4 short reports
USPG invites churches to celebrate 40 Days of Peace
This Lent, the Anglican mission agency USPG is exploring the meaning of peace/shalom within a biblical context and urging church-goers to renew their commitment to peace.
USPG has published a five-week Lent study course, entitled 40 Days of Peace, that looks at the topic from the perspective of peace with God, peace with ourselves, peace with our neighbours, and living in harmony with the environment.
The course also takes a look at peace initiatives undertaken by Anglican Churches in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Brazil and the Amazon.
USPG has also published a collection of Daily Meditations for Lent, also on the theme of 40 Days of Peace. The handy-sized booklet includes bible references and quotes.
• ‘For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe.’ (Larry Eisenberg)
• ‘The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.’ (Aung San Suu Kyi)
The 40 Days of Peace Lent study course and the 40 Days of Peace Daily Meditations for Lent are both available for free from the USPG website, www.uspg.org.uk
Alternatively, order copies by phone on 020 7921 2200 or email at enquiries@uspg.org.uk
All material can be downloaded at www.uspg.org.uk/peace
Janette O’Neill, USPG’s Chief Executive, said: ‘Please join USPG this Lent in showing solidarity with your brothers and sisters for whom peace-making is an everyday reality.’
Occupy London awaits appeal verdict on ‘draconian’ eviction orders
Legal action by the City of London Corporation to evict the Occupy camp at St Paul’s Cathedral is “draconian”, the Court of Appeal has heard.
Occupy London are seeking permission to challenge the High Court’s decision to grant orders of possession and injunctions.
Having heard both sides, the Court of Appeal has reserved judgement until 22 February 2012.
Supporters of Occupy are pledged to rally round. They include those Christians and others who are committed to a ‘ring of prayer’ to protect the camp from forcible eviction.
Charities want UK to make oil, gas and mining companies tell the truth
Campaigners from anti-poverty groups CAFOD, Tearfund and ONE sent a Valentine’s Day message to newly appointed government minister Norman Lamb – by carrying a giant love heart with the message “love truth” to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The development NGOs, part of the ‘Publish What You Pay Coalition’, were raising awareness of a new law that would force oil, gas and mining companies to tell the truth about payments they make to governments of poor countries in return for their natural resources.