Plans for mega-mosque re-launched
An Islamic group has re-launched its proposals to build a 12,000 capacity mega-mosque at West Ham, close to the site of the Olympic Park. The proposed development includes a large mosque with 40 ft high minarets, a library and a visitor centre. Tablighi Jama'at, the Islamic sect behind the plans, continued to use the site after permission from Newham Council expired in 2006. The council issued an enforcement notice in 2010 but this was successfully appealed by the group. 5,000 people a week currently use the site for worship. A spokesman for Newham Council’s planning department said: ‘We are expecting another application by the end of this week and will then start a formal consultation process.’ But the plans have been opposed by campaigners who argue that Tablighi Jama’at is a ‘sect’ which preaches ‘separation and segregation.’ Two of the London 7/7 suicide bombers, Mohammad Sidique Khan and Shehzad Tanweer,reportedly prayed at a Tablighi mosque in West Yorkshire.
Pray: once again that those who have the authority to allow Tablighi Jama'at to build this mosque will be guided by God’s wisdom and not by those with extremist beliefs. (2Th.2:13-14)
Gay marriage: New Equalities minister backs redefinition
Maria Miller, the newly appointed Minister for Women and Equalities, has voiced her support for controversial plans to rewrite the definition of marriage. Mrs Miller was put in overall charge of the Government’s same-sex marriage plans by last week’s cabinet reshuffle. Gay campaigners expressed concern, fearing that she wouldn’t be supportive enough of same-sex marriage. But Mrs Miller, who was also appointed as the Culture Secretary, revealed her support for the controversial change yesterday. Speaking to the Sunday Times Mrs Miller said marriage needs to be redefined to make sure it ‘remains as a relevant and vibrant institution’. She added: ‘Look, I think everybody should be married. It’s something which creates strength in our society and whether it is two men, two women or a man and a woman it is something which is a way for us to strengthen our society further.’ Nearly 600,000 people, including a number of politicians, have signed a petition opposing any change to the current law. It is being run by the Coalition for Marriage.
Pray: for Maria Miller that she will be guided by the Holy Spirit into God’s definition of marriage and not be pressured to rewrite the definition. (Heb.13:4)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/gay-marriage-new-equalities-minister-backs-redefinition/
The legacy of the Paralympics for British Armed Forces
As we watched the closing ceremony of the Paralympics with LCpl Rory Mackenzie, an Army medic who lost his leg in a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq in 2007. While addressing the 80,000 crowd, he reminded us of the huge number of severely injured service personnel who have returned from conflict. The courage and inner strength of these individuals shown through sport is inspiring.
Pray: for the many traumatised and injured British service personnel as they come to terms with life changing injures, that they may find inner peace and strength from our Almighty Father and have a new and worthwhile future in Him.
Methodist Church looks to boost evangelism
The Methodist Church has launched a national consultation on evangelism. Methodists across Britain will be asked what evangelism means to them and what they find challenging about it. The online survey will ask them what they think it means to be called by God to share the Good News and what shape evangelism should take in 21st century Britain. A consultation day will take place on 27 November at Methodist Church House in London, bringing together up to 80 Methodists from different contexts. The day will be hosted by the Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church. He said. ‘The reality is that many Methodists are doing wonderful and creative things to share God’s love with their communities. We want to affirm that, but also help others to engage more fully with the calling we all have to make disciples of Jesus Christ.’
Pray: for the Methodist Church as it focusses on creative ways to boost evangelism. (2Th.2:14)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/methodist.church.looks.to.boost.evangelism/30632.htm
