NSPCC launches new anti-child abuse awareness campaign
A new publicity campaign by the NSPCC aims to help prevent sexual abuse of children by encouraging people to report their concerns. The recent allegations against Jimmy Savile and others have exposed many tragic cases of sexual abuse against the young, says Peter Watt, director of the NSPCC. 'We are concerned that, as many of his victims were abused in the 1970s and 80s, child sex abuse could be seen as more a problem of the past. Furthermore, we are worried from the findings of the case that people don't know where to turn to for help in reporting child abuse, or hesitate to report abuse until they feel 100 per cent certain it has taken place. That's why we're launching a new ad campaign encouraging people to contact the NSPCC if they are concerned about a child. Our advert aims to remind people that child abuse remains a widespread problem and children are still abused today.
Pray: for all measures that will help to make child abuse a thing of the past. (Mk.9:42)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/17615
Archbishop of Canterbury: society can’t wait to get old people ‘off our hands’
British society is missing out on a massive contribution the elderly could play because too many people are simply waiting for them to die, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. In his last speech in the House of Lords before he steps down, Dr Rowan Williams said too many older people being were being tolerated rather than valued and that the extremes of human life – childhood and old age – were both being sidelined because of an eccentric idea that only those in the so-called prime of life could make a contribution. He warned that the tendency to view older people as “dependants” or a “problem” was the root cause of neglect and abuse yet their unpaid care or volunteering work was worth the equivalent of at least £50 billion. Despite this, older people are routinely seen as “passive” and dependants instead of an asset, he said.
Pray: for greater understanding that all groups in society have value (Matt.25:40)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9744882/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-society-cant-wait-to-get-old-people-off-our-hands.html
Payday Loans / Christians against poverty
The pressures of Christmas spending will drive four million people to take out payday loans to cover Christmas costs, despite a cut in the average budget for festive spending and giving fewer presents this year. Louise Brittain of R3 the insolvency trade body said, ‘I would urge people to think again before taking out a high interest loan to pay for presents, partying or luxury food. Debt has been normalized, attributable in part to clever marketing campaigns of big payday lenders operating glossy websites who are capitalizing on a shift in attitudes towards saving and debt.’ One in four families struggles to break even every month. Meanwhile a national debt counselling charity that works through local churches called ‘Christians Against Poverty’ offers hope and solutions to debt through a service showing God’s love in action sustainable poverty relief of counseling and practical help. See: http://www.capuk.org/who/aboutus.php
Pray: for Christian charities and networks helping people in debt to reach those in most need; and for similar Christian resources to be birthed at this time of recession. (Mt.25:35-36)
Anger as Government pushes ahead with gay marriage
A provision to make same-sex marriages illegal in the Church of England and Church in Wales has done little to assuage opponents of a change to the law. The plans were outlined in the House of Commons yesterday by Culture Secretary Maria Miller. Other religious organisations would be able to ‘opt in’ to offering same-sex weddings to gay couples, she said. However, it will be unlawful for religious organisations or their ministers to wed same-sex couples unless their respective governing bodies have opted in. Changes will also be made to equality laws to ensure that discrimination claims are not brought against clergy or religious leaders who refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. Ms Miller said the provision making it illegal for the Church of England and Church in Wales to marry same-sex couples ‘recognises and protects the unique and established nature of those Churches’.
Pray: that the Government will listen to the many organisations which are standing up for traditional marriage as recognised by the majority. (Heb.13:4)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20680924
