Saturday, 9 July 2011
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Male, Church of England priests who are not against the ordination of women but state that they will respect the anti-women measures adopted by the parish councils of churches they want to be appointed to, are, in reality, not being in the slightest bit respectful. They are being selfish cowards. Not only that, they are doing more damage to the campaign to gain full equality of opportunity for women within the church than Forward in Faith, Reform and all the other misogynist groupings put together. Shame on them!
ROWAN WILLIAMS FLIRTS WITH CHRISTIANITY
It's probably just a phase he's going through brought on by the realisation that he's getting closer to meeting his maker as every day passes, but the Archbishop of Canterbury has told General Synod that he has decided that he wants to become a Christian. Evidently during his recent trip to The Congo he met some black people and, as is often the case with middle class, white liberals, the experience made him go goose-pimply all over. He also discovered the true meaning of love whilst he was there, which is making a big thing out of rescuing little children whilst condemning any adult that is in the slightest bit different from the tribal norm to everlasting damnation preferably brought on by a bit of judicious queer bashing and the like.
Anyway, the whole back to Africa experience has left him "thinking that there is nothing on earth so transforming as a Church in love."
Of course, that would be a Church in love with a peer appointed leader who brooks no dissent and who isn't afraid to put the boot into his best friends publicly whenever some bigot with a bit of influence over a load of other bigots starts mouthing off like Adolf Hitler.
Source - THE INDEPENDENT.
Anyway, the whole back to Africa experience has left him "thinking that there is nothing on earth so transforming as a Church in love."Of course, that would be a Church in love with a peer appointed leader who brooks no dissent and who isn't afraid to put the boot into his best friends publicly whenever some bigot with a bit of influence over a load of other bigots starts mouthing off like Adolf Hitler.
Source - THE INDEPENDENT.
THE PRAYER LIST - 9TH. JULY 2011
THANKSGIVING
Independence Day in South Sudan.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for Göran and for Joe.
From Tim Chesterton:
Thanks all for continuing prayers for Joe. He had surgery on Monday regarding cancer, and although the situation remains very serious there is hope now that he can be made more comfortable. Please continue to pray for him, for his wife and family (he has four children under 12), and for the parish he serves as rector.
We continue to pray for those who are suffering due to the drought in the Horn of Africa and for those struggling to bring them relief.
***
From Julie:
I would appreciate prayers for the repose of the souls of Jenny, who died at age 28 from a rare pregnancy complication, and her daughter Samantha, who was born too soon and last night lost her struggle to survive. Please pray for those who mourn, especially Jenny's parents and husband.
***
From Lois:
Prayers for B - week 4 in hospital.
***
From Larry:
My house guest from the otherday is having uncontrolled seizures. Please pray for my dear sweet Chance buddy. They have majorly upped his meds so he is very dopey. Praying this isn't a tumor or brain lesions.
***
Please pray for Gina (PAGAN SPHINX) that she will travel safely.
***
Rest in peace, Ursula The Cat (1993 - 2011),
beloved companion of Scott Gunn.
Also, Rusty, beloved feline companion of Neva.
***
From SCOTSMAN.COM:
Flash floods brought chaos to the streets of Edinburgh as almost a quarter of the average monthly rainfall for July fell in just three hours leaving cars floating away, homes ruined and residents stranded.
***
From THE TELEGRAPH:
More than 500 anti-government protesters were arrested after pitched battles with police in the streets of Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. Police fired tear gas at 8000 protesters, many of whom were left bleeding after the clashes. Crowds chanting "Long Live the People" and "Reform" were also sprayed with water cannons.
"We are fighting for free and fair elections," Ambiga Sreenevasan, the head of the Bersih (Clean) grouping that called the protest, told reporters.
"The government uses might, we use our right. Our right will eventually prevail."
From THE INDEPENDENT:
Hundreds of thousands of protesters packed into Cairo's Tahrir Square yesterday for one of the biggest anti-government demonstrations since Hosni Mubarak was toppled in February. There were similar protests across the country.
From THE BBC:
Hundreds of people have been arrested across Belarus, where security forces pounced on people protesting against President Alexander Lukashenko. Journalists witnessed demonstrators being beaten and manhandled around the capital Minsk on Wednesday, and other cities and towns also saw a crackdown.
***
From THE TELEGRAPH:
As many as 127 people were killed yesterday when an airliner crashed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Boeing 727 came down around 820ft from Kisangani airport in the north east of the central African country, where it was due to land.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Independence Day in South Sudan.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for Göran and for Joe.
From Tim Chesterton:
Thanks all for continuing prayers for Joe. He had surgery on Monday regarding cancer, and although the situation remains very serious there is hope now that he can be made more comfortable. Please continue to pray for him, for his wife and family (he has four children under 12), and for the parish he serves as rector.
We continue to pray for those who are suffering due to the drought in the Horn of Africa and for those struggling to bring them relief.
***
From Julie:
I would appreciate prayers for the repose of the souls of Jenny, who died at age 28 from a rare pregnancy complication, and her daughter Samantha, who was born too soon and last night lost her struggle to survive. Please pray for those who mourn, especially Jenny's parents and husband.
***
From Lois:
Prayers for B - week 4 in hospital.
***
From Larry:
***
Please pray for Gina (PAGAN SPHINX) that she will travel safely.
***
Rest in peace, Ursula The Cat (1993 - 2011),
beloved companion of Scott Gunn.
Also, Rusty, beloved feline companion of Neva.
***
From SCOTSMAN.COM:
Flash floods brought chaos to the streets of Edinburgh as almost a quarter of the average monthly rainfall for July fell in just three hours leaving cars floating away, homes ruined and residents stranded.
***
From THE TELEGRAPH:
More than 500 anti-government protesters were arrested after pitched battles with police in the streets of Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. Police fired tear gas at 8000 protesters, many of whom were left bleeding after the clashes. Crowds chanting "Long Live the People" and "Reform" were also sprayed with water cannons.
"We are fighting for free and fair elections," Ambiga Sreenevasan, the head of the Bersih (Clean) grouping that called the protest, told reporters.
"The government uses might, we use our right. Our right will eventually prevail."
From THE INDEPENDENT:
Hundreds of thousands of protesters packed into Cairo's Tahrir Square yesterday for one of the biggest anti-government demonstrations since Hosni Mubarak was toppled in February. There were similar protests across the country.
From THE BBC:
Hundreds of people have been arrested across Belarus, where security forces pounced on people protesting against President Alexander Lukashenko. Journalists witnessed demonstrators being beaten and manhandled around the capital Minsk on Wednesday, and other cities and towns also saw a crackdown.
***
From THE TELEGRAPH:
As many as 127 people were killed yesterday when an airliner crashed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Boeing 727 came down around 820ft from Kisangani airport in the north east of the central African country, where it was due to land.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
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Our group name is
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when requested.
CANA LAUNCHES NEW TITHING SYSTEM IN USA
From DULUTH PATCH:
In October last year, the Rt. Rev. Foley Beach was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Anglican (sic) Diocese of the South in front of nearly 800 people, including Archbishop Robert Duncan of the Anglican Church of North America. Last night his gmail account was hacked, and his name used to try and scam thousands of people out of their money.
The scammers used Beach’s gmail account to send out an email from him claiming to have been mugged while in London. It claimed he had been held up at gunpoint and all his belongings – cash, cell phone and credit cards – stolen. The email gives a supposed hotel desk phone number in London and a request to send money to help him fly back home because his bank can’t get him the money for two to four working days.
In October last year, the Rt. Rev. Foley Beach was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Anglican (sic) Diocese of the South in front of nearly 800 people, including Archbishop Robert Duncan of the Anglican Church of North America. Last night his gmail account was hacked, and his name used to try and scam thousands of people out of their money.
The scammers used Beach’s gmail account to send out an email from him claiming to have been mugged while in London. It claimed he had been held up at gunpoint and all his belongings – cash, cell phone and credit cards – stolen. The email gives a supposed hotel desk phone number in London and a request to send money to help him fly back home because his bank can’t get him the money for two to four working days.
KOREAN-AMERICANS SAY, "WE LOVE YOUR MONEY BUT WE SPIT ON YOUR DEMOCRACY"
The ORANGE COUNTY MESSENGER:
A move by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. to allow its churches to ordain gay and lesbian deacons, elders and pastors beginning Sunday has received opposition from its Korean-American churches. They held a three-day conference in Anaheim last month to discuss the change, are speaking out in opposition.
"We would not ordain active homosexuals," said Pastor Tae Young Ko, senior pastor at Good Shepherd Presbyterian in Rowland Heights and the conference moderator. "This meeting reaffirmed that the Korean-American community would not support this and we will try to help local churches strongly reaffirm our conviction.
COMMENT: Won't ordain active homosexuals?
Gay couch potatoes can still apply then?
The Presbyterian Korean bears will be happy.
A move by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. to allow its churches to ordain gay and lesbian deacons, elders and pastors beginning Sunday has received opposition from its Korean-American churches. They held a three-day conference in Anaheim last month to discuss the change, are speaking out in opposition.
"We would not ordain active homosexuals," said Pastor Tae Young Ko, senior pastor at Good Shepherd Presbyterian in Rowland Heights and the conference moderator. "This meeting reaffirmed that the Korean-American community would not support this and we will try to help local churches strongly reaffirm our conviction.
COMMENT: Won't ordain active homosexuals?
Gay couch potatoes can still apply then?
The Presbyterian Korean bears will be happy.
Friday, 8 July 2011
LOUD FRIDAY
The band are called Blood Runners.
The album is called "Objective #1."
It's loud.
It rocks.
What else could you possibly want at OCICBW... on a Friday?
BAND'S MYSPACE PAGE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
SITTING ON THE STABLE FLOOR
AFTER JESUS HAS BOLTED
From THE BBC:
This church is closing because it will cost £400000 to repair it so that it is safe to be used and not enough people attend the church for worship to warrant such expenditure even if the congregation could raise the money, which is very unlikely.
Notice how there is no mention of the fact that the village will be losing a minister and a place to worship God. All the protesters are interested in is the loss of the bricks and mortar and the opportunity to have wedding photos taken outside a reasonably attractive building.
100 people turned up to the meeting that planned the sit-in. If the same 100 people had gone to church every Sunday and given £5 a week to the collection then I very much doubt that the Parish Council would have been forced to close the building they no doubt love far more than these whinging limelight seekers.
It's too late you fools. You should have trimmed your wicks years ago.
From THE BBC:
A bride-to-be has joined a sit-in at a church in south Wales, after it closed weeks before her wedding day. Emily Morton, 21, hoped to become the fourth generation of her family to walk down the aisle there in September. Ms Morton wanted to carry on a family tradition when she booked her wedding with fiance Aaron Jones, 23, six months ago.
Ms Morton is looking at booking another village church more than five miles away, but that is half the size of All Saints.
She said: "Some of our guests may have to stand outside. I'll have to book a car to get me back and from the church too."
This church is closing because it will cost £400000 to repair it so that it is safe to be used and not enough people attend the church for worship to warrant such expenditure even if the congregation could raise the money, which is very unlikely.
Notice how there is no mention of the fact that the village will be losing a minister and a place to worship God. All the protesters are interested in is the loss of the bricks and mortar and the opportunity to have wedding photos taken outside a reasonably attractive building.
100 people turned up to the meeting that planned the sit-in. If the same 100 people had gone to church every Sunday and given £5 a week to the collection then I very much doubt that the Parish Council would have been forced to close the building they no doubt love far more than these whinging limelight seekers.
It's too late you fools. You should have trimmed your wicks years ago.
From THE BBC:
A bride-to-be has joined a sit-in at a church in south Wales, after it closed weeks before her wedding day. Emily Morton, 21, hoped to become the fourth generation of her family to walk down the aisle there in September. Ms Morton wanted to carry on a family tradition when she booked her wedding with fiance Aaron Jones, 23, six months ago.
Ms Morton is looking at booking another village church more than five miles away, but that is half the size of All Saints.
She said: "Some of our guests may have to stand outside. I'll have to book a car to get me back and from the church too."
TIMOTHY DOLAN - THICK OR EVIL?
From NEWS CHANNEL 20:
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan says he's worried that the next step in the marriage debate will be another redefinition to allow multiple partners and infidelity. Writing on his blog Thursday, Dolan also lamented the anti-Catholic venom that surfaced in the gay marriage battle, saying he's worried that "believers will soon be harassed, threatened, and hauled into court" for their convictions.
He also apologized to those in the gay community who may have been offended by the church's stance, saying he's honored that so many gays are at home in the Catholic Church and that his goal from the start was "pro-marriage, never anti-gay."
COMMENT: Either Dolan has a very low IQ and is incapable of rational thought or he is an evil, conniving scaremonger who is willing to say anything, no matter how obviously deceitful, in order to influence the political decisions of the people of the United States.
The man is a living parody of the body of Christ. He is the antithesis of Christian humility. I mean, just look at this photo. It makes me sick.
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan says he's worried that the next step in the marriage debate will be another redefinition to allow multiple partners and infidelity. Writing on his blog Thursday, Dolan also lamented the anti-Catholic venom that surfaced in the gay marriage battle, saying he's worried that "believers will soon be harassed, threatened, and hauled into court" for their convictions.
He also apologized to those in the gay community who may have been offended by the church's stance, saying he's honored that so many gays are at home in the Catholic Church and that his goal from the start was "pro-marriage, never anti-gay."
COMMENT: Either Dolan has a very low IQ and is incapable of rational thought or he is an evil, conniving scaremonger who is willing to say anything, no matter how obviously deceitful, in order to influence the political decisions of the people of the United States.
The man is a living parody of the body of Christ. He is the antithesis of Christian humility. I mean, just look at this photo. It makes me sick.
THE PRAYER LIST - 8TH. JULY 2011
We pray for Göran and Joe.
***
Judy asks our prayers for her son Matthew, "still in drug rehab but doing well."
***
We pray that June will have a safe and uneventful flight to England tomorrow.
***
From THE MAIL:
Human rights officials have called for a protection force in Christian South Sudan to prevent a massacre when it becomes independent from the hardline Muslim north tomorrow. A 7000-strong UN force was standing by after fears the newly formed country would not be able to protect itself from its neighbours attempting to plunder its resources. Adding to potential conflict, analysts fear a crackdown on non-Muslims in the North by Sudan's tyrannical President Omar al Bashir as part of plans to make Islam the only religion and Arabic the official language
With only 15 per cent of the population able to read and write South Sudan is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Most citizens live on 62p a day and education and health facilities are sorely underdeveloped.
***
From THE GUARDIAN:
A gunman opened fire in two homes in the US state of Michigan on Thursday, killing seven people, including two children, before leading police on a high-speed chase through a city centre and taking three hostages. The standoff ended when he killed himself with a gunshot to the head. The hostages were released unharmed.
***
From HAARETZ.COM:
Three people were killed by security forces during an overnight protest in a Damascus suburb, ahead of planned mass protests across Syria, activists said on Friday. They were killed when security attacked anti-government demonstrators near the Al-Hassan mosque in Harasta.
From THE BBC:
Thousands of Egyptian protesters have gathered in central Cairo to press for speedier reforms from the government. Opposition activists have called for a million-person protest in Tahrir Square, the focus of February's uprising. They particularly want to see ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his officials put on trial more quickly.
There were riots this week over a court decision to bail policemen accused of killing 17 people during the uprising.
***
From CNN:
Fresh clashes in the Pakistani city of Karachi killed seven people on Friday, raising the death toll in the ongoing sectarian violence to 60 this week. The clashes have been blamed on a bitter rivalry between the political parties of Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Awami National Party.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
***
Judy asks our prayers for her son Matthew, "still in drug rehab but doing well."
***
We pray that June will have a safe and uneventful flight to England tomorrow.
***
From THE MAIL:
Human rights officials have called for a protection force in Christian South Sudan to prevent a massacre when it becomes independent from the hardline Muslim north tomorrow. A 7000-strong UN force was standing by after fears the newly formed country would not be able to protect itself from its neighbours attempting to plunder its resources. Adding to potential conflict, analysts fear a crackdown on non-Muslims in the North by Sudan's tyrannical President Omar al Bashir as part of plans to make Islam the only religion and Arabic the official language
With only 15 per cent of the population able to read and write South Sudan is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Most citizens live on 62p a day and education and health facilities are sorely underdeveloped.
***
From THE GUARDIAN:
A gunman opened fire in two homes in the US state of Michigan on Thursday, killing seven people, including two children, before leading police on a high-speed chase through a city centre and taking three hostages. The standoff ended when he killed himself with a gunshot to the head. The hostages were released unharmed.
***
From HAARETZ.COM:
Three people were killed by security forces during an overnight protest in a Damascus suburb, ahead of planned mass protests across Syria, activists said on Friday. They were killed when security attacked anti-government demonstrators near the Al-Hassan mosque in Harasta.
From THE BBC:
Thousands of Egyptian protesters have gathered in central Cairo to press for speedier reforms from the government. Opposition activists have called for a million-person protest in Tahrir Square, the focus of February's uprising. They particularly want to see ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his officials put on trial more quickly.
There were riots this week over a court decision to bail policemen accused of killing 17 people during the uprising.
***
From CNN:
Fresh clashes in the Pakistani city of Karachi killed seven people on Friday, raising the death toll in the ongoing sectarian violence to 60 this week. The clashes have been blamed on a bitter rivalry between the political parties of Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Awami National Party.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
It seems like John Spiers and Jon Boden have been gigging together for a lot longer than just ten years. This is, no doubt, due to the enormous presence they have been on the English folk scene during their time together. Both as a duo and as part of their folk supergroup, Bellowhead, they have brought English folk music into the 21st. Century and made it totally cool to dig it even if you are a hard core, teenage rock fan. They have achieved this by putting the danger back into folk music. They are the Rolling Stones to Kate Rusby's Beatles.
To celebrate their ten years together they have released a collection album containing ten of their favourite tracks. But these have been rerecorded in the more hard edged style they deliver today and with a whole load of folk business luminaries guesting on the album. It's good. It's very good.
SPIERS AND BODEN'S WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
Thursday, 7 July 2011
MADPRIEST UPDATE
My removal is imminent.
As this will involve going from a reasonable sized house to something slightly smaller than a shoe box I am having to give away, throw away or sell most of my personal possessions and furniture (and I do mean most). I have already donated my library of about 1000 books to Oxfam and I am busy selling my CD collection on eBay at the moment. I hate this man:
All this takes time and I don't have much time left. So, blogging will be sporadic at the best at OCICBW... over the next few weeks. I will try to produce the Prayer List each day and hopefully cobble together a podcasted communion service on Sunday. If anyone wants to copy JimB and submit a guest post or two, that would be nice.
As this will involve going from a reasonable sized house to something slightly smaller than a shoe box I am having to give away, throw away or sell most of my personal possessions and furniture (and I do mean most). I have already donated my library of about 1000 books to Oxfam and I am busy selling my CD collection on eBay at the moment. I hate this man:
All this takes time and I don't have much time left. So, blogging will be sporadic at the best at OCICBW... over the next few weeks. I will try to produce the Prayer List each day and hopefully cobble together a podcasted communion service on Sunday. If anyone wants to copy JimB and submit a guest post or two, that would be nice.
GROUPTHINK AND COURAGE
A GUEST POST BY JIMB
After the debacle in Vietnam, Bill Moyers wrote an interesting and introspective analysis of the White House decision-making culture. The need to be in the group, to be a part of the culture and not be a problem for it, overrode judgement. Even though White House staff individually knew the bombing campaign against North Vietnam simply was not working, the need to be part of the inner circle led to recommendations for more bombs. The ongoing deaths of US military personnel and Vietnamese civilians did not move them to change tactics.
When anyone finally broke ranks, resigned and said what everyone else knew, that the bombing was not working, the members of the group found it easier to attack that person than to face the facts.
Which leads me to think of two groups. One group is very small and prophetic; the other is steadfastly loyal to the inner circle.
Two English bishops have become Episcopal Patrons of the No Anglican Covenant Coalition, placing themselves outside the circle of institutional Covenant supporters. (See link.) Bishops Saxbee and Selby are now at risk of being slurred and isolated. Their action took courage. We also know that several of our brave clerics have given up any hope of advancement to the House of Bishops by being in the Coalition.
Groupthink mentality is very hard to escape. Moyers is a powerful intellect, and even he was not able to do so for quite a while. So the persistence of other group, the Lambeth staff, English House of Bishops, and the lay leadership that continues to promote the Covenant, is hardly surprising. We hear that there are members who know the Covenant is a multi-dimensional failure. They know it won't be universally adopted and will not therefore bring the Communion together, let alone keep it together. The covenanted Church will become hugely litigious. But they do not speak up; they do not resign. They stay in the inner circle. It is safer there. The group thinks well of them.
Jesus was not an insider. He did not take the safe path. He demanded justice from the powerful. Likewise, Nathan demanded justice from David. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, it is those who demanded justice who are remembered as prophets, those who spoke for God. When Jesus is recognized as a prophet in the Gospels, it is because he calls for justice and does not bow to mere rulers. Do I think I know two prophetic bishops? Yes. Do I know some prophetic priests? Yes.
It is difficult to fault those who stay in the circle of power. After all, they are doing their jobs and supporting their archbishops. But it is relevant to note that history has sided against every single point made by those who called the first Lambeth Conference intending to rebuke a prophetic bishop. History largely forgets those who play it safe. For those in the inner circle, for the archbishops who demand yes men and women, that is something to think about.
FWIW
jimB
When anyone finally broke ranks, resigned and said what everyone else knew, that the bombing was not working, the members of the group found it easier to attack that person than to face the facts.
Which leads me to think of two groups. One group is very small and prophetic; the other is steadfastly loyal to the inner circle.
Two English bishops have become Episcopal Patrons of the No Anglican Covenant Coalition, placing themselves outside the circle of institutional Covenant supporters. (See link.) Bishops Saxbee and Selby are now at risk of being slurred and isolated. Their action took courage. We also know that several of our brave clerics have given up any hope of advancement to the House of Bishops by being in the Coalition.
Groupthink mentality is very hard to escape. Moyers is a powerful intellect, and even he was not able to do so for quite a while. So the persistence of other group, the Lambeth staff, English House of Bishops, and the lay leadership that continues to promote the Covenant, is hardly surprising. We hear that there are members who know the Covenant is a multi-dimensional failure. They know it won't be universally adopted and will not therefore bring the Communion together, let alone keep it together. The covenanted Church will become hugely litigious. But they do not speak up; they do not resign. They stay in the inner circle. It is safer there. The group thinks well of them.
Jesus was not an insider. He did not take the safe path. He demanded justice from the powerful. Likewise, Nathan demanded justice from David. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, it is those who demanded justice who are remembered as prophets, those who spoke for God. When Jesus is recognized as a prophet in the Gospels, it is because he calls for justice and does not bow to mere rulers. Do I think I know two prophetic bishops? Yes. Do I know some prophetic priests? Yes.
It is difficult to fault those who stay in the circle of power. After all, they are doing their jobs and supporting their archbishops. But it is relevant to note that history has sided against every single point made by those who called the first Lambeth Conference intending to rebuke a prophetic bishop. History largely forgets those who play it safe. For those in the inner circle, for the archbishops who demand yes men and women, that is something to think about.
FWIW
jimB
EVIL OLD BIDDY OF THE DAY
From THE ARGUS:
Edna Beck, who walks with a Zimmer frame, tormented people living in her block of flats in Hove. Police reports dating back to 2004 revealed she shouted out “Heil Hitler” a number of times. Youngsters were described as being “terrified” of her and she asked a group playing outside if they were “Hitler's children”. Grey-haired Beck also insulted gay people, Muslims, Jews, Germans and Poles. On one occasion she threw her soiled underwear out of the window. She also pushed over a visitor's motorbike, threatened to punch people and stole or hid neighbour's post. She would also scrawl graffiti on people's mail. She made Nazi salutes and on one occasion goose-stepped behind a visitor. She would shout and sing for up to six hours.
But yesterday she was handed an interim antisocial behaviour order by Brighton Magistrates' Court and told to behave.
Speaking outside court, Beck said, “I'm not antisocial. I'm a normal woman and everyone can tell you that.”
But yesterday she was handed an interim antisocial behaviour order by Brighton Magistrates' Court and told to behave.
Speaking outside court, Beck said, “I'm not antisocial. I'm a normal woman and everyone can tell you that.”
THE SOPPY LKT SELECTION
Here's Harper cuddling up to a feline friend on a chair LKT bought ready for when the call to episcopal office comes through.
Full details at THE INFUSION.
THE PRAYER LIST - 7TH. JULY 2011
THANKSGIVING
The Cajun's dental surgery went smoothly and our friend is not even suffering from jaw ache following his experience. He hopes to be back to full chomping by the weekend.
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Posted by The Cajun at ON TRANSMIGRATION:
I called the PCP's office to get the results of those tests performed THREE weeks ago. The nurse began by going off on me about Hepatitis antibodies and that they had never shown up in any blood work before... I stopped her mid-sentence saying I wanted to speak with the doctor.
So he gets on the line and asks pretty much the same questions. Then he went silent. He began again slowly by saying, "Ah, you've never had hepatitis, but your Ex had it before you knew him."
Yes, he did, about a year prior to our meeting.
The only explanation he could offer was my compromised immune system after the hospitalization due to the polymyositis a while back was the likely reason for the new results. Another $367.00 spent to find out what was already in a chart, if not the Dr's mind.
***
From Tracie:
Prayers for Dan, who just got out of hospital where he was receivng treatment for a really bad diabetic ulcer on his heel. He's in a nursing home rehab facility until docs say he can go home. He is also in stage 4 renal failure, and I think he may also have fibromyalgia or arthritis. He's only 45 years old.
***
From IT:
BP's friend T. died on the 4th, from a recurrence of pancreatic cancer. He was in his 50s, and died at home surrounded by his family (his youngest just finished college.) BP and her RC folk-choir friends "played him home" Sunday night. Between losing BP's cousin, Kirstin and now T, we're feeling a bit .... death ridden right now.
***
From Allie:
My grandmother died this morning (6th. July 2011). Rosalie Kushins 1929-2011.
Rosalie had been suffering from various illnesses and physical problems since she was thirty years old. Allie is "pretty sure that she's acutally happy for the first time in decades."
Allie and her partner, Ben, were married on the 25th. June this year. Although her grandmother was not well enough to attend the wedding the couple had managed to visit her a few weeks beforehand.
***
From Ellie:
A sad but beautiful update from Casey:
"Dear little Cookie died this afternoon on our back porch with me, my brother and my mom petting her. She was loving and noble to the end. We had a lovely funeral for her, my dad made a little box that I painted with flowers and trees and a sunset, my mom wrote her a letter, and my brother dug out the dirt. If ever a pet was laid to rest with love, it was this cat. She now has a pink rosebush residing above her. It was really touching how unabashedly my whole family gathered around her to pay respect in whatever way they needed to. Thanks so so much for all of the prayers and thoughts. It's mainly just very reassuring to know that other people love their animals this much too, and that generally they agree that it's worth it. To love. Thanks again, see you next week." (Casey)
Needless to say, I write now with tears in my own eyes. I can't tell you all how helpful it was to be able to tell Casey about this prayer list and to assure her that people post about their animals all the time here.
***
Daniel's companion, Gracie, had an eye removed yesterday because of Glaucoma. She is now home, safe and sound.
***
More details from Jim about his upcoming surgery:
I hope it will be rather routine. The surgeon expects that it will be.
The serious concern is that I take Plavix, a very strong anti-coagulant that makes me susceptible to uncontrolled bleeding. We decided which hospital to use based on the availability of my cardiologist, whom the surgeon described as "the most important guy involved."
What I expect is an uncomfortable week. But then the unexpected is always out there.
Thanks again to all who pray.
***
Update from Grandmère Mimi concerning her husband, Tom:
Thanks for the prayers for Tom. He just returned from a visit to the doctor with a diagnosis of colitis as a side effect of the Cipro he took for his abscessed teeth. The doc said that the disturbance will run its course, that he needs no medication.
***
From Brian:
IT, I'm with you on the death overload. Five and counting since last November. I haven't felt this way since the 1980's when so many of my friends died of AIDS related complications. I keep humming There's Got To Be A Morning After and burning up the air with prayers.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, 21, of East Kingston, New Hampshire
1st. Lt. Dimitri A. Del Castillo, 24, of Tampa, Florida
Lance Cpl. John F. Farias, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas
Sgt. Chad D. Frokjer, 27, of Maplewood, Minnesota
Staff Sgt. Michael J. Garcia, 27, of Bossier City, Louisiana
Lance Cpl. Mark R. Goyet, 22, of Sinton, Texas
Spc. Kevin J. Hilaman, 28, of Albany, California
Staff Sgt. Nigel D. Kelly, 26, Menifee, California
Capt. Matthew G. Nielson, 27, of Jefferson, Iowa
Cpl. Michael C. Nolen, 22, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin
Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider, 23, of Phoenix, New York
Staff Sgt. Donald V. Stacy, 23, of Avondale, Arizona
Spc. Robert G. Tenney Jr., 29, Warner Robins, Georgia
Capt. David E. Van Camp, 29, of Wheeling, West Virginia
Pfc. James A. Waters, 21, of Cloverdale, Indiana
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
From THE HINDU:
At least 38 people were killed and 32 others injured when a train rammed into a bus carrying a marriage party at an unmanned crossing. The accident occurred at 2.20 am when the train going from Mathura to Chapra in Bihar rammed into the bus carrying a marriage party from Adupura village at the crossing in Dariyawganj, Uttar Pradesh.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
The Cajun's dental surgery went smoothly and our friend is not even suffering from jaw ache following his experience. He hopes to be back to full chomping by the weekend.
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Posted by The Cajun at ON TRANSMIGRATION:
I called the PCP's office to get the results of those tests performed THREE weeks ago. The nurse began by going off on me about Hepatitis antibodies and that they had never shown up in any blood work before... I stopped her mid-sentence saying I wanted to speak with the doctor.
So he gets on the line and asks pretty much the same questions. Then he went silent. He began again slowly by saying, "Ah, you've never had hepatitis, but your Ex had it before you knew him."
Yes, he did, about a year prior to our meeting.
The only explanation he could offer was my compromised immune system after the hospitalization due to the polymyositis a while back was the likely reason for the new results. Another $367.00 spent to find out what was already in a chart, if not the Dr's mind.
***
From Tracie:
Prayers for Dan, who just got out of hospital where he was receivng treatment for a really bad diabetic ulcer on his heel. He's in a nursing home rehab facility until docs say he can go home. He is also in stage 4 renal failure, and I think he may also have fibromyalgia or arthritis. He's only 45 years old.
***
From IT:
BP's friend T. died on the 4th, from a recurrence of pancreatic cancer. He was in his 50s, and died at home surrounded by his family (his youngest just finished college.) BP and her RC folk-choir friends "played him home" Sunday night. Between losing BP's cousin, Kirstin and now T, we're feeling a bit .... death ridden right now.
***
From Allie:
My grandmother died this morning (6th. July 2011). Rosalie Kushins 1929-2011.
Rosalie had been suffering from various illnesses and physical problems since she was thirty years old. Allie is "pretty sure that she's acutally happy for the first time in decades."
Allie and her partner, Ben, were married on the 25th. June this year. Although her grandmother was not well enough to attend the wedding the couple had managed to visit her a few weeks beforehand.
***
From Ellie:
A sad but beautiful update from Casey:
"Dear little Cookie died this afternoon on our back porch with me, my brother and my mom petting her. She was loving and noble to the end. We had a lovely funeral for her, my dad made a little box that I painted with flowers and trees and a sunset, my mom wrote her a letter, and my brother dug out the dirt. If ever a pet was laid to rest with love, it was this cat. She now has a pink rosebush residing above her. It was really touching how unabashedly my whole family gathered around her to pay respect in whatever way they needed to. Thanks so so much for all of the prayers and thoughts. It's mainly just very reassuring to know that other people love their animals this much too, and that generally they agree that it's worth it. To love. Thanks again, see you next week." (Casey)
Needless to say, I write now with tears in my own eyes. I can't tell you all how helpful it was to be able to tell Casey about this prayer list and to assure her that people post about their animals all the time here.
***
Daniel's companion, Gracie, had an eye removed yesterday because of Glaucoma. She is now home, safe and sound.
***
More details from Jim about his upcoming surgery:
I hope it will be rather routine. The surgeon expects that it will be.
The serious concern is that I take Plavix, a very strong anti-coagulant that makes me susceptible to uncontrolled bleeding. We decided which hospital to use based on the availability of my cardiologist, whom the surgeon described as "the most important guy involved."
What I expect is an uncomfortable week. But then the unexpected is always out there.
Thanks again to all who pray.
***
Update from Grandmère Mimi concerning her husband, Tom:
Thanks for the prayers for Tom. He just returned from a visit to the doctor with a diagnosis of colitis as a side effect of the Cipro he took for his abscessed teeth. The doc said that the disturbance will run its course, that he needs no medication.
***
From Brian:
IT, I'm with you on the death overload. Five and counting since last November. I haven't felt this way since the 1980's when so many of my friends died of AIDS related complications. I keep humming There's Got To Be A Morning After and burning up the air with prayers.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, 21, of East Kingston, New Hampshire
1st. Lt. Dimitri A. Del Castillo, 24, of Tampa, Florida
Lance Cpl. John F. Farias, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas
Sgt. Chad D. Frokjer, 27, of Maplewood, Minnesota
Staff Sgt. Michael J. Garcia, 27, of Bossier City, Louisiana
Lance Cpl. Mark R. Goyet, 22, of Sinton, Texas
Spc. Kevin J. Hilaman, 28, of Albany, California
Staff Sgt. Nigel D. Kelly, 26, Menifee, California
Capt. Matthew G. Nielson, 27, of Jefferson, Iowa
Cpl. Michael C. Nolen, 22, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin
Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider, 23, of Phoenix, New York
Staff Sgt. Donald V. Stacy, 23, of Avondale, Arizona
Spc. Robert G. Tenney Jr., 29, Warner Robins, Georgia
Capt. David E. Van Camp, 29, of Wheeling, West Virginia
Pfc. James A. Waters, 21, of Cloverdale, Indiana
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
From THE HINDU:
At least 38 people were killed and 32 others injured when a train rammed into a bus carrying a marriage party at an unmanned crossing. The accident occurred at 2.20 am when the train going from Mathura to Chapra in Bihar rammed into the bus carrying a marriage party from Adupura village at the crossing in Dariyawganj, Uttar Pradesh.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
THE PRAYER LIST - 6TH. JULY 2011
THANKSGIVINGMay God bless Sally from the ETERNAL ECHOES blog who was ordained by the Methodist Church in England at the weekend.
***
Liz at FINDING LIFE HARD? is a grandmother!
Jamie Robert was born on 4th July at 2.57 pm. He weighed in at 6lb 13 and a half oz!
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for Göran and Joe.
From Tim (4th. July 2011):
Thanks for your prayers all; early indications are that Joe seems to have come through his surgery okay; I'll update you as soon as I know more.
***
Please pray for our good friend, JimB, who is going into hospital for quite a serious operation on the 21st. July.
***
Please pray for Tom who is not too well after suffering a tooth abscess and what appears to be a bad reaction to the antibiotics he was prescribed.
***
From Brian:
Please add my mother to the next prayer list again. She had a setback yesterday and had to be hospitalized due to complications from the medication she was prescribed. She will be in hospital for the next few days while the monitor her heart and run tests and try to modify her medications.
***
Cookie who is eighteen years old is now in her final illness and very close to death. Cookie's human, a young woman named Casey, is understandably distraught as Casey was only seven years old when Cookie became her cat.
Please do whatever you do: send thoughts, offer prayers, practice compassion meditation for them both.
***
Posted by Sir at WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO THIS, SIR?:
It was with great sadness that I discovered this morning that David had died. He was a pupil of mine. He had complex additional learning needs and life was not easy for him. I had grown very fond of him.
Some weeks ago David stepped out into traffic and was knocked down. He suffered devastating brain trauma. Initially we were told that he would spend up to two years in a special neurosergical ward and that he would never make a full recovery. He had his sixteenth birthday in hospital.
A week ago he developed an infection and required further surgery. Then he was moved to a hospice. He died yesterday afternoon.
Please pray for David's foster parents and his younger brother Michael at this time.
***
From XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
As many as 197 African immigrants were killed on Sudanese regional water in the Red Sea after a boat, which had been illegally transporting them to Saudi Arabia, caught fire.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Monday, 4 July 2011
THE EVIL SPREADS
(AND I'M NOT ON ABOUT VEGEMITE)
The sickness that has plagued Sydney Diocese due to the ecclesiastically unhygienic habits of carrier, Typhoid Peter, has spread to Adelaide and is rapidly taking hold of those members of the Anglican church there who are most susceptible to contagion because of existing latent bigotry.
From ADELAIDE NOW:
The Rev Ali Wurm - who announced last month she was leaving Semaphore's St Bede's Anglican Parish after being subjected to bullying and threats related to her sexuality has called on senior Anglicans to show stronger leadership to resolve internal tensions surrounding the issue. She says the Anglican hierarchy must advocate for equality of all church members - regardless of gender or sexuality - to avoid further discrimination for gays working in the church and among the congregation.
"There must be full inclusion at all levels of life within the Church, and not just allow gays and lesbians to sit at the pew and toss money into the collection bag. We need to ask ourselves, as a church, what do we stand for - does the organisation stand for social justice or is it just a heterosexual sect? People who are supportive of a church that excludes gay and lesbian members from holding leadership positions within the church need to question what are they afraid of. I've lost the confidence and faith in the leadership's willingness to take risks and to put the issue of social justice before supporting a distorted and false notion of unity."
Dr Ogden, who worked with Ms Wurm from 2002-04 during his tenure as Dean of Adelaide, said her resignation would reverberate around the nation.
"(It is of) national significance because it raises questions about the kind of Church we feel called to be in, in the 21st century. It is important to revisit issues concerning gender and sexuality but this has to be more than an intellectual debate because it's about real people." he said.
Ms Wurm will preside over her farewell service at St Bede's on August 21.
Archbishop Driver, who has refused to comment on the matter will preside over the funeral of Christianity in the Anglican church in Adelaide sometime in the near future.
Archbishop Driver's leadership has come under scrutiny after last month's resignation of the first female Dean of Adelaide, Sarah Macneil, who told parishioners she could "no longer work with integrity at diocesan level".
From ADELAIDE NOW:
The Rev Ali Wurm - who announced last month she was leaving Semaphore's St Bede's Anglican Parish after being subjected to bullying and threats related to her sexuality has called on senior Anglicans to show stronger leadership to resolve internal tensions surrounding the issue. She says the Anglican hierarchy must advocate for equality of all church members - regardless of gender or sexuality - to avoid further discrimination for gays working in the church and among the congregation.
"There must be full inclusion at all levels of life within the Church, and not just allow gays and lesbians to sit at the pew and toss money into the collection bag. We need to ask ourselves, as a church, what do we stand for - does the organisation stand for social justice or is it just a heterosexual sect? People who are supportive of a church that excludes gay and lesbian members from holding leadership positions within the church need to question what are they afraid of. I've lost the confidence and faith in the leadership's willingness to take risks and to put the issue of social justice before supporting a distorted and false notion of unity."
Dr Ogden, who worked with Ms Wurm from 2002-04 during his tenure as Dean of Adelaide, said her resignation would reverberate around the nation.
"(It is of) national significance because it raises questions about the kind of Church we feel called to be in, in the 21st century. It is important to revisit issues concerning gender and sexuality but this has to be more than an intellectual debate because it's about real people." he said.
Ms Wurm will preside over her farewell service at St Bede's on August 21.
Archbishop Driver, who has refused to comment on the matter will preside over the funeral of Christianity in the Anglican church in Adelaide sometime in the near future.
Archbishop Driver's leadership has come under scrutiny after last month's resignation of the first female Dean of Adelaide, Sarah Macneil, who told parishioners she could "no longer work with integrity at diocesan level".
THE MOST IMPORTANT
INDEPENDENCE DAY VIDEO
IN THE WORLD EVER
Thanks to Mike in Texas for sending this in.
Happy Independence Day to my true American friends.
WICKED ELLIE IN PERFECTLY CLEAN JOKE SHOCK
A cruise ship hired a magician to entertain the passengers. Since the passengers changed every four or five days, the magician was able to perform the same tricks over and over.
Unfortunately, the Captain of the ship had a parrot who sat around and watched the magician perform his tricks, over and over. Eventually, the parrot learned how the tricks were done and would interrupt the act.
"It's in his sleeve," the parrot would say. "He switched balls." "It's in his pocket." Etc., etc. Naturally, the magician was quite disturbed by the parrot but could do nothing about it, since it belonged to the Captain.
Unfortunately, the cruise ship had the misfortune of hitting an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the sea in a matter of minutes. As fate would have it, the magician and the parrot managed to grab hold of the same floating piece of furniture. For 3 days, neither said anything. The magician stared at the parrot and the parrot stared back. Finally, on the 4th day, the parrot cracked and said:
"OK, I give up; where on earth did you put the ship?"
Unfortunately, the Captain of the ship had a parrot who sat around and watched the magician perform his tricks, over and over. Eventually, the parrot learned how the tricks were done and would interrupt the act.
"It's in his sleeve," the parrot would say. "He switched balls." "It's in his pocket." Etc., etc. Naturally, the magician was quite disturbed by the parrot but could do nothing about it, since it belonged to the Captain.
Unfortunately, the cruise ship had the misfortune of hitting an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the sea in a matter of minutes. As fate would have it, the magician and the parrot managed to grab hold of the same floating piece of furniture. For 3 days, neither said anything. The magician stared at the parrot and the parrot stared back. Finally, on the 4th day, the parrot cracked and said:
"OK, I give up; where on earth did you put the ship?"
WHEN GOOD MUSLIMS DO NOTHING
It wasn't that long ago in the history of the Christian faith that the institutions of the church were still executing people for apostasy and heresy. There are still people throughout the world who will kill in the name of Christianity and the words and actions of church hierarchies and leaders do still cause harm to people and even, as in the case of the Roman Catholic Curia's stance on contraception, death. But, the churches have stopped killing people because of their beliefs. As far as I am aware, this is universally true of the leadership of all the mainstream religions in the world with one exception. There are places in the world where the Islamic religion still requires the death penalty for those of its members found guilty of converting to another religion and for those members of other religions who speak against Islam. Furthermore, there are far too many muslim clerics who will issue death fatwas on anybody, anywhere, who, in their opinion, insult Islam.
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
The death sentence for a pastor found guilty of apostasy in Iran has been upheld by the country's Supreme Court. Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was arrested in October 2009 while attempting to register his evangelical house church in the city of Rasht. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), his arrest was connected to criticisms he made about the Muslim monopoly on the religious instruction of children in Iran.
He was initially charged with protesting but the charges were later changed to apostasy and evangelising Muslims, and he was sentenced to death last year. CSW has received reports that the death sentence has now been upheld by the third chamber of the Supreme Court in the Shia holy city of Qom.
This is simply barbaric. If it was a Christian church, backed by a Christian state, insisting on the execution of a person who had converted to another religion, then the outcry from Christians throughout the world would be enormous. Without a doubt, the pope would be making official pronouncements against it as soon as it was reported in the media. But the muslims of the world remain frighteningly quiet about the matter.
It is perfectly valid for muslims to claim that Islam is a peaceable religion and that not all muslims approve of such unenlightened acts of institutional violence. However, it is not enough. It is time, if muslims do not want to be accused of being a universally evil religion, for those against acts of barbarity to say so very loudly and publicly and to actually act to stop it happening through demonstrations, boycotts, petitions etc.
There are some countries in which the leaders of the muslim population do speak out and who do appear to have the backing for doing so from the grass roots. The USA and Canada spring to mind. However, this is not the case in all parts of the muslim diaspora. In England, because such a high proportion of our muslim population comes from Pakistan, a nation that is right at the top of the list when it comes to the oppression of people of other religions than Islam, there is a sizeable section of the community that actually agrees with killing apostates and blasphemers. We only need to look back on the Salman Rushdie affair to realise that this is the truth and interviews, especially with young male muslims indicate a high level of support for the violent imposition of the Islamic faith throughout the world.
Civilised muslims (those who believe in being civil towards other people) who hold to the basic moral tenets of the United Nations cannot just sit back and do nothing. If you belong to an organisation, part of which is being evil, you cannot claim innocence by stating that it is nothing to do with you. The reason I attack the Roman Catholic position on contraception and AIDS in Africa, and its insistence that women should die rather than have an abortion, is not because I want to score points against the opposition. It is because I feel incredibly guilty that members of my faith are killing people and causing untold suffering because of ignorance and dogmatism. If I did not speak out I would have to consider myself guilty by association and part of the problem.
Intelligent muslims know this as well as I do. So, I have to ask a couple of questions. Do those muslims who claim that Islam is a peaceable and good religion in theory really want it to become so in reality throughout the whole world and, if so, why, at least in those places where it is safe to do so, are they not showing this desire in constructive words and actions?
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:The death sentence for a pastor found guilty of apostasy in Iran has been upheld by the country's Supreme Court. Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was arrested in October 2009 while attempting to register his evangelical house church in the city of Rasht. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), his arrest was connected to criticisms he made about the Muslim monopoly on the religious instruction of children in Iran.
He was initially charged with protesting but the charges were later changed to apostasy and evangelising Muslims, and he was sentenced to death last year. CSW has received reports that the death sentence has now been upheld by the third chamber of the Supreme Court in the Shia holy city of Qom.
This is simply barbaric. If it was a Christian church, backed by a Christian state, insisting on the execution of a person who had converted to another religion, then the outcry from Christians throughout the world would be enormous. Without a doubt, the pope would be making official pronouncements against it as soon as it was reported in the media. But the muslims of the world remain frighteningly quiet about the matter.
It is perfectly valid for muslims to claim that Islam is a peaceable religion and that not all muslims approve of such unenlightened acts of institutional violence. However, it is not enough. It is time, if muslims do not want to be accused of being a universally evil religion, for those against acts of barbarity to say so very loudly and publicly and to actually act to stop it happening through demonstrations, boycotts, petitions etc.
There are some countries in which the leaders of the muslim population do speak out and who do appear to have the backing for doing so from the grass roots. The USA and Canada spring to mind. However, this is not the case in all parts of the muslim diaspora. In England, because such a high proportion of our muslim population comes from Pakistan, a nation that is right at the top of the list when it comes to the oppression of people of other religions than Islam, there is a sizeable section of the community that actually agrees with killing apostates and blasphemers. We only need to look back on the Salman Rushdie affair to realise that this is the truth and interviews, especially with young male muslims indicate a high level of support for the violent imposition of the Islamic faith throughout the world.
Civilised muslims (those who believe in being civil towards other people) who hold to the basic moral tenets of the United Nations cannot just sit back and do nothing. If you belong to an organisation, part of which is being evil, you cannot claim innocence by stating that it is nothing to do with you. The reason I attack the Roman Catholic position on contraception and AIDS in Africa, and its insistence that women should die rather than have an abortion, is not because I want to score points against the opposition. It is because I feel incredibly guilty that members of my faith are killing people and causing untold suffering because of ignorance and dogmatism. If I did not speak out I would have to consider myself guilty by association and part of the problem.
Intelligent muslims know this as well as I do. So, I have to ask a couple of questions. Do those muslims who claim that Islam is a peaceable and good religion in theory really want it to become so in reality throughout the whole world and, if so, why, at least in those places where it is safe to do so, are they not showing this desire in constructive words and actions?
THE PRAYER LIST - 4TH. JULY 2011
THANKSGIVING
From Mike In Texas:
Let's have a prayer of thanksgiving to balance out all the sad things going on.
My surgery for diverticulitis took place on Monday of this week. I was released to come home Thursday evening. It went exactly as planned, completely laparoscopically with none of the complications that were quite possible. They tell me I am well ahead of the curve in terms of healing up. I am feeling so good that I went shopping at a mall yesterday, less than 4 full days after the procedure. So let us pray in thanksgiving for the wonderful outcome so far and for continued healing without complications.
***
From THE HINDUSTAN TIMES:
Niu Niu, A two-year-old Chinese girl, survived a 10th-floor fall from her house-window after a passer-by came up with a quick reaction and caught her. Wu Juping, a mother of a seven-month-old baby, saw the child dangling from the window, and quickly kicked off her high-heeled shoes to run towards her with outstretched arms.
Niu has been hospitalized for internal bleeding and remains in a critical condition. Wu is recovering from a broken arm in a hospital in Fuyang city.
“I don’t regret anything that happened. I just hope that Niu Niu will recover,” said Wu.
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for Göran and Joe.
From Tim:
Please pray especially for Joe on Monday between 9 and noon Alberta time (7 hours behind the UK). One of his tumours is completely blocking the small intestine and because of its position it is inoperable. For a couple of weeks now they have been trying to get a stent to work so that nourishment can get through, but the tumour is putting too much pressure on the stent. On Monday they are going to attempt to do a bypass, but because of his very weak condition it is very risky.
Thank you all for your prayers.
From Göran:
Not quite back on FB, Password doesn't work... Wish to thank you all from my heart for your prayers and good wishes!
We pray for Andee and all those who are missing Kirstin already.
***
Posted by The Cajun at ON TRANSMIGRATION:
I had a dental emergency at work this morning and had to visit the new dental group sooner than planned to find that I have a nasty abscess that will require a root canal. Oh, the joy!!! Filled 2 prescriptions, one antibiotic, the other a pain killer, leaving the day pretty much shot. The appointment is set up for next Tuesday (my single day off!) and all should be well after that.
Our friend also has an appointment with his doctor today to discuss the results of some recent blood work.
***
Please continue to pray for our friend, Jay Simser at BAILEY'S BUDDY. It's bad enough that he is suffering from various medical problems at the moment, but things are even worse for Jay as the side effects of the tablets he is having to take are unpleasant and making his life even more uncomfortable.
***
From THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD:
Church officials and the community of Matamoros were in shock after a well-known Catholic priest was killed in crossfire during a Saturday afternoon shootout between armed gunmen and the Mexican military. Father Marco Antonio Duran Romero died at approximately 3:40 p.m. at a local hospital.
***
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Scottish Catholic charity SCIAF is providing frontline care to victims of two recent incidents of mass rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Around 150 ex-militiamen who had been integrated into the national army deserted and went on the rampage through two remote villages near Fizi, South Kivu, on June 10 and 11. In the first village, Abala, the soldiers looted houses and butchered livestock before systematically raping 54 girls and women. Victims included the elderly. The following day, 135 women and girls were raped when the militiamen attacked Nakiele 13km away.
***
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal as 10 million people face starvation in the east and Horn of Africa. The food crisis has been brought on by two failed rainy seasons and rising global food prices. Kenya and Ethiopia are facing particularly severe food shortages. Other countries affected by the drought are Djibouti, Somalia and Uganda.
***
From THE BBC:
Syrian troops are raiding houses and arresting people in the central city of Hama, reports say, after massive anti-government protests there on Friday.
***
From THE BBC:
At least 10 people have been killed in a series of attacks blamed on Islamist militants in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri. Five people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday inside a bar frequented by soldiers and policemen.
***
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
From Mike In Texas:
Let's have a prayer of thanksgiving to balance out all the sad things going on.
My surgery for diverticulitis took place on Monday of this week. I was released to come home Thursday evening. It went exactly as planned, completely laparoscopically with none of the complications that were quite possible. They tell me I am well ahead of the curve in terms of healing up. I am feeling so good that I went shopping at a mall yesterday, less than 4 full days after the procedure. So let us pray in thanksgiving for the wonderful outcome so far and for continued healing without complications.
***
From THE HINDUSTAN TIMES:
Niu Niu, A two-year-old Chinese girl, survived a 10th-floor fall from her house-window after a passer-by came up with a quick reaction and caught her. Wu Juping, a mother of a seven-month-old baby, saw the child dangling from the window, and quickly kicked off her high-heeled shoes to run towards her with outstretched arms.
Niu has been hospitalized for internal bleeding and remains in a critical condition. Wu is recovering from a broken arm in a hospital in Fuyang city.
“I don’t regret anything that happened. I just hope that Niu Niu will recover,” said Wu.
***
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for Göran and Joe.
From Tim:
Please pray especially for Joe on Monday between 9 and noon Alberta time (7 hours behind the UK). One of his tumours is completely blocking the small intestine and because of its position it is inoperable. For a couple of weeks now they have been trying to get a stent to work so that nourishment can get through, but the tumour is putting too much pressure on the stent. On Monday they are going to attempt to do a bypass, but because of his very weak condition it is very risky.
Thank you all for your prayers.
From Göran:
Not quite back on FB, Password doesn't work... Wish to thank you all from my heart for your prayers and good wishes!
We pray for Andee and all those who are missing Kirstin already.
***
Posted by The Cajun at ON TRANSMIGRATION:
I had a dental emergency at work this morning and had to visit the new dental group sooner than planned to find that I have a nasty abscess that will require a root canal. Oh, the joy!!! Filled 2 prescriptions, one antibiotic, the other a pain killer, leaving the day pretty much shot. The appointment is set up for next Tuesday (my single day off!) and all should be well after that.
Our friend also has an appointment with his doctor today to discuss the results of some recent blood work.
***
Please continue to pray for our friend, Jay Simser at BAILEY'S BUDDY. It's bad enough that he is suffering from various medical problems at the moment, but things are even worse for Jay as the side effects of the tablets he is having to take are unpleasant and making his life even more uncomfortable.
***
From THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD:Church officials and the community of Matamoros were in shock after a well-known Catholic priest was killed in crossfire during a Saturday afternoon shootout between armed gunmen and the Mexican military. Father Marco Antonio Duran Romero died at approximately 3:40 p.m. at a local hospital.
***
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Scottish Catholic charity SCIAF is providing frontline care to victims of two recent incidents of mass rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Around 150 ex-militiamen who had been integrated into the national army deserted and went on the rampage through two remote villages near Fizi, South Kivu, on June 10 and 11. In the first village, Abala, the soldiers looted houses and butchered livestock before systematically raping 54 girls and women. Victims included the elderly. The following day, 135 women and girls were raped when the militiamen attacked Nakiele 13km away.
***
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal as 10 million people face starvation in the east and Horn of Africa. The food crisis has been brought on by two failed rainy seasons and rising global food prices. Kenya and Ethiopia are facing particularly severe food shortages. Other countries affected by the drought are Djibouti, Somalia and Uganda.
***
From THE BBC:
Syrian troops are raiding houses and arresting people in the central city of Hama, reports say, after massive anti-government protests there on Friday.
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From THE BBC:
At least 10 people have been killed in a series of attacks blamed on Islamist militants in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri. Five people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday inside a bar frequented by soldiers and policemen.
***
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MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Blogging has an open door.
Facebook is a gated community.
Most people prefer Facebook.
Facebook is a gated community.
Most people prefer Facebook.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
A service of holy communion for today, the feast day of Thomas the Apostle. There's lots of great music and I think the sermon might be quite good this week. The words and credits can be found at ST LAIKA'S.
MP3 File
Don't forget to check out the excellent posts
at THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW....
MP3 File
Don't forget to check out the excellent posts
at THE ANCHORHOLD @ OCICBW....
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