Welfare benefits cap will break up families
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes has warned that the governments proposed welfare benefits cap will ‘break up families’ and ‘damage the lives of literally hundreds of thousands of children.’ Mr Hughes, who is not a minister and therefore not part of the coalition government, made his comments to the BBC ahead of more crucial votes in the House of Lords this week, as the Welfare Reform Bill (WRB) goes through its report stage before returning to the Commons. Mr Hughes told the BBC that he did not believe the Welfare Reform Bill would be passed as it stands. The government has headed off a House of Lords defeat over plans to replace the Disability Living Allowance. Conservatives leaned heavily on Liberal Democrat support in the Lords, avoiding another humiliating Welfare Reform Bill report stage defeat by only 16 votes.
Pray: for Government policy that as it tackles fiscal problems still protects the most vulnerable in society. (Ps.41:4)
Backbench rebellion over plans to change marriage law
Conservative MP’s are planning what could be the biggest ever backbench rebellion faced by Prime Minister David Cameron over his stated intention to legislate for full homosexual marriage. At least 100 Conservative backbenchers are thought to strongly oppose homosexual marriage. ‘Feelings are running high,’ one senior party source told the Independent. Lynne Featherstone, the equalities minister, has announced plans for a ‘consultation’ to be launched in March which is to be followed by a change in the law. David Burrowes MP told the paper that he is ‘cautiously optimistic’ the proposal will be defeated in the Commons because it would ‘fracture’ the institution of marriage. ‘Many colleagues are worried that it would fundamentally affect how marriage between a man and woman has historically been viewed in this country. There are strong doubts that we need to go down this path. It would open up a can of worms and a legal minefield about freedom, religion and equalities legislation.’
Pray: for our government as it considers these changes. Pray that those who already support the recognised form of marriage would stand firm on their beliefs. (1Cor.16:13)
Islamist stops university debate with threats of violence
A talk on sharia and human rights at Queen Mary University, London was cancelled because an Islamist made serious threats against everyone there. Ms Waters was due to give a talk on behalf of the One Law for All Campaign on 16 January but before it started a man entered the lecture theatre, stood at the front with a camera and filmed the audience. He then said he knew who everyone was, where they lived and if he heard anything negative about the Prophet, he would track them down. He also filmed students in the foyer threatening to murder them and their families then joined a large group of men supporters outside. Students were told by security to stay in the lecture theatre for their own safety. The police were contacted about the incident.
Pray: against a religious/political ideology that puts a Christian British way of life in danger. (Ps.33:18)
Putting God at heart of communities
Church charity shop is a listening ear and a place for a bargain. ‘The Church Shop’ is the brainchild of the Rev Alison Phillipson, vicar of Coatham and Dormanstown, and has been set up with the help of lay members of her church. ‘In a world where people don’t stop and listen, we here will listen,’ she said. Alison is one of the individuals living out the Gospel in the north-east of England whose stories will be told on the Archbishop of York’s website in the coming weeks. Other stories to be highlighted include a former drug addict and school bad boy who now contributes to the spiritual and moral development of school students. See: http://www.archbishopofyork.org/ Dr John Sentamu said: ‘How wonderful it is to hear these encouraging stories. Across the country, so many people are proclaiming the Good News and putting God at the heart of their communities’.
Pray: that the Holy Spirit will give vision to believers in creating ways to spread the Good News. (Ps.127:1)
