Jeffrey Donaldson sees great potential in the possibilities of certain key figures sharing their earlier experiences in connection with the Northern Ireland peace process with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. He has already had a few opportunities to do this with leaders of other nations where a ‘peace and reconciliation’ approach is appropriate in the light of the outbreak of peace. He is hoping soon to establish contacts there to develop this. 

He is also involved in moves to persuade the leaders of various paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland to disarm, and to put a stop to criminal activity in the community and internal feuding among themselves.

David Burrowes has concerns regarding the Criminal justice and Immigration Bill which is in progress: his concerns relate to families’ rights of access to information, victims of crime, homicide and infanticide, and assisted dying (attempts to liberalise the law continue).  The Police and Crime Bill is tackling prostitution and trafficking.

He asks us to pray for the Christian Police Association, and for the Street Pastors scheme (of which he is a patron).

He is also concerned about influences on children in schools – where an RE teacher may teach Christianity in a negative way, perhaps discouraging acceptance of it. 

Please pray for MPs with families and children, when at half terms and recess they may have time to share with them (to provide spiritual instruction for their children). 

Further news: 

A Private Members Bill relating to provision and support for autistic children is under way. 

Christian Concern for our Nation is concerned about Clause 58, a late insertion into the Coroners and Justice Bill that could remove the free speech clause added earlier and threaten the freedom of Christians. We wonder sometimes what the Government’s agenda is – it may be driven by lobbying bodies and pressure groups?

Word shared at the recent prayer meeting: it helps our faith if we can get a future perspective; imagine things where we believe they should be, and then ‘stand’ there in our imagination and look back to where we are, so as to see the road we are to take.

Scriptures shared at the meeting: Psalm 33:10-12. Psalm 67. Daniel 2:20-22.

The prayers: included praying with DB and JD, and powerful proclamation of Psalm 67. 

Please pray for (and, if possible, with) your local MP!
On behalf of all our brothers and sisters at the Palace of Westminster – thank you!