Commentators speak out over street preacher arrest
Another street preacher in the UK has been arrested for proclaiming Christian teachings about the sinfulness of homosexual behaviour. Dale Mcalpine was handing out leaflets in Workington when he was approached by a police community support officer identifying himself as homosexual. The officer arrested Mr Mcalpine because in the course of a conversation he said his belief was that homosexuality is a sin because it is against the word of God. This is the second time in five weeks that a Christian has been arrested in the UK for preaching Christian sexual ethics. By law a police officer has no right to call upon a citizen to desist from lawful conduct. (See) Article 9 of the Human Rights Act confirms that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’ and ‘in public or private, to manifest this religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.’
Pray: for police guidance to recognise the rights of free speech of all parties including Christians. (Ac.20:20-21)
Thailand: Army ready to use live fire against red-shirts
Pro-government ‘yellow shirt’ protesters in Thailand have called on the Prime Minister to take concrete measures against thousands of The National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship protestors - commonly known as the Red Shirts who have occupied the streets of Bangkok for over six weeks. The red shirts are calling for the Prime Minister to step down claiming he came to power illegally. About 1,000 yellow shirts are demanding the army take harsh measures against their rivals. An army spokesman previously told a news briefing the troops would use live ammunition against red shirts if necessary. On Wednesday Thai troops and hundreds of red shirts clashed as the protestors attended a rally. Many observers believe Thailand is at a critical crossroads. Differences could be healed or far worse bloodletting could occur depending upon how the government reacts. Thailand is one of the few countries never colonized by a European power. The word ‘Thai’ means freedom.
Pray: for the Prime Minister to have wisdom as he responds to the groups and for the security forces to maintain order through protecting rather than assaulting citizens. (Pr.1:7)
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/04/201042955128388187.html
Mexico: Human rights observers killed
The Triqui region of Mexico is mainly populated by indigenous people and is one of the poorest and most troubled in the country. For more than 30 years it has suffered inter-community conflicts in which scores of people have been killed. State and federal authorities have rarely taken action to hold those responsible to account. Human rights organisations called for the Mexican federal authorities to thoroughly investigate an ambush on a Caravan of thirty Human Rights Observers which left two officials dead and several injured on Tuesday 27 April 2010. Jyri Antero Jaakola, a Finnish observer and indigenous human rights defender Alberta Cariño were killed in the attack and a journalist and an activist were injured. The group was on its way to document long-running human rights abuses and to provide humanitarian assistance.
Pray: for NGO’s and those authorized to establish law, order and aid in Mexico to succeed against corruption and conflict. (Ps.68:1)
Laos: Freedom for the poor
Laos National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy states, ‘Poverty is the lack of ability to fulfil basic human needs such as food, adequate clothing, permanent housing, access to health, education and transportation services.’ However, a Christian working in Laos reported, ‘When a compassionate man tried to distribute clothing to the poor living in the bitter cold mountains of Laos the response from the village headman was, ‘Why? The poor are social parasites and useless.’ The Buddhist-Animist worldview in Laos believes people are poor, sick or come upon hard times because of bad 'karma' - they did something bad in this life or a previous life and are now reaping the consequences. Most tribal groups in Laos are animists - believing everything is controlled by good and bad spirits, so sickness or poverty results from offending the spirits and the answer is to make offerings to appease the spirits. Pray for Christians modelling a Biblical worldview as they unconditionally care for the poor.
Pray: for God to look down with compassion on the nation of Laos and give His wisdom to relief and community workers. (Ps.33:12)
