Euthanasia deaths increase in Holland
The number of euthanasia cases in Holland has increased by 13 per cent in one year, prompting the Dutch Government to launch an official inquiry. Last year 2,636 Dutch people were killed by euthanasia, with 80 per cent of the victims dying at home after being administered lethal drugs, whereas in 2008 this figure was 2,331. The rise in euthanasia deaths has prompted the Dutch Health Ministry to launch an inquiry into the nation’s euthanasia laws. Pro-lifers have warned that the increase has been caused by the demise of Holland’s palliative care system. Phyllis Bowman, Executive Officer of Right to Life, said: ‘I am sure that the increase in numbers of people opting for euthanasia is largely a result of inadequate pain control.’ Holland became the first country in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 2002, but the Dutch Government has acknowledged that involuntary euthanasia poses a serious problem. (See story in GB & I above) Pray: that the Dutch Government would reconsider the present law and restore the sanctity of life. (1Cor.3:16-17) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/euthanasia-deaths-increase-in-holland/
Swearing and violence on TV
Viewers find violence on TV ‘acceptable' according to a BBC poll of a mere 300 people, including children of 11. The poll claims that sexual violence on screen is seen as ‘part of life' as long as it is not ‘gratuitous'. These findings are based on flimsy evidence but will feed into programme makers' guidelines. Ofcom has been accused of giving broadcasters a green light to swear after consulting only 130 people. Its study included special input for minority groups like those who are transgender or travellers and suggested that people were willing to tolerate various swear words on TV throughout the day. (See Prayer Alert 1910) Vivienne Pattison, Head of Mediawatch UK, said: ‘No one has ever complained to me there is not enough violence on the telly. But I hear a lot from people who think there is too much.' She condemned the decision to consult children: ‘Big themes should be decided by people who are at least old enough to vote’. Pray: that planners portray the role models shown on TV to inspire audiences to follow God's way. (Mt.4:10) More: http://www.mediawatchuk.org.uk/
Scottish assisted suicide Bill
Scotland remains steadfastly opposed to legalised assisted suicide according to the responses of a Holyrood consultation. The End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill, proposed by independent MSP Margo MacDonald, would allow the terminally ill and those who are ‘permanently physically incapacitated’ to seek assistance in ending their lives. A public consultation on the controversial Bill has revealed that 86 per cent of the consultation’s respondents, some 601 people and organisations, were opposed to the Bill. Gordon Macdonald, Public Policy Officer for the pro-life group Care Not Killing Scotland, welcomed the response, saying: ‘We are very pleased there has been an overwhelming body of evidence against the Bill’. The most common objections raised by the respondents was that the Bill, if passed, would allow children as young as 16 to commit suicide. The Church of Scotland cautioned that 16-year-olds, who are considered too young to drink or drive, are not ‘emotionally mature’ enough to make such decisions. Pray: for protection and sanctity of life to be respected by our governors. (Ge.1:26) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/fresh-blow-to-scottish-assisted-suicide-bill/
Bishops: Share the Good News
The Church of England’s long history of witnessing to the unique significance of Jesus Christ is a duty that continues in today’s multi-faith environment, reiterates a new report. It affirms that missionary activity has always been a hallmark of the Anglican Church’s life and should continue to be so. The report’s foreword notes that: ‘the fear of getting it wrong should never obscure the Christian’s commitment to the good of all and to making Christ the centrepiece of that good. Too much reticence is as untrue to our history and our vocation as too much stridency.’ The document draws on case studies from across the country, where dioceses and parishes are actively engaged in inter-faith dialogue by expressing a ‘sensitive confidence’ about the Christian faith. The report suggests that there is a real desire among people of other faiths to hear about the beliefs which motivate Christian action and witness. Pray: for us all to speak out our belief in the Gospel message. (Mk.16:15 )
