AP

‘PRAY FOR OUR NEW GOVERNMENT’: UK CHRISTIAN LEADERS URGE.
Evangelical Alliance CEO, Gavin Calver, said the election result “represents a significant change for UK politics but also comes with a significant burden of responsibility”, adding that he was “praying for Sir Keir Starmer and his incoming government”. He added: “I’m praying the words of Psalm 72 that, God will give him wisdom and a heart for justice, that he will stand up for the poor and for children in need.”
Social policy charity Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) called for the next UK Government to model justice, integrity, and compassion. “We congratulate all those who have been elected today, and Keir Starmer as he prepares to lead a new Government,” said CEO Ross Hendry. “CARE encouraged churches to engage positively during the election period and Christians will continue to pray for and encourage MPs. Mr Hendry added: “Christians believe that Governments are ordained by God to restrain evil and injustice and promote good by commending those who do right. A good Government will show justice and mercy, model integrity, and have compassion on the most vulnerable people in society.” [Source: Premier Christian News]

FRANKLIN GRAHAM LAUNCHES GROUP TO DEFEND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN UK
The Rev. Franklin Graham announced over the weekend the launch of the Billy Graham Defense Fund, a legal support group advocating for Christians facing religious freedom challenges in the United Kingdom. “There are so many problems in our society, and people are looking for hope,” Graham said in a statement shared with CBN News. “We know that true hope can only be found in Jesus Christ, so we need to support one another in getting the Good News of Jesus Christ out — whatever it takes.”
“It is my prayer that this will encourage Christians across the U.K. to keep living out and sharing their faith freely and boldly,” the evangelist added. [Source; CBN News]

CHURCH IN GAZA HOSTS INJURED AND SICK AS HOSPITALS FILL
St. Philip’s Church once offered a haven of devotion to Gaza’s small Christian community. After nine months of Israeli military action that has devastated the Palestinian enclave’s health system, priests have transformed it into a hospital. Beds line the pale stone walls under a vaulted roof as doctors tend to patients unable to find space at the Anglican-run Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital, which, like Gaza’s other remaining medical facilities, is straining under high demand. “The space designated for prayers was converted into a clinic due to the lack of available places. Today, our priority is to save the life of every human being that we can,” said priest Munther Isaac, wearing a black shirt and clerical collar. [Source: Daily Mail]

PARISHIONERS REFUSE COLLECTION AS PROTEST AGAINST SLAVERY FUND
Parishioners have started withdrawing their donations from local churches in protest against the Church of England’s £100 million slavery reparations fund. Church officers have expressed concerns that the establishment of the fund in January 2023 to “address past wrongs of slavery” has deterred churchgoers from donating. Luke Appleton, a churchwarden at Paignton Parish Church in Exeter, noted the “anger” among church members regarding the Church’s commitment, with some even removing the Church from their wills.
Mr. Appleton emphasised that this issue has been the most contentious among faithful church members over the past year. He recounted concerns from parishioners questioning why they should donate from their limited pensions when the Church has a £100 million fund perceived as being misspent. Appleton highlighted the frustration, particularly in parishes unable to secure dedicated vicars or funds to repair their historic buildings, as they see large sums diverted from what they consider the Church’s core purpose. While termed “reparations,” the fund’s interest will support community projects in black communities in Britain, rather than being distributed as compensation to descendants of enslaved people. [Premier Christian News]

D. R. CONGO – SUSPECTED JIHADISTS KILL MORE THAN 80 PEOPLE
Pray for the families of 82 people who were killed in a wave of attacks between 31 May and 9 June in the North Kivu province of the Christian-majority Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suspected members of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces) attacked seven villages in North Kivu with guns and machetes during several days of violence. At least 41 people were killed in just one day.
Lift up to the Lord the survivors of these attacks, and the families of those who were killed. Pray that God will comfort them in their fear and loss (Psalm 34:18). Ask that Christians in DRC be protected from those who wish to harm them, and that the violence there will cease. [Barnabas Aid]

– compiled by Guido Kettniss