Ban on Christian advert upheld
A judge has upheld a government decision to ban an advert calling on Christians to report their experience of marginalisation in the work place. Premier Christian Radio and its magazine publications division CCP Ltd had challenged the decision, made by the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC), on the grounds that it restricted freedom of speech. The RACC claimed the advert had a political objective and broadcasting it would infringe provisions of the 2003 Communications Act that ban political advertising. At the London High Court, Mr Justice Silber upheld the ban and ruled the original RACC decision was both ‘rational and lawful’. Justice Silber said the advert tried ‘to make changes to society’ through its request for information from the public. He also concluded that the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's stance on the issue wasn't 'anti-Christian'. Premier's Chief Executive Peter Kerridge says he's disappointed by the ruling and believes it raises more questions than answers.
Pray: that the planned appeal would lead to a reversed decision. (Is.5:16)
More: http://www.premier.org.uk/news/current/Ban%20on%20Christian%20advert%20upheld.aspx
Church leader challenges Ken Livingstone on Islam comments
The pastor of one of the largest churches in Britain has challenged Ken Livingstone over his claim that he will make London a ‘beacon of Islam’. Colin Dye, the senior pastor of Kensington Temple church, has written a letter to London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone following his controversial comments on Islam last month. In a speech at the North London Central Mosque, Mr Livingstone told the audience that he was determined to ‘educate the mass of Londoners’ about Islam. ‘I want to spend the next four years making sure that every non-muslim in London knows and understands its words and message. That will help to cement our city as a beacon that demonstrates the meaning of the words of the Prophet’, he said. Running for mayor for the fourth time, Mr Livingstone spoke to assembled Muslims at the controversial mosque and described Mohammed’s words in his last sermon as ‘an agenda for all humanity.’ (See Prayer Alert 12-2012)
Pray: that Colin Dye’s letter will challenge Mr Livingstone’s ideas and remind him of our Christian roots. Mt.15:13)
Christians harnessing Facebook to share faith
Christians in the UK are turning increasingly to social media sites like Facebook to share their faith, new research has found. In a survey on attitudes to online mission by Christian Vision and Premier Christian Media, 64% said they were using social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to share their faith in an intentional way. Of the 700 Christians surveyed, 84% agreed that the online space was a huge mission field. More than two-thirds (71%) said they post links to Christian sites or content with missional values, while 73% said they intentionally post or link to content in order to share their faith. Interestingly, the study found that interaction with social media was prolific across the age spectrum, rather than just among young people.
Pray: that the Church will grasp hold of the new technologies to share our faith. (1Cor.9:23)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.harnessing.facebook.to.share.faith/29753.htm
Sweden: Plans deportation of Iranian Christians despite dangers
There was concern over the plight of several Iranian Christian asylum seekers in Sweden after Swedish authorities decided to deport them despite fears they may be jailed or even executed there, Christians said. It comes after Swedish authorities reportedly already deported one asylum seeker, identified as Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15 this year. ‘We are four Iranian human rights activists who object to the racist politics of the Swedish government towards the asylum seeker's community and strongly condemn the deportation of Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15, 2012,’ said activists in a statement distributed by Mohabat News. They said they have urged Sweden to immediately release asylum seekers including Christians Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, Yasin Elyasi and Mohammad-Reza Hamedian Esfahani from a detention centre. Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, told Swedish media in February that ‘If it is Jesus' will for me to return to Iran, I'll submit to his will and he will protect me Himself.’
Pray: for wisdom for the authorities as they consider deportation and pray that they will release those involved. (Ps.25:15)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/21376-sweden-plans-deportation-iranian-christians-despite-dangers
