combat homophobic bullying, but to promote their own views and to suppress any other view. Ironically this is more likely to increase bullying than to decrease it.’ The Scottish Government is not giving money to combat other kinds of bullying.
Pray: that the funding allocated to this group will be withdrawn as it promotes homosexuality alone to the detriment of Christianity.
Christian satellite TV affected by Cyprus banking crisis
SAT-7 says its financial difficulties have been ‘aggravated’ by the banking crisis affecting Cyprus. The Christian satellite channel's international office is based in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, where the banks are only just reopening after nearly two weeks of forced closure. The organisation admitted to supporters at its Network 2013 conference last week that it is exploring new strategies for income generation as a result of increasing financial challenges. Dr Terence Ascott, SAT-7's Chief Executive, says ‘For four years we've operated with a flat budget which has been very challenging. Now if we don't significantly increase our support we will be unable to sustain our programmes at their current levels.’ Despite the financial struggles, supporters heard how the channel is being used to promote reconciliation and strengthen the faith of suffering Christians at a time of unprecedented upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa.
Pray: for a speedy resolution to this financial crisis and that alternative funding will be found for SAT-7 (Ps.119:153)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christian.satellite.tv.hit.by.cyprus.banking.crisis/31992.htm
Christian satellite TV affected by Cyprus banking crisis
SAT-7 says its financial difficulties have been ‘aggravated’ by the banking crisis affecting Cyprus. The Christian satellite channel's international office is based in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, where the banks are only just reopening after nearly two weeks of forced closure. The organisation admitted to supporters at its Network 2013 conference last week that it is exploring new strategies for income generation as a result of increasing financial challenges. Dr Terence Ascott, SAT-7's Chief Executive, says ‘For four years we've operated with a flat budget which has been very challenging. Now if we don't significantly increase our support we will be unable to sustain our programmes at their current levels.’ Despite the financial struggles, supporters heard how the channel is being used to promote reconciliation and strengthen the faith of suffering Christians at a time of unprecedented upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa.
Pray: for a speedy resolution to this financial crisis and that alternative funding will be found for SAT-7 (Ps.119:153)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christian.satellite.tv.hit.by.cyprus.banking.crisis/31992.htm
