Child sexting victims left suicidal
Three-quarters of girls who have sent explicit images to boys on their mobiles say the pictures were shared without their consent, a shock survey has found. The NSPCC warned yesterday that growing numbers of girls become distraught or even suicidal after regretting giving in to pressure to send explicit photos and videos of themselves. The practice known as sexting leaves many humiliated after the images are passed on to others in their school or even put up on social networking websites. The children’s charity said, however, that many girls see sexting as a normal part of growing up and are happy to perform on video and send the images to a boy. Two-thirds have no idea that sharing images of under-18s is technically illegal and that teenagers can be locked up for engaging in sexting. They need to understand that there could be serious consequences. Images put online may stay there forever and be seen by vast numbers of people
Pray: for our young people to have a greater appreciation of the issues involved in sexting and the wisdom and confidence to refuse to become involved. (Ps.41:9)
Sean Stillman shares stories of biker mission
Pioneer minister Sean Stillman will be hitting the road next month to tell other Christians about his experience of mission on the margins. Stillman has spent the last 25 years on the road engaged in pioneering work with people he describes as removed from church culture. He rides a Harley and much of his work is among biker communities, where he operates in a missional and chaplaincy role. He also founded Zac's Place in Swansea. It started in the late Nineties when Sean hired a function room in a local bar every Sunday night to answer the deep spiritual questions his biker friends were putting to him. Now Zac's Place meets in its own venue in The Gospel Hall in George Street, Swansea and it has evolved into a ‘church for ragamuffins’ that also does outreach during the week, including a daily breakfast for the homeless, a weekly Bible study and an evening soup kitchen. Sean's tour will take him to Reading (10 September), Cambridge (11 September), Derby (12 September), Leeds (13 September), and Stoke (14 September).
Pray: for Sean, his work, his tour and all those at Zac’s Place. (Isa.6:8)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/sean.stillman.shares.stories.of.biker.mission/30521.htm
Cameron is ‘looking to’ disestablish the Church
David Cameron’s plans to rewrite the definition of marriage would force the disestablishment of the Church of England, it has been warned. Revd George Pitcher’s warning came as he attacked Mr Cameron for considering proposals to make the extended Olympics shop opening hours on Sundays permanent. He criticised the Prime Minister’s ‘contempt for religion in general and the Church of England in particular’. Writing for the Daily Mail, Revd Pitcher accused Mr Cameron of being ‘entirely indifferent to the constitutional implications’ of redefining marriage. He added: ‘The state and its established church would have two entirely different definitions of an institution that lies at the heart of our society. And that’s constitutionally dangerous. ‘Instead of trying to carry the Church with him, Cameron instead tries to marginalise it. With the Queen as that Church’s Supreme Governor and also head of state, he’s obviously looking to disestablishment of the Church of England.’
Pray: for a proper open and shared dialogue blessed by the wisdom that comes from God as these matters are discussed. (Pr.1:7)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/cameron-is-looking-to-disestablish-the-church/
The Church of England has published a new prayer for the Paralympic Games.
The prayer has been composed by the Liturgical Commission and added to a section of the Church's website that is designed to resource churches for their engagement during the 2012 Games. It is published in full below:
Lord Jesus Christ, your love is more than gold, and the warmth of your welcome is a taste of heaven. We thank you for all involved in the London Paralympic Games; for the skill and bravery of athletes; for the wisdom and care of judges who ensure an equal chance for all; for the support and encouragement of coaches and teammates; and for the grace and kindness of volunteers who welcome all who come. We ask that as the champions of the world unite in the spirit of Paralympic competition you would grant us a vision of a world united in mutual respect and tolerance; united in fairness and encouragement; united in harmony and peace. We ask this in your name. Amen.
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/cofe.publishes.prayer.for.the.paralympic.games/30539.htm
