Key Quotes for 2008

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Last update: Wednesday 25th March




Trafficking of humans for sexual exploitation has become a major problem in the UK, and is now a key issue for national law enforcement agencies, according to a recent conference at the UK Human Trafficking centre (UKHTC) in Sheffield. It is estimated that more than 4,000 women and children are trafficked into the UK each year, the majority coming from Eastern Europe, West Africa, and South-East Asia. They are promised jobs more money and a better way of life, however in reality they are forced to work as prostitutes, controlled by criminal gangs making vast profits out of trading them.
World Issues	Just Right - Issue 18.



Hungary’s catholic church has condemned moves by the socialist government to make the country Eastern Europe’s first to extend marriage-style rights to gays and lesbians. “to equate such relationships with marriages would undermine the health of society and pose dangers for children,” said Csonger Szerdahelyi, spokesman for the Hungarian Bishops Conference. “This isn’t a popular measure – our society is too tired to think about such things. For the Church, however, its crucial.”
Religion/Spirituality	The Universe - December 16th 2007.



The Polish Church has criticised plans to subsidise IVF treatment from the state budget, in its first public conflict with the country’s new business-linked Government. “This isn’t a church matter – it’s a matter for humanity,” said Catholic primate. “But we defend life in its natural process. If we’re calling in fertility a disease today, we shouldn’t be fighting it in ways which will generate more diseases.”
Religion/Spirituality	The Universe - December 16th 2007.



The church and other faith groups have a vital role to play in bringing about positive transformations to UK communities and cannot be ignored, according to the Government minister responsible for the communities agenda. Speaking at the recent Faithworks conference, Hazel Blears, Secretary of state for Communities and local Government, outlined a clear commitment on behalf of the government to include the value faith groups in tackling the problems communities face.
Social Issues	Christianity - January 2008.



Prayer is a vital part of life for nearly half of UK adults, with 20 million saying they pray and one in three adults believing that God is watching over them, according to a recent survey conducted by Tearfund. Of the 42% (20 million) of UK adults who pray at least once a month and 12 million at least once a week. Nine million adults pray every day. An earlier survey revealed that 7.6 million adults attend church at least once a month.
Religion/Spirituality	Christianity - January 2008



Boy zones hero Shane Lynch has come a long way since one of the most successful groups in history finally called a halt to their mega career. But since becoming born again Christian he knows that his future is in God’s hands and says: “it’s no good looking to your own hopes and dreams because I’ve learned God always has something better. “I am 100 per cent for it, but if not I know I’ll be better than okay because my life is in God’s hands.”
What famous people say	The Son – Winter 2007.



Escorting girls to taxis, stopping fights and praying for those in need is all in a nights work for street pastors. Affectionately dubbed “the street pasties” the caring Christmas are making a big impression with revellers as they patrol the streets to help those that are worse for wear. Street pastors were first introduced onto the streets of London in 2003 and so far schemes have sprung up in Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, Southend and Wrexham. Their presence has led to a huge reduction in crime and I was “on duty” for just one night.
Religion/Spirituality	The Son – Winter 2007.



Hollywood star Russell Crowe wants to get baptised. Russell said: “I’d like to do it this year. My parents decided to let my brother and me make our own decisions about when we got to the right age. “I started thinking recently, “if I believe it is important to believe there are more important things than what is in the mind of a man. There is something much bigger that drives us all. I’m willing to take that leap of faith.”
What famous people say	The Son – Winter 2007.



Denzel Washington – possibly the world’s greatest film actor – has made it clear that he puts God first in his life. The Oscar winning Hollywood star – who has appeared in many of the biggest blockbusters to show on our cinema screens – says “My only true hero is God.” The brilliant actor has ploughed millions into his local Los Angeles Church and recently stood up for his beliefs in a major debate with Meryl Streep on American TV. He said: “ I am where I am by the grace of God.”
What famous people say	The Son – Winter 2007.



News Corporation, Parent company of The Times, bought the leading American religious website Beliefnet… in an effort to tap the faith market in a country where 88 per cent of the population say that they pray regularly. Beliefnet, formed eight years ago, attracts 3.1 million monthly users. It was sold by its founder Steve Waldman, who wanted to find a big media company willing to provide investment that the standalone business could not afford. No transaction price was disclosed.
Media	Salvationist – December 15th 2007.



One church will shut and another six are threatened with closure in a shake-up of catholic parishes. The good Shepherd church, in Blurton, will close in July next year because of dwindling numbers at weekend mass and as a result of its crumbling building. The Archbishop or Birmingham Vincent Nichols told a meeting at St Gregory’s Church, in Longton, Last night that the churches need to attract more worshippers to be economically viable.
Religion/Spirituality	The Sentinel - December 13th 2007



It was reported in November that Government Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell has recommended that all university students should have a compulsory course in Islamic theology. He is alleged to have claimed that such a measure would break down divisions between British society and the Muslim Community”. In addition, Mr Rammell has recommended such teaching be provided solely by imams, mullahs and other “Islamic scholar”.
	Evangelicals Now - January 2008.



When it comes to the most popular topics of prayer among the 20 million UK adults who pray, family and friends (68%) leads the way, followed by thanking God (41%). World issues rank fifth on the list (25%), highlighting the challenge for Tearfund to encourage more prayer for issues of poverty.
Religion/Spirituality	Evangelicals Now - January 2008.



Apparently only 12 per cent of adults have a detailed knowledge of the Christmas story; this falls to 7 per cent in the 18 – 24 age group. The survey by Theos also concluded: “That younger people are the least Knowledgeable about the Christmas story may reflect a decline in the telling of bible stories in schools and the popularity of nativity plays.”
Religion/Spirituality	Salvationist – December 22nd 2007



Every household in Britain could be powered by off shore wind farms under major expansion plans being announced by the government today. Up to 7,000 turbines could be installed around d the UK’s coastline in a bid to boost the wind energy produced 60 fold by 2020. Business secretary John Hutton admitted the “step change” would alter the face of the waters around the country with the equivalent of two turbines to every mile.
Environment	The Sentinel - December 10th 2007.

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