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Young Christians pray and protest in ‘war trench’

Hundreds of young Christians from prayer and campaign network SPEAK knelt in a massive makeshift ‘trench’ in central London to pray and protest against the arms trade.

The prophetic action outside the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) was part of their Soundcheck Day of Action. This followed a silent procession to the Ministry of Defence office, prayer for DESO employees and the presentation of hundreds of daffodils to representatives of DESO as a symbol of hope and new life.

By combining action, prayer and sharing their hope in Jesus, SPEAK is calling for an end to the public funding of DESO – the controversial government department which markets UK arms exports on behalf of companies – and for the millions of pounds currently being spent on this promotion of weapons to be put to better use.

Members of the SPEAK network want to ‘stand in the gap on behalf of the land’ (Ezekiel 22: 30) because they believe this is a key part of bringing healing and restoration to situations of suffering and injustice.

Louise Donkin, founding director of SPEAK, said: “The Bible is full of stories of God’s people doing wacky prophetic actions to speak up against injustice. It was really powerful when Ezekiel lay on his side to prophesy against the sins of Israel (Ezekiel 4).”

Beccie D’Cunha, campaigns co-ordinator at SPEAK, said: “UK arms exports are causing countless deaths and fuelling conflicts worldwide. DESO is spending over £16 million per year of taxpayers’ money to aggressively market arms to countries like India and Pakistan. This subsidy is immoral and uneconomical and could be spent creating jobs in more labour intensive industries.”

Make The Passion film a 15, says church leader

Methodist minister, broadcaster, and evangelist Rob Frost has called for the British Board of Film Censors to change the certification on Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ from 18 to 15.

Dr Frost said: “When you consider how much gratuitous violence is available through TV, movies and arcade games, it’s ridiculous that a film which accurately portrays the historic account of what happened to Jesus in the last hours of his life should be given an 18 certificate.

“It means that many of the church youth groups which would have gone to see this movie are now effectively excluded. At last we have a movie which tells the Jesus story like it is. I only hope the British Board of Film Censors will revise their decision, so that this generation of young people can understand the true Christian message of forgiveness.”

Members of Rob Frost’s team are preparing to answer up to 700 calls a day on The Passion of the Christ information line (020 8781 1742).

* Churches in the UK have started making plans for the film’s release on 26 March. Lee Road Baptist Church, Southend, has booked a cinema for Good Friday screenings (11am and 3pm), and local cafes for discussion groups. The Rev Stephen Hembery will also lead a preaching series based on The Passion. What's your church doing? Mail info@cfnetwork.co.uk

* Read Russ Bravo's review on the Resources page

Singer blasts 'trashy' pop stars' dress sense

Christian singer Stacie Orrico says revealing clothing like that worn by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera is "degrading" and makes them poor role models for girls.

"The reason that I don't dress trashy is that I'm trying to set an example for little girls," Orrico told reporters in Singapore while preparing for the MTV Asia Awards.

"From the time they're seven or eight years old, (girls) are being taught that the only thing that makes them special and beautiful is their sexuality, and I think that's wrong."

Orrico, wearing a loose, long-sleeved white shirt and jeans, said she doesn't approve of the image projected by the pop superstars.

"I don't think that's sexy, I think it's degrading," said the 17-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee. "I think that a truly sexy woman comes from being confident and being classy, respectable and mature."

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		NEWS Young Christians pray and protest in ‘war trench’ Hundreds of young Christians from prayer and campaign network SPEAK knelt in a massive makeshift ‘trench’ in central London to pray and protest against the arms trade. The prophetic action outside the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) was part of their Soundcheck Day of Action. This followed a silent procession to the Ministry of Defence office, prayer for DESO employees and the presentation of hundreds of daffodils to representatives of DESO as a symbol of hope and new life. By combining action, prayer and sharing their hope in Jesus, SPEAK is calling for an end to the public funding of DESO – the controversial government department which markets UK arms exports on behalf of companies – and for the millions of pounds currently being spent on this promotion of weapons to be put to better use. Members of the SPEAK network want to ‘stand in the gap on behalf of the land’ (Ezekiel 22: 30) because they believe this is a key part of bringing healing and restoration to situations of suffering and injustice. Louise Donkin, founding director of SPEAK, said: “The Bible is full of stories of God’s people doing wacky prophetic actions to speak up against injustice. It was really powerful when Ezekiel lay on his side to prophesy against the sins of Israel (Ezekiel 4).” Beccie D’Cunha, campaigns co-ordinator at SPEAK, said: “UK arms exports are causing countless deaths and fuelling conflicts worldwide. DESO is spending over £16 million per year of taxpayers’ money to aggressively market arms to countries like India and Pakistan. This subsidy is immoral and uneconomical and could be spent creating jobs in more labour intensive industries.” Make The Passion film a 15, says church leader Methodist minister, broadcaster, and evangelist Rob Frost has called for the British Board of Film Censors to change the certification on Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ from 18 to 15. Dr Frost said: “When you consider how much gratuitous violence is available through TV, movies and arcade games, it’s ridiculous that a film which accurately portrays the historic account of what happened to Jesus in the last hours of his life should be given an 18 certificate. “It means that many of the church youth groups which would have gone to see this movie are now effectively excluded. At last we have a movie which tells the Jesus story like it is. I only hope the British Board of Film Censors will revise their decision, so that this generation of young people can understand the true Christian message of forgiveness.” Members of Rob Frost’s team are preparing to answer up to 700 calls a day on The Passion of the Christ information line (020 8781 1742). * Churches in the UK have started making plans for the film’s release on 26 March. Lee Road Baptist Church, Southend, has booked a cinema for Good Friday screenings (11am and 3pm), and local cafes for discussion groups. The Rev Stephen Hembery will also lead a preaching series based on The Passion. What's your church doing? Mail info@cfnetwork.co.uk * Read Russ Bravo's review on the Resources page Singer blasts 'trashy' pop stars' dress sense Christian singer Stacie Orrico says revealing clothing like that worn by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera is "degrading" and makes them poor role models for girls. "The reason that I don't dress trashy is that I'm trying to set an example for little girls," Orrico told reporters in Singapore while preparing for the MTV Asia Awards. "From the time they're seven or eight years old, (girls) are being taught that the only thing that makes them special and beautiful is their sexuality, and I think that's wrong." Orrico, wearing a loose, long-sleeved white shirt and jeans, said she doesn't approve of the image projected by the pop superstars. "I don't think that's sexy, I think it's degrading," said the 17-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee. "I think that a truly sexy woman comes from being confident and being classy, respectable and mature." © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.