Lord Carey wants assisted suicide debate
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey wants the Government to allocate time in Parliament for discussing possible legislation on assisted suicide. Challenging the Church of England's current view, he said it was important to stop people from suffering against their wishes and argued that to do so was ‘profoundly Christian’. In a submission to MPs, he said that helping someone in great suffering to die would be an act of great generosity, kindness and human love. He claimed that legalising assisted suicide would be a reflection of a compassionate society and argued that the likes of Oregon, in the US, where it is already legal, show that it can be done successfully. Anti-euthanasia campaigners use the example of Oregon, the Netherlands, Canada and Belgium as reasons why the UK should not change the law. In 2022 half of people given doctor-assisted suicide in Oregon did so because they feared being a burden on family, friends or caregivers.
Pray for justice in the nation
God is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. Lord, we ask for an awakening of Kingdom values and priorities across our justice system - supreme courts, family courts, Parliament, and arbitration. We pray life into every seed of Your word in the hearts of people of influence, regardless of their mindset or worldview. May your truth overrule in every judgement made. We pray for justice, protection and blessing to be experienced by all, regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, religion or background. Father, shine your light into the dark places, so that what needs to be exposed will be revealed in hearts, attitudes, actions, roots or cultures, so that evil is uprooted and true justice flourishes. May Your people move according to Isaiah 61: preaching the good news, healing the broken-hearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives; comforting those who are mourning, healing the sick, feeding the hungry and rebuilding ancient foundations.
Hope for the Countryside - summer of opportunity
Throughout the summer, across the nation, thousands of people will attend country fairs and agricultural shows. These provide great opportunities to celebrate farming, food and the land and 'Britain’s rural culture’, display skill, craftsmanship and artistry, and bring town and country and young and old together. They are also opportunities to give thanks and enjoy the diverse bounties the Lord has blessed us with in this land. At many, there will be a strong Christian presence, including through services, church hospitality tents, chaplaincies and outreach ministries, and opportunities to offer prayer. Give thanks for these occasions. Pray for the witness of local churches, rural chaplaincies and organisations like Farming Christian Link.
YMCA: help for youth services
The YMCA will continue its summer activities to entertain and feed young people and children, particularly from struggling families. It wants the Government to invest more in youth projects to avoid crime down the line and help desperate families as the long summer holidays loom. Richard James has urged churches to rally around their communities and offer similar initiatives for the children in their parishes. Experts foresee a difficult summer for families struggling with the cost of living crisis, as children will not receive free school lunches. James has seen a noticeable difference in children's experiences using the YMCA’s summer services in recent years and says it feels as if every year is another challenge. He says, ‘Some boroughs’ budgets have zero pounds per young person per head.’ In 2020, YMCA England reported a billion-pound decline in the amount of funding afforded to youth services by local authorities, with a decline of 69% since 2010. See
