Uzbekistan: Crackdown on Christians worsens
Several unjust rulings have been made against Christians since the start of 2010. The homes of numerous Christians as well as churches have been raided, and many Christians have been fined for sharing their faith, holding religious services, and illegally distributing Christian literature, according to Forum 18 News. Within the last three months, however, pressure has increased to the point of unlawful imprisonment. ‘In the last several months, 10 Christians have been sentenced to administrative detention for their Christian activities--that can mean something as simple as holding a Bible study in their home,’ says Carl Moeller, president of Open Doors USA. ‘This is four times the amount of detentions that we saw last year.’ It's unclear as to exactly why the crackdown has become so much worse so quickly. Moeller confirms, however, that the Uzbek government favours uniformity, not diversity. A rise in numbers of any group could be considered social and political dissension. Pray: for the Church in Uzbekistan that the authorities would cease its persecution. (2Th.1:4)
Hope launch Europe's largest gathering of Christians
Hope will launch in its new form as part of Europe’s largest gathering of Christians, an all-night prayer and praise event hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God which expects more than 25,000 people to attend. Hosted by Pastor Agu Irukwu of Jesus House, the Hope launch will be part of the Festival of Life on 23 July at the ExCel Centre in London. The General Overseer, Pastor EA Adeboye is also keen to pray over and commission Hope. The event signifies a move towards a wider involvement in Hope from across church denominations and cultural divides and will strengthen partnerships with the black majority church. Hope together is a continuation of Hope 08 and is reforming in response to calls from church and denominational leaders who found it a helpful banner to work under. Pray: that this celebration and launch of 'Hope' will lead to revival in the Church. (Ps.33:22) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hope.to.launch.at.europes.largest.gathering.of.christians/26270.htm
Hope launch Europe's largest gathering of Christians
Hope will launch in its new form as part of Europe’s largest gathering of Christians, an all-night prayer and praise event hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God which expects more than 25,000 people to attend. Hosted by Pastor Agu Irukwu of Jesus House, the Hope launch will be part of the Festival of Life on 23 July at the ExCel Centre in London. The General Overseer, Pastor EA Adeboye is also keen to pray over and commission Hope. The event signifies a move towards a wider involvement in Hope from across church denominations and cultural divides and will strengthen partnerships with the black majority church. Hope together is a continuation of Hope 08 and is reforming in response to calls from church and denominational leaders who found it a helpful banner to work under. Pray: that this celebration and launch of 'Hope' will lead to revival in the Church. (Ps.33:22) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hope.to.launch.at.europes.largest.gathering.of.christians/26270.htm
European theology faculties warn of shift to religious studies
Representatives of European theological faculties and church theological institutes have warned against universities dropping the teaching of theology in favour of religious studies that are seen as a more general approach, reports Ecumenical News International. ‘Theology has a major role to play within the university by countering stereotypes, demonstrating ways of dealing with religious conflict, and working out its own unique specificity in dialogue with other disciplines,’ said Orthodox Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, the president of the Conference of European Churches. Pray: that the full message of the Gospel will not be hidden from those who study the scriptures. (Ecc1:13)
