NewLife Faith News - May 3rd
ompiled and Edited by Stan Hunt
Despite calls for intervention and support, the plight of West Papuans remains a critical issue. West Papua requires urgent attention from the global community, according to Christian Solidarity International (CSI).
CSI’s Joel Veldkamp says West Papuans, who are predominantly Christian, face racial discrimination in several significant areas. He told the Christian Post these include limited access to healthcare and education, police violence, and the lack of political representation in the local government.
West Papua is rich in natural resources, with some of the world’s largest gold and copper deposits. The Indonesian government’s efforts to control these resources have led to long-term military operations and significant displacement of indigenous people, according to CSI.
CSI’s appeal to the Human Right Council calls for Muslim-majority Indonesia to implement immediate reforms to protect West Papuans’ rights, emphasizing autonomy, safety and equal access to services.
Source: The Christian Post
The evangelical leader who co-wrote “Christianity Explored” has left the Church of England.
Rico Tice is a former Church of England clergyman and co-founder of Christianity Explored Ministries. He says he has left the CofE in reaction to “its growing departure from biblical values, especially concerning same-sex marriage and repentance”.
Mr Tice cited the denomination's decision to allow ministers to bless same-sex couples and its lack of response to concerns he and other CofE-connected parachurch organizations wrote to the church leadership.
The former senior minister at All Souls, Langham Place in London told the Christian Post they called upon the archbishop and bishops to resist the influence of cultural values which are in opposition to the Bible.
He says there was no substantive response, and that was key to his decision to leave with 'heaviness of heart, soul and mind'. Mr Tice now worships at the International Presbyterian Church London.
Source: The Christian Post