Rebuilding Britain: six pillars to strengthen our society
Our culture has its foundations in historic Christian values. We must respect them as we negotiate our future, says the Rt Rev James Jones. Rebuilding Britain rests on the six pillars of family, freedom, friendship, faith, fairness and the future of the earth. These are the columns that need strengthening if the edifice of our society is to withstand the winds of change. They have their foundations in the historic Christian values of our society. We are in danger of cutting ourselves adrift. And, as Lord Hailsham once warned, ‘cut flowers never produce seed or fruit’. The Rt Rev Jones, writing in the Telegraph says ‘The failure of public policy on the family is that it has focused mainly on child poverty, when the biggest problem facing children is not economic hardship but emotional deprivation.’ He goes on to outline his ‘Six Pillars’ based on Christian values. Pray: for our nation and its new government that we will, by God’s Grace, seek a future taking heed of Rt Rev Jones suggestions. (Ps.37:37) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7744426/Rebuilding-Britain-six-pillars-to-strengthen-our-society.html
Britain in the grip of ‘epidemic of loneliness’
Technology and the pressures of modern life are today blamed for creating an epidemic of loneliness, as increasing numbers of people rely on the Internet to communicate with friends and family. A major report by the Mental Health Foundation suggests that more than one in ten people in Britain feel lonely ‘often’, as increasing numbers choose to live alone, work long hours and see each other less and less. The findings, from a survey of more than 2,200 adults from across Britain, suggest loneliness affects people of all ages but that women are more likely than men to report feelings of isolation. ‘Once loneliness becomes chronic, it is difficult to treat,’ the report adds. ‘People who are chronically lonely can get stuck in a loop of negative behaviour, and might push others away or seek transient contact, such as multiple sexual partners, which can make them even more isolated.’ Pray: for all those who are lonely that God would bring friendship into their lives. Pray also that the Church will find ways of reaching these people. (Ps.68:6a) More: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article7135506.ece
Bishop of Croydon calls on God for World Cup help
The Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Nick Baines has written a series of prayers for the World Cup. The first prayer calls for all who work and play in the tournament to be guided, guarded and protected and that fans will find the tournament a ‘source of celebration’. In his second, Bishop Baines asks God to smile on the host country, South Africa, and all those who travel to ‘join in the party’. Another, written for those with no interest in the game, asks that they may be granted ‘the gift of sympathy’. The Church of England's Bishop Baines, a Liverpool fan, said: ‘More than half the population pray at some time and everyone will be affected by the World Cup in one way or another, so it makes sense to have some prayers for those that want to use them.’ Pray:for all those involved directly or indirectly in this major event both in South Africa and around the world. (2Ch.30:23)
BBC TV 'sees religion as tiresome obligation'
Religious coverage is seen as a ‘rather tiresome obligation’ by ‘secular and sceptical’ BBC television staff, a Radio 4 broadcaster has said. Roger Bolton called for the appointment of a BBC religion editor to improve coverage of faith matters. He was speaking at the Sandford St Martin Trust awards for religious programmes, for which he was chairman of the judges. The BBC replied that its commitment to religion broadcasting was ‘unequivocal’. Mr Bolton, who presents BBC Radio 4's Feedback programme, told the London ceremony that a religious perspective was often ‘bafflingly absent’ both on air and in editorial discussions behind the scenes. A BBC spokeswoman said there was ‘no downward trend in our religion and ethics television output’. Earlier this year, the Church of England's general synod expressed ‘deep concern’ at a perceived cut in religious programming by mainstream broadcasters. (See Prayer alert 2010)
Pray:for God to protect the religious content of the BBC and pray that believers would speak out boldly for their faith. (Ph.1:9-10) More:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8705560.stm
