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25 January 2006

Human Trafficking

The URC is planning to respond to a Home Office consultation on Human Trafficking. At present victims are subject to asylum law; the consultation document suggests that they could be given temporary leave to remain in Britain, and offered some support, while they consider whether to assist with bringing a prosecution against those who trafficked them. The 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade is being celebrated next year - a campaign in which Christians led the way - yet often victims of this form of trafficking are held effectively as slaves. If you have particular expertise in this area, and might assist in preparing the response, please contact the Church and Society office or tel. 020 7916 8632. Deadline for submissions is 5 April.

Action For Prisoners’ Families

Church and Society has become a ‘supporter’ of Action for Prisoners’ Families, the national federation of services supporting families of prisoners, which will provide Hotline readers with access to the organisation’s resources. APF provides information and support for those seeking to develop prison visitor centres and other local services, as well as literature specially designed for families of prisoners - with leaflets for children of different ages. See details of the work of Action for Prisoners’ Families at www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk . Research has shown that maintaining good family contact, is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of prisoners re-offending.

Environment and Climate Change
 

A useful booklet is available from Tear Fund for churches and individuals who want to take practical action to use the earth’s precious resources more wisely. For tomorrow too - Living responsibly in a world of climate change can be obtained from 0845 355 8355 or enquiry@tearfund.org. There is no charge (but a donation would be welcome, if you want more than one copy).

Through the Council for World Mission, the URC is helping to support the work of EcoCongregation, which encourages churches to weave creation care into their life and mission. URC funding is helping to raise awareness of environmental concerns in the West Midlands region. For more about EcoCongregation see www.ecocongregation.org

Education Sunday - 12 February 2006

Education Sunday is a national day of prayer and celebration for those involved in education which has been recognised for more than one hundred years. The theme is devised by an ecumenical steering group; this year’s has the title Prizes that last. Resources have been written for the group by John Steele, URC secretary for Life and Witness. They are available at www.educationsunday.org .

The URC is represented on the Free Church Education Committee by Gill Kingston, head of religious education at a boys' grammar school, and Graham Handsomb, principal education advisor to Essex local authority. Graham also represents the URC on the Churches' Joint Education Policy Committee. The Education Officer for Churches Together in England and the Free Churches, Sarah Lane, is also URC member. Please use them as a resource. Sarah Lane can be contacted at sarah.lane@cte.org.uk; Gill Kingston c/o church.society@urc.org.uk and Graham Handscomb at graham.handscomb@essexcc.gov.uk.

Poverty Action Sunday - 26 February 2006
 

The focus is on hardships endured by asylum seekers, linking with Church Action on Poverty’s Living Ghosts campaign. Worship materials and other resources are available from
www.church-poverty.org.uk or by post from Church Action on Poverty, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ, price £1.00.

 

Fair Trade Fortnight 6 - 19 March 2006
 

Fairtrade Fortnight presents a particular opportunity to promote fairly traded goods. Resources are available at www.fairtrade.org.uk or from the Fairtrade Foundation, Room 204, 16 Baldwin’s Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ. tel. 020 7440 7676.

‘Place of Danger, Place of Safety’ - Churches’ Refugee Network Conference
 

SATURDAY 20 MAY, 11.00 am - 4.45 pm at the Church of the Holy Apostles, Cumberland Street, London SW1 (near Victoria and Pimlico stations); with keynote speakers exploring the injustice of the current system, models of good practice, theology and human rights; contributions from asylum applicants, projects and campaigns; workshops; worship. Publicity leaflet/booking form will be circulated shortly.

A Prayer for Poverty Action Sunday (26 February)

We pray for all who make our laws and administer justice; may the God of justice be their guide.

We pray for those who minister to the vulnerable and broken people, especially the homeless and destitute: that they may show God’s welcoming love.

God of the stranger and the host, provide welcome and succour to the stranger;

Disturb the comfort of the host to welcome the stranger, so that together they continue life’s journey with the peace, security and rootedness of people who share a common humanity.

God bless our eyes so that we will recognise injustices.

God bless our ears so that we will hear the cry of the stranger.

God bless our mouths so that we will speak words of welcome to newcomers.

God bless our shoulders so that we will be able to bear the weight of struggling for justice.

God bless our hands so that we can work together with all people to establish peace.

Lord, help us to see you in the stranger who comes seeking shelter. Lord, open our eyes.

May we always be ready to listen to those who long to be heard. Lord, open our ears.

Give us the courage to speak out against injustice. Lord, open our lips.

Help us to be ready to welcome the asylum seekers in our midst with food, clothing, shelter and friendship. Lord, open our hands.

We pray that we, our neighbours and our leaders, will look on asylum seekers with a humble awareness of our common humanity. Lord, open our hearts.

Stuart Dew: stuart.dew@urc.org.uk

Wendy Cooper:  wendy.cooper@urc.org.uk
 

Church and Society

United Reformed Church

86 Tavistock Place

London WC1H 9RT

direct dial: 020 7916 8632