AI developing faster than laws regulating it
This year’s London Tech Week focused on the need for artificial intelligence (AI) to be trustworthy and responsive to the needs of society. UK Research and Innovation has funded £50 million to create secure AI to help solve major challenges by bringing experts from different fields together. Professor Gregory O’Hare said, ‘AI offers profound opportunities, but could also be used for sinister means with financial or political implications, like boundary incursions and even wars. Will it always be used for good purpose, or is there a significant chance it will be used for Machiavellian purposes? AI is developing at a faster pace than laws can be drafted in response.’ The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said they should be involved at an early stage when addressing AI concerns as the EU AI Act is not suitable and is more than disappointing from workers’ point of view. It offers some comfort but ‘doesn’t go far enough’.
Christian teaching assistant wins appeal
On 20 June the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in the favour of Christian teaching assistant Kristie Higgs who was sacked over her Facebook posts highlighting inappropriate sex education materials at her child's primary school. The judgement overturned the decision of an earlier tribunal for not properly considering Kristie's rights to freedom of belief and freedom of expression. Praise God that her solicitors secured this breakthrough and thank Him for this step forward, even though Kristie’s story isn't over yet. The case must now go back to the employment tribunal. Judge Eady apologised to the parties for the delays caused by her having to now send the case back for a re-hearing, which further delays full justice for Mrs Higgs. Pray for Christian parents to be free to raise their children in line with their Christian beliefs, and for children to be protected from transgender ideology.
Bosnia: summer camp season
The Royal Rangers, a Christian scouting programme focusing on developing outdoor skills and a child’s relationship with God, begins the camp season on 26 June. Camps for children, teens, and adults will continue to the end of July. Pray for God’s Spirit to move in the hearts and minds of all who attend these camps. Pray for an anointing over the campgrounds, speakers, and workers. May these camp experiences expose campers to a new understanding of who God is and who they can be through Christ. Father, please reveal Yourself to each person as Your Spirit covers each camp and moves freely through Your spoken Word. We also ask you for spiritual and physical protection over every leader, teacher, facilitator, child and adult who attends these summer camps. May each one demonstrate and grow in your love. We ask that this camp season be a catalyst for revival and renewal in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
France: submission to Islamism gaining ground
Teachers are afraid and practise self-censorship. For ten years, they have not taught about the Holocaust and have given up on addressing secularism, tolerance and the right to criticise religions. Discussing evolution or Charles Darwin in biology is unsafe. Throughout France, Muslim students openly threaten teachers by telling them that they are ‘risking a Samuel Paty’ (a teacher who was savagely beheaded in 2020 for speaking against the Islamist movements in French schools). Teachers have been resigning in increasing numbers, and recruiting new ones is a problem. The Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist movements in France use social media and mosques to incite Muslim children and adolescents to challenge the education provided in high schools, and to force the French educational system to submit to their vision of Islam. The authorities are aware of what is happening, but won’t take any risks as 750+ no-go zones exist and riots frequently erupt.
