BENAZIR BHUTTO

The assassination of the former Primer Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, has been met with violent reaction by some of her supporters in Pakistan and words of condolence by political leaders around the world. As grief quickly turned into anger some of Bhutto's supporters in several cities across Pakistan reacted by setting fire to vehicles and on Sat 29 Dec there were reports from the BBC of at least 38 people being killed in riots. However, this is unlikely to continue and stability should return to the main cities. At the same time world leaders, including George Bush and Gordon Brown, publicly expressed their sorrow for the death of Bhutto and called for democratic elections in Pakistan and a continued fight against international terrorism.Although there has been concern that Bhutto's death could bring political instability to Pakistan this isn't the most likely outcome. It is more probable that the forthcoming elections will pose an uncertain and possibly problemtaic political future for Pakistan. National and provincial elections are expected to be held on 08 Jan 2008. In previous local elections there has been violence and killings. The Barnabus Fund have reported that two Christian candidates are running for the reserved minority seats for Christians in the upcoming elections. If elected, they are hoping to help end the controversial “blasphemy laws” under which there is a death sentence. Christians and other non-Muslims are particularly vulnerable to false accusations under this law.

I'm Back

Well it's not as if I have been away, but what with having had a twenty-four hour flu bug and what with busying around helping prepare for Christmas it does feel like that.Of course in the meantime we have seen Nick Clegg declare his agnosticism and Tony Blair become a Roman Catholic. Contentious subjects, but at the risk of taking an unusal stand for a Christian I have no problem with a political leader being an agnostic or athiest. Well I admit I would rather they were Christian, but equally I prefer to judge them first on their capabilities and ability to do their job, and would prefer them to any candidate who talked the talk but didn't walk the walk, so to speak.As for Blair becoming a Roman Catholic! Well his record in the past seems to be contradictory, but still, one sinner who repenteth eh.

Paul Burgin
(Jt CPF Co'Ordinator)

The Black Santa of Belfast

It's a brilliant idea (see here) and one that has not been advertised well beyond Northern Ireland. I hope it catches on.

Richard Dawkins and "Cultural Christianity"

Well credit where credits due I suppose, but its more than the tradition and culture that needs defending.

CPF Report gains media coverage

'The CPF report - A Call to Community - has gained some coverage in the Christian media. Inspire Magazine ran this article. You can download the report from our website at www.cpfhome.com