Churches call for an end to ‘credit slavery’

This week, the Methodist Church, the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the United Reformed Church have called for transparency in money-lending and greater protection for borrowers.

In a submission to the Office of Fair Trading, the Churches assert that money-lenders must give borrowers all the information necessary to make a sensible decision about borrowing.

The submission also criticises the practice of credit dependency, also known as ‘credit slavery’. The Churches assert that lenders should only lend money if a borrower can pay both the interest and the loan amount within a reasonable timescale.

Paul Morrison, Public Issues Policy Adviser, said, “This is an issue that Methodists have been concerned about since before we knew we were Methodists.”

The first Methodist building run by the Wesleys was called the Foundry, as it was the old military cannon works in Woolwich. The upstairs was used for meetings and worship, the downstairs was a loan dispensary to help people to escape exploitative and violent moneylenders.

“Debt and exploitative lending are just as much a problem today as they were in the early days of Methodism. Poverty often means that people come to loans companies in a situation of urgent need and are willing to accept exploitative rates of interest. Borrowers should be treated with dignity and respect, and their lives must not be crippled by the need to service unpayable debts.”


Source: Methodist news Service 22/10/2009

Methodists Take Action on Climate Change

In case you stop reading before the end of this News Bulletin, I want to draw your attention to the challenge 'Everyone across the connexion is invited to comment'. Please read carefully, on this Blog Action Day:-



Copies of Hope in God’s Future – a report and study guide addressing climate change – are flying off the shelves just days after the first printed editions became available.

The first print run of the booklet has sold out and Methodist Publishing has ordered a second run.

Hope in God’s Future takes the reader on a journey using the changing mood of a worship service as a framework for considering climate change and people’s effect on the planet. It outlines the position of the Methodist Church, The Baptist Union and The United Reformed Church on climate change and invites people to see how deeply faith connects with the challenge facing us.

Thaddeus Dell, Carbon Reduction Policy Officer at the Methodist Church, said: “Hope In God’s Future gets people to understand the science and how this is linked to our Christian theology. Climate change is the greatest challenge to the Church in our generation. The science is overwhelming and it leads us to a moral obligation. It is especially important for people to engage in these issues ahead of the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.”

The 2009 Methodist Conference adopted sections one to four of Hope in God’s Future as a draft Conference statement. This means that everyone across the Connexion is invited to comment before it returns to the Conference in 2011.

The study guide offers the full text of the report, as well as ideas for creative activities, inspirational prayers and worship, help and advice for leaders, and suggestions for group sessions lasting one or two evenings or even a whole day.

Copies of Hope in God’s Future are available from Methodist Publishing at £5.00 each, with discounts offered for bulk buys of 10 or more.


Source: Methodist News Service 15/09/2009

Churches Concerned as BNP makes Election Gains

Churches’ steadfast message: God loves all, racism is a ‘sin’

Disappointment and concern have been expressed by Christians following gains made by the British National Party (BNP) in last week’s European Parliament Elections.

In elections held last Thursday, the BNP won two seats in the European Parliament and three seats in local councils around the UK.

Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church, said, “The limited success of the BNP does not change our steadfast message: God loves all. Racism is a sin. The campaigning work of the churches and other grass-roots organisations has helped to highlight the need for people to vote positively, especially at a time when public confidence in politics has been shaken.”

Many commentators predicted success for the BNP due to low voter turnout and the political scandals of recent weeks. However, the gains were nowhere near as great as the BNP themselves predicted.

Revd Graham Sparkes, Head of Faith and Unity for the Baptist Union of Great Britain, added; “It’s deeply disappointing that we now have a racist party representing Britain in Europe for the next five years and it is vital that our remaining UK representatives dedicate themselves to promote the common good.”

Secretary for Church and Society for the United Reformed Church, Frank Kantor, said; “We must never become comfortable with the BNP using their position to promote their racist policies. We will continue to counter their messages of hatred and fear.”

Churches Call for Crackdown on Carbon Emissions Through Energy Conservation

Concerns over Government go-ahead for Kingsnorth Power Station

The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have urged the Government to reduce Britain’s carbon emissions following Lord Turner’s report published today.

The three denominations backed the report’s aim to substantially reduce carbon emissions by 2023. They called on Ministers to turn away from investment in coal-fired power stations and look towards pumping significant investment into energy conservation.

Steve Hucklesby, Methodist Policy Adviser, said: “We welcome the Government announcement of spending to provide better insulation and energy saving measures for public housing. Those on lower incomes have found the rise in fuel prices particularly difficult. But we must go much further and invest in a programme to conserve energy across the economy.

“It is difficult to see how we can invest in new coal-fired power stations such as Kingsnorth and still achieve the rapid decarbonisation of our economy necessary to avert climate change. Coal-fired power stations produce more carbon emissions than any other generating source. We need to begin now to work for a future in which fossil fuels will be the exception, not the rule.”

The three churches also stressed that while carbon offsetting was a positive action, it would be unacceptable for Britain to use carbon credits to buy out its responsibility to reduce domestic emissions.

“Carbon offsetting is not the solution to climate change. It is right that we support the development of clean energy in developing countries, but substantially buying out our responsibility to reduce emissions in the UK would be unjust,” said Steve.

The Methodist Church working with Church Action on Poverty sent out leaflets to all its churches today with information on how to reduce fuel bills and CO2 emissions.


Source: Methodist News Service 01/12/2008

Free Churches call on churches to pray, governments to act for peace

The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church are calling for churches and governments to mark the International Day of Peace (21 September) by praying and working for peace in the Indian State of Orissa and Georgia.

The three denominations, who work closely on national and international issues through the Joint Public Issues Team, are calling on churches to pray for fellow Christians in Orissa who have experienced a wave of persecution and violence in recent weeks from Hindu extremists and for the local authorities in the Indian state to do more to halt the religious attacks.

The Revd Roberta Rominger, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church says, “Our partners report harrowing accounts of the violence in Orissa in which Christians, including priests and nuns, have been killed, raped or tortured. Over 150 churches have been ransacked and over 1,000 homes have been burnt down. We urge the Indian State and national authorities to intervene to prevent any further violence. The state authorities have failed to protect vulnerable people with tragic consequences. People's confidence in the police and justice system needs to be rebuilt. Our thoughts are with those who have fled their homes and those who are living in fear. We also offer our prayers and support to Hindu and Christian leaders who are working to resolve the underlying tensions between communities.”

The denominations are also keen for churches to pray on 21 September for relations between Russia, Georgia and the West following the military dispute in South Ossetia in August. They call on the UK government in particular to work for a just and peaceful resolution of tensions in the region.

Graham Sparkes, Head of the Faith and Unity Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, says, “Humanitarian aid has already been sent to our partners in the region. But beyond the immediate need for shelter, clothing and medical assistance, is the deeper need for a just peace that will prevent future conflict. Russian and Georgian Christians plan to meet later this month as a sign of their commitment to seek reconciliation and reject violence. We want to see that same commitment from politicians on all sides.”

The Revd Stephen Poxon, President of the Methodist Conference, believes praying for peace and reconciliation in Orissa and Georgia is living out the gospel message. “Love is at the heart of the Christian gospel. It should be remembered that Jesus’ instruction to “love your neighbour” was given at a time of social conflict and occupation. We see in Orissa, Georgia and elsewhere people of all faiths taking big risks to break down barriers and build understanding. The miracle of the God’s love is its capacity to overcome hatred and adversity. The instruction to “love your neighbour” is given to each and every one of us. On the International Day of Prayer for Peace we pray especially for those engaged in the task of peace and reconciliation in some of the more troubled areas of our world.”

ENDS

Notes
For more information about the Joint Public Issues Team, visit http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/.


The Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) is the Baptist family in England and Wales (there is also the Baptist Union of Wales). It is made up of churches, regional associations, the national resource centre and Baptist colleges. The Union works with others in mission locally, regionally and internationally. There are some 150,000 members of Baptist churches associated with the Baptist Union of Great Britain. http://www.baptist.org.uk/.

The Methodist Church has about 295,000 members and 800,000 people are connected with the Church. It has about 5,800 churches in Great Britain, and also maintains links with other Methodist churches totalling a worldwide membership of 70 million. http://www.methodist.org.uk/.

The United Reformed Church comprises one hundred thousand people in 1600 congregations. It has brought together English Presbyterians, English, Welsh and Scottish Congregationalists and members of the Churches of Christ. Worldwide, more than 70 million Christians are members of the Reformed family of churches, the largest Protestant tradition. The name ‘Reformed’ is used because the churches began to emerge with reform movements in the sixteenth century. http://www.urc.org.uk/.



The three denominations are the largest of the Free Churches in Britain.

The Joint Public Issues Team, created in September 2006, combines the expertise of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church in the area of public issues. Through close collaboration, the churches aim to increase the effectiveness of their engagement in public life and parliamentary affairs.



For more information contact Chris Hall.

Chris Hall
Media Relations (Communications Dept)

Baptist Union of Great Britain, Baptist House, PO Box 44, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 8RT

Tel 01235 517756 Fax 01235 517715

Email chall@baptist.org.uk

Amanda Allchorn
Head of Communications

Baptist Union of Great Britain, Baptist House, PO Box 44, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 8RT

Tel 01235 517717 Fax 01235 517715 Mobile/Out of hours 07929 339240

Email aallchorn@baptist.org.uk

Methodist Conference Votes to Review Position on Aborton

NEWS RELEASE
9 July, 2008

Methodist Conference votes to review position on abortion

A major report on abortion, assisted reproductive technologies and stem cell research has been received by the Methodist Conference. The report, Created in God’s Image, also discusses embryo screening and egg and sperm donation. The report was jointly produced by the Methodist Church, the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the United Reformed Church.

Created in God’s Image looks at the ethical and theological issues raised by these technologies, and aims to give church members a useful framework for discussing them, and other breakthroughs yet to come.

Conference also voted that the Methodist Council should form a group to revise its position on abortion, which was last reviewed in 1976. Since then, medical advances have changed the ethical landscape, especially the discussion of the 24-week limit for abortions.

Anthea Cox, Methodist Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and Social Justice, says “these are all difficult and confusing areas for ordinary people, yet also potentially exciting for those who might benefit from them. This report helps us to discuss and understand them better. Many people hold deeply held views on early human life, and we need to ensure that we do not compromise our core values in pursuit of medical developments. Modern medical technologies promise great things, and we need to make sure that we as Christians are able to have fully informed discussions on the ethical dimensions of these.”

ENDS

Notes:

1) A summary of the current Methodist position on abortion can be found here: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=1540

‘Act now’ on food prices peril

The impact of rocketing food prices on the millions of people suffering from hunger demands urgent action from Churches and political leaders, Methodists have warned.

The global food crisis, described by some as the “silent tsunami”, has made basic staples unaffordable for many living in poverty. An estimated 854 million people worldwide do not have enough to eat each day, with 90 per cent of these living in developing countries.

The World Bank has now forecast that the rapid increase in food prices could add as many as 100 million people to this count, resulting in an international catastrophe. As food costs reach a 25-year high, an international summit held in Rome last week saw the UN set out measures to deal with this crisis.

Christians are also being urged to address the issue. According to general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Methodist the Rev Samuel Kobia, the “scandal of hunger demands the immediate attention of the Churches”.

Source: The Methodist Recorder (12/6)
http://www.methodistrecorder.co.uk/mrhlines.htm

Churches Praise Governments' Treaty to Ban Cluster Bombs

At talks in Dublin over the last two weeks, governments have drafted the text for a treaty to ban the use of cluster bombs. This week the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown has committed the UK to withdrawing the remaining two cluster munitions from its arsenal.

The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have for some time campaigned for a full ban on cluster munitions. Today they issued a joint statement welcoming the outcome of the Dublin summit.

Graham Sparkes, Head of Faith & Unity, the Baptist Union of Great Britain says; “the churches have been calling for such a treaty for a long time. Cluster bombs kill indiscriminately and continue to do so long after fighting has stopped, harming those who are already living in a vulnerable situation following the conflict.”

In the two months after the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on average three civilians were killed every day by unexploded cluster bombs. One third of these deaths were children.

Simon Loveitt, the United Reformed Church’s Spokesperson on Public Issues, says; “The agreement in Dublin offers hope for a future without such weapons and the chance to offer improved protection for civilians during and after conflict. In the past, the UK has been a significant user of cluster munitions. The UK Government’s support for a complete ban is therefore particularly important."

However, Steve Hucklesby, Methodist Secretary for International Affairs, warns that there is still much to be done; “The work is not yet finished. The strength of this treaty will largely depend on encouraging more governments to support it and take the important steps to phase out the stockpiling and use of these weapons.”

Information about the Churches’ campaign on cluster bombs can be found at:
www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/clustermunitions


While it is very good news that more than 100 countries signed this reaty, it is still worrying that some of the world's main producers and stockpilers - including the US, Russia and China - oppose the move. Our prayers and campaigning are still needed there!

Prayer update from Burma (Myanmar)

‘Give thanks to the Lord because he is good; his love is eternal.’ 1 Chronicles 16:34 (GNB)

Tonight I am glad to share this encouraging update from the Bible Society:-


In our previous email, we asked for your prayers to help the people of Burma in the wake of Cyclone Nargis.

‘For the first time in over 30 years, Church leaders were standing alongside ministers and other government leaders as they waited to receive aid for their people,’ Mike Freeman, Bible Society’s Volunteer Recruitment and Development Officer said. Mike is part of an emergency response team with Samaritan’s Purse. ‘The Church has operated discretely for decades. This is the time for their voice to be heard in Myanmar,’ he continued.

Over 7,000 Christians are recorded dead and 300 churches destroyed. Official figures put the death toll in Burma at 78,000 – but the Red Cross and the UN say the disaster could have claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people.

As humanitarian needs are being addressed, Mike is assessing the need for Scriptures among those who long for encouragement from God’s Word during these difficult times.

Please thank God:

That the relief team has been able to get aid into the country.
For Bible Society staff who are working with other organisations to meet the needs of their people.

Please pray:

For the spiritual needs of the people of Burma, that Bible Society and its partners are able to provide the support they need.
For the steadfastness of the Church in Myanmar. And that, even though they have suffered great loss, their faith is a great encouragement to others.
That other trips to Rangoon with relief consignments are successful in getting much needed aid into people’s hands.
Please make a gift today to help the people of Burma www.biblesociety.org.uk/burma-myanmar

Thank you for your support.

Churches urge people to vote wisely on May 1st

17 April, 2008

Three Christian denominations are urging voters to take a stand against racist and extreme political parties as election day for local councils in England and Wales draws near.

1 May 2008 is election day for many local councils as well as for the Mayor of London and the Greater London Assembly. A new briefing from the Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and Baptist Union of Great Britain encourages people to use their vote wisely.

Simon Loveitt, Convenor of the Church and Society Committee for the United Reformed Church, says; “Politics is not just for Westminster. Local elections are a chance to have your say about the issues affecting your community. Many are daunted by the information available, but this briefing demystifies local elections and offers a place to start making your voice heard on the issues that matter.”

“It’s very easy to criticise politicians from a distance,” adds Graham Sparkes, Head of Faith and Unity at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, “but as Christians we are called to be fully involved in politics. We need to be engaged in community life, holding politicians to account for their decisions but also taking our democratic responsibilities seriously.”

Local churches are encouraged to issue statements condemning policies and practices that are incompatible with Christian faith and to work with other community groups in taking a stand against extremist parties in their areas.

Rachel Lampard, Methodist Secretary for Parliamentary and Political Affairs, says; “Churches have urged people not to vote for candidates who promote racist policies which are completely incompatible with the Christian call to love one another. Not only should we reject racist and intolerant parties, but we should actively work to counter those who seek to stir up hatred. Using your vote is essential to ensure that extremist parties, such as the BNP, do not get elected.”

Christians in London are invited to attend a hustings event for the London Mayoral candidates which is being organised by the London Churches Group for Social Action and the Evangelical Alliance. The hustings will take place at St-Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square on 23 April from 1800-2000.

The briefing offers links to further resources and is available at www.jointpublicissues.org.uk

NEW VICE-PRESIDENT SET TO MAKE BAPTIST UNION HISTORY

The next vice-president of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has been named as Revd. Kingsley Appiagyei – who will make history by becoming the Union’s first black male president in May 2009. The Ghanaian was the sole nomination, and was voted to the honorary position in a postal ballot. Mr Appiagyei, who studied at Spurgeon’s College, formed Trinity Baptist Church in South Norwood which, with more than 2,000 members, is now the second largest church in the Union. The largest is Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church in Plaistow, East London, which is one of Mr Appiagyei’s church plants.

Source: The Baptist Times (10/4)