Religion leads the way on Facebook

A recently released list of Facebook’s most engaging pages has religion dominating the top ten. The page Jesus Daily has now been in the No 1 spot for a remarkable 18 weeks, with 8,284,774 fans and 3,419,397 interactions.

Two spots behind is The Bible, which has 8,090,313 fans and 1,044,350 posts. Moving up the ranks is Dios Es Bueno (God is Good) with 748,217 talkative followers making it the page to watch. The page Jesus Christ is at No 10 with 513,040 interactions, while Joyce Meyer Ministries is in 15th.

Sport struggles to keep up with religion in terms of popularity with super club FC Barcelona back in 5th position, Real Madrid in 6th and Manchester United in 7th. Interestingly enough, the second ranked most engaging page is Indonesian motivational speak Mario Teguh while pop singer Justin Bieber has fallen back to 8th, Lil Wayne is 12th and Lady Gaga is 18th.

The top television spot is earned by India’s MTV Roadies, which moved up into 11th position with 469,213 people joining the conversation this last week, while two Zynga games round off the top 20 in Texas Hold’em Poker and Empires & Allies.

Hurricane Irene: Christian relief groups swing into action

Hurricane Irene has left havoc to the U.S. East Coast and Canada in its wake , and as a result Christian disaster relief organizations have swung into action.

Hurricane Irene has left 21 people dead, while disrupting power to 6 million homes and businesses, and causing billions-of-dollars-worth in damages.

Salvation Army officials say damage assessment teams are receiving significant requests for relief on a large scale. The Salvation Army at this stage is focused on feeding evacuees as well as fire, rescue, police and other emergency response personnel.

"The initial damage reports are leaving us cautiously optimistic that there has not been widespread structural damage or injuries," said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary in the U.S.

"But flooding remains a problem, particularly in New England, and there is a significant response ongoing. It is critical that we provide the base of support for damage assessment teams, rescue personnel and survivors to ensure everyone weathers the fallout from this storm safely."

Another relief organization, the Christian Reformed WorldRelief Committee (CRWRC) are focussing on assisting with cleanup efforts.

“The flooding is still happening, particularly as you go up New Yrok State and into New England. Our role right now is to identify areas where we can be sending cleanup teams to start to help,” said Bill Adams, the director of CRWRC Disaster Response Services.

“We started in North Carolina where we have communities there that we’ve worked with in the past years.”

Despite the poor reputation of the government relief agency FEMA, Adams insisted they that are actually doing a great job.

“Generally, FEMA does a much better job than the media gives them credit. We work with them every day. These are top rate people. Generally speaking they get a lot done,” Adams said.

“As somebody who works with them on the ground, we have the highest respect for them.”

(Image courtesty of NOAA).

Fear runs high in Syria

A London-based priest who is presently working in Syria has told the BBC that that "fear is very high" in the nation.

The Rev Nadim Nassar, who is based in his home city Latakia, said in an interview with the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that it feels at times "like the whole city has closed down because people are scared to leave their homes".

“On Sunday, you could hear a lot of shooting and bombing from different parts of the city,” he added.

“The whole city is now shut. The fear is very high, and people don’t know what’s going on and what is next.”

The crackdown by the Syrian government began last weekend after anti-government protests in the city. A day later, tanks surrounded the city while Syrian warships fired shells into populated areas, according to activists. Around 30 people have been killed in the city and government forces stand accused of shooting at women and children trying to escape.

The Syrian government denies that civilians are targets and claim that they are confronting armed terrorist gangs.

The Rev Nadim Nassar is the director of the Awareness Foundation, a charity that aids Christians to “make sense of their faith and culture in the 21st century, and to increase their awareness of their neighbours’ faiths and cultures”.

Canon Jim Rosenthal, communications director of the Awareness Foundation, said: “He has spoken of feeling almost imprisoned in his house. There is also a considerable lack of electricity.

"Naturally, we are deeply concerned for his family and are all praying he and his sister Huda will return safe and well."

Christopher Hitchens writes ‘last’ book

Prolific writer, political journalist and renowned atheist Christopher Hitchens has released a book entitled, “Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens,” that he claims may be his last.

Hitchens was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2010, and admitted earlier this year that medical efforts to beat the cancer had been to no avail.

“Arguably” is his first book of essays since 2004, and includes titles such as: “God of Our Fathers: The United States of Enlightenment”; “America the Banana Republic”; “Why Women Aren’t Funny”; “First, Silence the Whistle-Blower”; “Iran’s Waiting Game”; “Easter Charade”; “Words Matter”; and “Wine Drinkers of the World, Unite.”

Typically, the book also contains Hitchen’s particular brand of ‘anti-religion’ speech. The author of “God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything,” is a determined champion of ‘New Atheism,’ the belief that religion should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument.

According to CNN, Hitchens describes himself as an antitheist rather than an atheist.

“You could be an atheist and wish that the belief was true. You could; I know some people who do,” he told them. “An antitheist, a term I’m trying to get into circulation, is someone who’s very relieved that there’s no evidence for this proposition.”

Although Hitchens' religious viewpoints have been debated by several leading Christian figures, his brilliance as a thinker, writer and speaker has never been in doubt. Hitchens wrote in the introduction to ‘Arguably’ why it might be his last work:

“...About a year ago, I was informed by a doctor that I might have as little as another year to live. In consequence, some of these articles were written with the full consciousness that they might be my very last.

“Sobering in one way and exhilarating in another, this practice can obviously never become perfected. But it has given me a more vivid idea of what makes life worth living, and defending, and I hope very much that some of this may infect those of you who have been generous enough to read me this far.”

British Parliamentary inquiry into freedoms for Christians

British Christians say they are unclear as to what the law regards as appropriate expressions of faith.

Many Christians have complained that they are being increasingly marginalised in public arenas, such as the workplace. Recent high profile court cases having included Christian employees being disciplined for wearing Christian jewellery, and Christian foster parents being struck off the adoption roll because of their beliefs.

The parliamentary inquiry has been launched by Christians in Parliament, the all-party parliamentary group, to seek clarity on whether the freedoms of Christians really are being eroded and what the law has to say about public expressions of faith.

Gary Streeter MP, who is chairing the inquiry, stated: “There has never been a more significant time for Christians to make a positive contribution to our society, but if we are to do that it is important to clear the ground of the confusion that sometimes appears to hinder our capacity to live and speak freely.

“This cross-party inquiry from both the Commons and the Lords attempts to do just that.”

Evidence will be presented by Christian public policy groups on a range of issues, including education, business and employment, and human rights.

WCC urges 'immediate' action in Horn of Africa

The head of the World Council of Churches has urged governments in the Horn of Africa to do everything possible to ensure aid reaches those in need.

The region is facing its worst famine 60 years, with approximately two million Somalis facing starvation.

WCC General Secretary Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit lamented the fact that more people were dying because food and medical aid was being blocked by Al Shabaab rebels.

"This interference with humanitarian aid is inhumane and must be strongly condemned," said Dr Tveit.

"People of all ages are dying, hour by hour.

"Governments must find workable solutions to the political circumstances that hinder the delivery of water, food and other supplies.

"The famine is a human tragedy that should be addressed immediately, regardless of political struggles in a given nation."

Dr Tveit challenged the international community, including African churches and church aid agencies to "move swiftly" to make aid available, while also calling on all Christians to keep praying for the people affected by the famine.

"Innocent lives are at stake," he said.

Christian leaders focus on Libya

Pope Benedict XVI has urged the public to remember the suffering of ordinary Libyans in the civil conflict currently raging across the country, while calling upon political leaders to use diplomacy and dialogue to bring an end to the fighting in Libya.

The Pope said: “In the current conflict in Libya, may diplomacy and dialogue replace arms, and may those who suffer as a result of the conflict be given access to humanitarian aid.”

The latest news on Libya has battles being fought all over Tripoli with jubilant rebels already anticipating the end of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Thousands of people squeezed into Green Square in the heart of the city on Sunday night to celebrate the advancement of the rebels.

David Innes, of Arab World Ministries told Christian Today that the events in Libya and across the Arab world reflected the desire of the young people to have more say in the governing of their country.

He appealed to Christians to pray for a swift and peaceful conclusion to the conflict in Libya and for believers to be strong during the period of uncertainty.

Regardless of what transpires from the revolution, Mr Innes said the coming months would be challenging for Libya and require substantial rebuilding as a result of the devastation left by the fighting.

Starbucks boss pulls out of Christian leadership summit

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has decided to cancel a speaking engagement at a US megachurch after bowing to pressure from a homosexual rights group.

Schultz was scheduled to speak at Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois during their Global Leadership Summit, but pulled out after an online petition accused the church of being ‘anti-gay’.

The online petitioners threatened to boycott Schultz’s chain of coffee shops if he appeared at the Summit, and his board decided that the speaking engagement was not worth the potential loss of revenue.

Bill Hybels, senior pastor of the 20,000 member Willow Creek Church, informed USA Today that the church does follow biblical ethics in reserving sex for marriage between a man and a woman, but welcomes worshippers of all backgrounds.

Hybels added he was sad and disappointed about the cancellation but insisted the church wasn’t anti-gay.

“To suggest that we check sexual orientation or any other kind of issue at our doors is simply not true,” Hybels said. “Just ask the hundreds of people with same-sex attraction who attend our church every week.”

World Bank says Somalia famine is 'manmade'

In an interview with Reuters, Kenya Wolfgang Fengler, a lead economist for the World Bank, has labelled the famine currently devastating Somalia as a “manmade” crisis.

Thousands of men, women and children are dying daily in the famine, and Fengler lays the blame firmly at the door of policy makers.

“Droughts have occurred over and again, but you need bad policy making for that to lead to a famine,” she insisted.

Fengler was reacting after a World Bank report argued that the famine is not a result of weather variables as much as it is the fault of over exaggerated food prices and civil conflict.

The report shows the prices of local food staples in Somalia like maze, wheat, and sugar have soared up 240 percent since 2008. These prices were due to poor harvest, the shrinking of global food stocks, and America’s over production of corn ethanol, all of which contributed to the rising food prices across the Horn of Africa.

On Monday, the World Bank President Robert Zoellick stated: “Nowhere are high food prices, poverty and instability combining to produce tragic suffering more than in the Horn of Africa.”

Zoellick added that Somalia and its Horn of Africa neighbors will stay in the “danger zone” as long as food prices remain high and food stocks remain low.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in agreement with the World Bank’s position on the famine, saying, “Every few decades the cycle repeats. And it would be easy to throw up our hands and blame it all on forces beyond our control. But this cycle is not inevitable.”

Clinton insisted that the world has the resources and tools to make hunger a “memory” and argued it could be done if the political will was present among global leaders.

Madrid hosts World Youth Day

An estimated million young Catholics from all around the globe have streamed into Madrid for five days of prayers, processions and learning.

The World Youth Day was opened on Tuesday night with a Mass celebrated in several languages in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles.

Welcoming the youth to Spain was the Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, who told them they were part of the generation of Pope Benedict XVI.

“It’s not the same as the generation of John Paul II,” he said.

“Your place in life has its own characteristics. Your problems and circumstances have changed.”

He challenged them to respond once again to the call of Jesus.

“Don’t be afraid of being a saint,” he said.

“Let Christ live in your heart. Respond to Him with a ‘yes’ that’s full of excitement and generosity of life."

The President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, also spoke and he chose to remind the youth of the importance of faith.

“Faith is a decisive factor in each person’s life,” he said. “Everything changes according to whether God exists or not.

“You have come to say aloud to the whole world, and in particular to Europe which is showing signs of being very lost, your unwavering ‘yes’. Yes, faith is possible," he said.

One of the young people attending the event, Tom Rees, a pilgrim from the UK, said he was excited about taking part.

“World Youth Day is a beacon for the Church’s care and devotion to the welfare and spiritual wellbeing of is young adults, with the perfect blend of celebration and reflection, its unquestionable that this event revitalises faith in our young people,” he said.

“What greater way to celebrate this than with thousands of young people all from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences.”

Pope Benedict is due to arrive in Madrid on Thursday and will share in a vigil with the youths on Saturday.

(Image from madrid11.com).

Global rise of religious discrimination

A new study has found that almost a third of the global population live in areas where restrictions on religious beliefs and practices increased between 2006 and 2009.

The study was commissioned by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life and operated under the idea that ‘restrictions’ includes both social hostilities and government restrictions. The study found that these restrictions increased in 23 of the world’s 198 countries (12 per cent), decreased in 12 countries (6 per cent) and remained unchanged in 163 countries (82 per cent).

Eight countries saw a substantial increase in restrictions while no countries experienced a substantial decrease. China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam as well as France and the United Kingdom were listed as countries where religious people find it difficult to practice their faith.

The report found that Christians were harassed 130 countries, Muslims in 117 countries, Jews in 75 countries and Buddhists in 16 countries.

198 countries and territories were scored by the group based on government laws, policies and actions as well as acts of religious hostility, religious harassment and other religion-related intimidation or abuse.

"During the three-year period covered by the study, the extent of violence and abuse related to religion increased in more places than it decreased," the report stated.

"The number of countries in which governments used at least some measure of force against religious groups or individuals rose from 91 (46 per cent) in the period ending in mid-2008 to 101 (51 per cent) in the period ending in mid-2009. This violence was wide-ranging, including individuals being killed, physically abused, imprisoned, detained or displaced from their homes, as well as damage to or destruction of personal or religious properties."

Interestingly enough, 76 per cent of the measured countries provide for freedom of religion in the constitution or in basic laws, but this does not prevent 46 per cent of those countries from interfering with worship or other religious practices.

British PM vows to mend ‘broken society’

In the aftermath of the riots that tore across England’s major cities last week, Prime Minister, David Cameron, has promised to place healing Britain’s “broken society” right at the top of the Government’s agenda.

“The broken society is back at the top of my political agenda,” insisted Mr Cameron.

“I have an ambition, before the end of this parliament, we will turn around the lives of 120,000 most troubled families.

“We need more urgent action too, on the families that some people call ‘problem’, others call ‘troubled’. The ones that everyone in their neighbourhood knows and often avoids.”

The Prime Minister agreed with those who last week pointed to the disintegration of families and family life as being one of the main causes of the riots, and he also spoke of a “moral collapse.”

Mr Cameron said: “The question people asked over and over again last week was ‘where are the parents? … Well, join the dots and you have a clear idea about why some of these young people were behaving so terribly.

“Either there was no one at home, they didn’t much care or they’d lost control.”

Mr Cameron blamed an “indifference to right and wrong” and the “criminal disease” of gangs that have “infected streets and estates across our country”.

“Social problems that have been festering for decades have exploded in our face,” he said.

To try and counter the “very modern” problem of “alienated, angry young people”, Mr Cameron also announced plans to have 16-year-olds take part in non-military national service.

(Image shows damage done in the Clapham Junction area).

Texting your faith

Textify is a new ministry hoping to tap into youth and their fascination with mobile phones.

The campaign was launched by Hope Revolution, a U.K. based youth ministry, and it encourages young people to text about their faith.

Textify urges young Christians to spend seven days praying for three friends and then text them each a question or 'God thought' as a conversation starter.

Phil Timson, the Youth Director for HOPE said: “We understand that it can be tough for young people to talk about what they believe and there is a real element of courage needed to do this.

"However, what better way is there to get out of our comfort zone, and build up confidence together, than getting on our mobiles for Jesus and using them to Textify.

“This will be the start of more than just a conversation. Our vision is to see every Christian young person in the UK taking bold steps forward to share their hope with others through the way they live, what they say and what they do.

"Together we can see lives changed and communities transformed and the next generation will lead the way! Let’s declare the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love like never before.”

After making a beginning through text messaging, youths are being encouraged to use Facebook and Twitter to follow up with their friends and inspire others to join in.



Mike Pilavachi, Leader of Soul Survivor and HOPE Board member said: “I love using my phone, so Textify is a no brainer. Sharing our faith in Jesus is about our words and actions. It’s about all of our lives, and that of course includes our phones, Facebook and Twitter accounts.”

Find tips and resources at www.hope-revolution.com

Famine in Somalia worsens

The famine currently devastating the Horn of Africa is now being described as the worst in 60 years, with Somalia being the country most badly affected, as 3.9 million people are at risk of starvation.

The United Nations estimates that around 29,000 Somali children are believed to have died in the last 90 days alone. Horrific stories are emerging about parents forced to choose between children, between those they believe can survive and those that cannot.

The U.N has made an emergency appeal for $2.4 billion but only received $1.1 billion so far, with the United States being the biggest donor.

The situation in Somalia is worsened because the Shabab, an extremist group with Al Qaeda links, is fighting a weak Western-backed government and until this week, prevented aid groups from delivering food to the starving.

(Image is an Africa Drought Famine Refugee Concept Illustration).

London Riots: The Church of England offers support

The Church of England has called on Christians to pray for London, Birmingham, Manchester and other cities affected by the rioting.

The Church has issued a special prayer for church and personal use that has already been widely distributed via Twitter and Facebook.

The Prayer for Peace in Our Communities reads: 


Gracious God,
We pray for peace in our communities this day.
We commit to you all who work for peace and an end to tensions,
And those who work to uphold law and justice.
We pray for an end to fear,
For comfort and support to those who suffer.
For calm in our streets and cities,
That people may go about their lives in safety and peace.
In your mercy, hear our prayers,
now and always. Amen

The Church of England said many of their churches have thrown open their doors to communities in need, while bishops and priests have been visiting and listening to affected people, offering prayer and support.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Manchester has called for justice to be done after thugs tore through the city centre, vandalising and looting shops.

The Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch condemned the “sheer vandalism, thuggery [and] theft” in the city.

“There is absolutely no excuse for that,” he said.

“Justice now needs to be done, and seen to be done.”

In Birmingham, police have launched a murder investigation after three men were killed allegedly while protecting their community.

In Southall, hundreds of Sikh men rallied to protect their temple. In Stoke Newington, crowds of Turks successfully saw off rioters and gathered again on the streets last night armed with baseball bats and fire extinguishers to deter any would-be looters.

The Diocese of London appealed to Christians to pray “for the restoration of order and for peace”, and for “safety and understanding”.

The Bishop of Southwark and for Urban Life and Faith, the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, said the images of violence and destruction on the television screens “do not represent the strong, hopeful and vibrant communities I know so well”.

“I want to appeal to those responsible for the disturbances to stop,” he said.

“Today, as many in our Diocese count the cost of the disturbances, I am deeply saddened to see the images of destruction in familiar places.

“I will in the days ahead visit those communities that have been at the centre of trouble and I continue to promise my support for, and solidarity with, all who seek to build positive and constructive engagement."

(Image depicts rioters in Birmingham)

London Riots: Vigil of Hope organised by churches

With the violent rioting that has recently scarred London, Christian leaders and politicians organised a vigil of hope at The High Cross on Monday night in response to the carnage.

The peace vigil was organized by the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church, as well as Pentecostal and independent churches.

The Bishop of Edmonton, local bishop for the Diocese of London, the Rt. Rev. Peter Wheatley said: “These events cannot be allowed to define the Tottenham we know and love. Many of us have worked in this community for many years and we know the loving, generous and openhearted people with whom we share our daily lives are not the rioters who have destroyed so much.

“What has happened will not conquer the hope which is set before us. We will continue to share that hope with our neighbours and friends as we move to rebuild in Tottenham.”

Church of England parishes in Tottenham have thrown open their doors to those affected and are offering practical help. Support has been given to those whose homes and businesses have been looted, while meals, hot water and phone charging facilities have been made available to those who were left without electricity.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected, including those who have been made homeless and local business owners whose livelihoods have been threatened,” the bishop added.

“Together, our churches already run a multitude of activities supporting all members of the community, irrespective of their faith, and these efforts will be continued and where possible extended.”

The London rioters represent a ‘broken’ generation

A leading Christian organisation has urged political and other community leaders to realise that the London rioters terrorising the city reveal aspects of British society that are “broken and detached”.

“The appalling scenes on the streets of London, and elsewhere in the UK, should be condemned unreservedly,” said Gavin Poole, executive director of The Centre for Social Justice.

“Yet we have to recognise that this mayhem also exposes a broken section of British society – utterly detached from the values and responsibilities we expect of our fellow citizens.”

Mr Poole pointed out that the disintegration of healthy family units have played their part in the chaos on the capital’s streets, and said that after order has been restored, there is need for a “deep rooted social reform.”

“As wrong and unacceptable as it is, [the rioters] project anarchy in public because it is what surrounds them at home,” he said.

“Many will have never known stable parenting or fatherhood role models. Such family breakdown and dysfunction has rendered countless young people damaged and directionless.

“We will find a high majority of these young people have failed in schools where truancy is normal, behaviour is often disruptive and boundaries are not established.

“Many of them face a life on benefits in ghettos scarred by poor housing and street gangs, completely devoid of aspiration. In such communities, they have been written off by society repeatedly.

“These are the actions of people who live in chaos, hopelessness and poverty. What they are doing is criminal, completely wrong and must be punished. But it is not entirely random; they believe they have nothing to lose and no one to answer to. Some even consider it normal.



“Yes, we need political leadership and a debate about policing techniques. But when the violence ends, we need deep rooted social reform which understands that a section of Britain is badly broken and needs to be rebuilt.”

Noah's Ark visits Cologne

A floating amusement park with a Biblical theme has docked in Cologne. It is a life-size version of Noah’s Ark, in the midst of a tour of Europe.

The owner of the Ark is Dutch television entertainer and puppeteer Aad Peters who aims to use it to test people’s knowledge of the Bible while exploring the life-size stuffed animals, models and puppets on board.

The ship includes four different stories from the Old and New Testaments, including Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the story of Noah, as well as David and Goliath.

"The Bible is an interesting book, even for people who have never read it," said Peters. "Everyone should be familiar with its stories."

The ship has seen a wide range of visitors so far on its tour, including Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, as well as Christians.

"Noah's tale is also present in other religions," Peters observed. "I've met Muslims who know the story better than Christians."

The exhibition is not just to expand people’s Bible knowledge but is art for art’s sake, insists Peters, who added he is not actually a church-goer.

Protestant pastor Mathias Bonhoeffer, who visited the exhibition said he found it interesting but noted that "some of the theological subtleties are missing and much does not correspond with what's actually in the Bible."

"Still, it's impressive for young people and a good way for them to get a glimpse of Christian traditions and culture," he added.

Has the Apostle Philip's tomb been discovered?

Italian archaeologists believe they have discovered what may be the tomb of Philip, one of Jesus' 12 apostles

The archaeologists made the find while working in the ancient Asia Minor city of Hierapolis in Turkey's Aegean province of Denizli, and are planning to excavate the unopened grave soon.

Tradition teaches that Phillip came to Hierapolis - known today as Pamukkale - to preach the Gospel but he was crucified upside down by the Romans.

"As we were cleaning out the new church we discovered a month ago, we finally found the grave," said Francesco D'Andria, director of the Institute of Archaeological Heritage, Monuments and Sites at Italy's National Research Council in Lecce.

"With close examination, we determined that the grave had been moved from its previous location in the St Philip Church to this new church in the fifth century, during the Byzantine era.

"Until recently, we thought the grave of St Philip was on Martyrs' Hill, but we discovered no traces of him in the geophysical research conducted in that area. A month ago, we discovered the remnants of an unknown church, 40 metres away from the St Philip Church on Martyrs' Hill. And in that church we discovered the grave of St Philip," D'Andria said.

"We are extremely happy and proud to have discovered the grave of a saint whose name appears in the bible - this surely is an important discovery for religious tourism, archaeology and Christendom."

Over 29,000 Somali children killed by famine

A recently released U.S. report estimates that the devastating drought and famine in Somalia have killed over 29,000 children under the age of 5. The Horn of Africa crisis is the worse drought in the area in 60 years. Added to this, the U.N. estimates that 640,000 Somali children are acutely malnourished.

Out of Somalia’s population of 7.5 million people, the U.N. says that 3.2 million are in need of immediate lifesaving assistance.
Complicating matters is that aid efforts are being stymied by al-Qaida-linked militants who control much of the country's most desperate areas. This group has denied a famine is taking place, and won't give access to the World Food Program.

This has caused tens of thousands of refugees to flee the area in hopes of finding food at camps in Ethiopia, Kenya and in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

While hundreds of millions of dollars have already been contributed to fight the famine, the U.N. says it requires hundreds of millions more, according to the Associated Press.

Religion does not preach violence, say faith leaders

A group of British faith leaders have issued a joint statement condemning the Norway terrorist attacks and dismissing suggestions the killer was inspired by Christianity.

Anders Behring Breivik is still in custody and being questioned about his self-confessed attacks on a government building in Oslo and a youth camp on the island of Uteoya.

Some newspapers labelled Breivik as a 'Christian fundamentalist' after the attacks, although he has described himself as a ‘cultural Christian’ with no personal relationship to God.

Leaders of the Christian Muslim Forum, the Three Faiths Forum and other faith groups in the UK condemned all acts of violence or terrorism committed in the name of religion.

"We take this opportunity to reiterate that no religion, whatever the practices of those who claim to follow a religion, preaches violence or encourages attacks on the innocent," they said.

"Terrorism is terrorism and violence is violence, neither of these are religious or religiously-motivated.

"We thoroughly repudiate any suggestion that in his attacks Anders Breivik was inspired by Christianity; Christianity and all religions teach respect for human life."

The leaders clarified they were fully supportive of the victim's families and the ongoing legal process against Breivik. They also urged all Europeans to hold dialogues on peace, reject violence, and work for harmonious relations with all people, regardless of their religious or political stance.

They group challenged all Europeans to "avoid scapegoating or reinforcing negativity towards minority communities, especially in the mass media".

"We remain committed to dismantling myths and prejudices, sharing similarities and differences and modelling genuine good relations," they said.

Signatories of the statement included Julian Bond, Director of Christian Muslim Forum, Stephen Shashoua, Director of Three Faiths Forum, and Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Co-Chair, Christian Muslim Forum.

Shakira and Barcelona FC collaborate to help 28,000 children

Pop star Shakira and the Spanish soccer team Barcelona announced this week a joint effort to benefit over 28,000 Hispanic children based in Miami and Colombia.

The collaboration will see educational programs offered to children in the Hispanic community in Miami, and also the construction of sports and recreational facilities in the Colombian city of Cartagena and Miami.

The aim of the project is to assist children from vulnerable communities at risk of social exclusion.

Shakira is dating FC Barcelona’s soccer star Gerard Pique, and has been previously honoured for her artistic and humanitarian work.

Shakira used the opportunity at the launch to throw a spotlight on the Hispanic community, saying: “Not only do we represent the largest minority in the country [US], but the fastest growing; our community is in urgent need to provide all the necessary tools so that our children can develop their maximum potentials, talents, and intelligence.”

“The Hispanics in the United States have all the talent and desire; what we need now is more education and more sports to keep the ball on our side and to achieve the best play," the pop star added, according to her website www.shakira.com.

The launch of Soccer for Youth Development and Healthy Living was attended by Shakira and FC Barcelona superstars Piqué, Puyol, Busquets and Affellay at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Commissioner Steve Bovo, FC Barcelona Foundation vice-president Ramon Pont and YMCA of Greater Miami Board Chairman Brian Mormille also all attended.

(Image from shakira.com).

U.N estimates world population to reach 7 billion in 2011

The latest United Nations reports predict the world population to reach seven billion during the course of this year.

Further projections estimate growth will continue to nine billion by 2050 and 10 billion by 2100.

Developing countries will contribute a massive 97% of this growth, with Africa expected to contribute 1.1 billion people (49%) to the growth. With a population doubling almost every 20 years, established infrastructures will be placed under incredible strain.

In contrast, the developed world is expected to only contribute 3% of the growth. Wealthy countries such as Japan or Germany will either see no growth or a decline in their population statistics, creating another problem in that they will not have enough people to replace their established work forces.

Major population growth began in 1750 with the Industrial Revolution, reaching one billion in 1800 and two billion in 1920. The population then further jumped to 3.5 billion in the 1960’s and has grown steadily at a rate of approximately 2% a year.

“In the 1960’s and 1970’s people expected a population bomb. Now we have mini-bombs going off in the most fragile parts of the world. Issues of inequality and poverty may spill over from less-developed countries, which will not be good for their neighbors or the rest of the world,” David Bloom, a professor of economics and demography at Harvard School of Public Health, informed Bloomberg.

“The demographic picture is indeed complex and poses some formidable challenges. Those challenges are not insurmountable, but we cannot deal with them by sticking our heads in the sand,” Bloom added.

Experts find it difficult to predict exactly what the effect such a large population will have on the planet, although all agree that resources will be strained to the limit.

“Every billion people we add to the planet makes life difficult for everyone and will do more damage to the environment,” John Bongaarts, a demographer for New York’s Population Council said.

“Can we support 10 billion people? Probably. But we would all be better off with a smaller population.”

Rob Bell’s 'NOOMA' developed into App

The popularity of Rob Bell’s ‘NOOMA’ film series has seen Christian publishing company Zondervan develop it into an app.

‘NOOMA’ is a series of short films by Bell, the author of ‘Love Wins,’ which have sold over 2 million copies. The app has been developed for iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system, and Android, Google’s mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel for smartphones.

“Having video content wherever you go and whenever you want it is probably the future, so why not have a NOOMA everywhere you go?” John Raymond, vice president and publisher of curriculum at Zondervan, informed The Grand Rapids Press newspaper.

There are 24 short films in the “NOOMA” series, each about 10 to 14 minutes long, and they blend everyday life with discussion about God. The first film in the series, ‘Rain,’ is free with each download of the new app while the other 23 films can be purchased for $2.99 each.

“The iPad and the iPhone are continuing to set record sales, so that’s definitely the place to be,” Raymond added. “But there are also an enormous number of smartphones being used, plus several new Android platforms available for smartphone and tablets.”

‘NOOMA’ is the first app to have been developed by Zondervan.

“To have ourselves positioned in both platforms is a healthy way to watch how users acquire their content,” Raymond said, before adding the company would look to bring out additional apps once it understands the market better.

“We’re trying to figure out what makes the most sense to an end user,” he said. “Once we’re pretty clear on what that is, that is the direction we’ll go in.”