Church Issues

• Hillsong worship leader announces loss of faith: Well-known song-writer and worship leader Marty Sampson has followed author Joshua Harris in announcing via social media that he is departing from Christianity. Read more here and here.

World Scene

• Macron cracks down on freedom of speech: New laws pushed through the French Parliament in recent months imply that President Macron is unwilling to crack down on the violent protests of anarchists or young Arab immigrants, but he is willing to restrict peaceful protesters concerned about the direction in which he is taking the nation. Read more here.
  
• Academics defend freedom of discussion on gender: 12 leading philosophers have signed an open letter calling for academic freedom of speech to be defended on controversial topics like sex and gender. Read more here.
  
• Documentary unveils Chinese oppression: A new film is lifting the lid on the reality of China’s Communist ‘one child’ policy from 1979 to 2015, including forced abortion, forced sterilisation and infanticide. Read more here. Also this week, satellite images and photographs show that China is amassing troops near its border with Hong Kong, in what could potentially become a violent military crackdown on pro-democracy protestors. Read more here.
  
• UN examines Palestinian anti-Semitism: Anti-Semitic incitement through Palestinian textbooks and statements were reviewed this week by a UN discrimination committee for the first time ever, following concerns raised by NGOs. Read more here.

Israel & Middle East

• Tlaib and Omar feel heat of Israel’s BDS law: Two Democrat congresswomen who known for being aggressively anti-Israel were barred from visiting the country earlier this week. Read more here. The decision regarding Tlaib was later rescinded, but she has reportedly rejected the renewed opportunity.
  
• Evidence of Babylonian conquest uncovered in Jerusalem: Researchers at the ongoing Mount Zion dig have found artefacts suggestive of the siege of the city in 587/586 BC. Read more here.

Events

• Messianic teaching from Colin Mitchell, 11 and 25 August (London, West Midlands): Colin is a Messianic pastor and teacher who made aliyah to Israel in 2009 and is a leader at Kehilat HaCarmel fellowship in Haifa. Hear him speak on Sunday 11 August at The Rock Church in Stratford (E15 2LS, 10:30am), or Sunday 25 August at William Street Church in Brierley Hill (DY5 3XH, 11am).
• 'I Am John Wesley' performance, Saturday 31 August, Lincolnshire: A free Gospel-centred play by Sh'ma Kingdom Drama, using drama and dance to tell the story of the Wesley brothers. Broughton Village Hall. Click here to find out more.
• Abortion: Killing off the human race? Saturday 21 September (central London): Join Voice for Justice UK and speakers including the Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP in calling for a reduction of the time limit for abortion. The Emmanuel Centre, Westminster, 10am-5pm, tickets £30 (concessions £15). Click here to find out more and to register.
• Abortion: Choice, Necessity or Injustice? Thursday 26 September (Bristol): Join the Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform at their Bristol launch for an evening of inspiration, education and activation on this vital issue. Buckingham Chapel, 7:30pm. Click here to find out more and RSVP. The following day there is also opportunity to join apologetics training and take part in an educational street display in the city centre.
• SPUC annual conference, 13-15 September (Derbyshire): Join other SPUC supporters and a number of prominent speakers at this critical time in pro-life campaigning. The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick. Tickets £200. Click here to find out more and to book.