Esther and Assisted Dying.

Michael Deacon. DT.

Esther Rantzen fought for

 ‘assisted dying’. Now she’s 

surely killed it off.

Marvellous news about the broadcaster’s 

response to a lung cancer

 wonder drug ought to help her

 see the folly of her campaigning

Dame Esther says the new ‘wonder drug’ Osimertinib may extend her life by years Credit: ViacomCBS/Dave King

Michael DeaconColumnist & Assistant Editor

01 January 2025 7:00pm GMT

The other day, Dame Esther Rantzen announced some wonderful news. In an article she’d written for a national newspaper, headlined “The 10 things that make me so happy to be alive”, she revealed that “the new wonder drug I’m on”, known as Osimertinib, may hold back the spread of her stage-four lung cancer “for months, even years”. 

Fantastic. I’m so glad to hear it. I just have one small, gentle question.

Is this the same Dame Esther Rantzen who has been leading the campaign to legalise what she calls “assisted dying” (and which some of us prefer to call state-sanctioned suicide)?

I do believe it is. Because, in October, I distinctly recall Sir Keir Starmer explaining to the nation that he had “made a promise to Esther Rantzen before the election that we would provide time for a debate and a vote on assisted dying”. Later that same month, Kim Leadbeater – the Labour MP who brought forward the assisted dying Bill – publicly thanked the “inspirational” Dame Esther for her “steadfast campaigning on changing the law to give terminally ill people (like her) a choice at the end [of] life”. 

Well, all I can say is, it’s lucky that “assisted dying” is not legal just yet. Indeed, had it been legal a year ago, Dame Esther might be no longer with us. Because she herself might well have taken advantage of the opportunity she has so passionately campaigned for – and thus missed out on the “new wonder drug” that, by her own admission, may extend her life for years. 

Has this joyous development given Dame Esther pause for thought? Has it made her suspect that it might not be such a good idea to legalise “assisted dying” after all? Has it at least prompted her to consider the possibility that the Bill, as it stands, contains some serious flaws?

I’m afraid I must assume that it hasn’t. Because, towards the end of her article, in which she looks forward to the extra time she appears to have been granted, she fondly recalls the “huge relief” she felt less than five weeks ago “when the assisted dying Bill, which I supported, passed its second reading, something I never expected to see”.

Still, even if Dame Esther can’t spot the problem here, surely our MPs can? On Sunday we reported that “dozens” of MPs who voted in favour of the Bill in November “could withdraw their backing after concerns over the role of medical practitioners and the risk of coercion”. 

Those are certainly excellent reasons for them to abandon their support. But now they’ve got another. Because the celebrity figurehead of the “assisted dying” campaign has unwittingly highlighted the crucial point that, even if a couple of doctors reckon that you’ve got only a few months left to live, they might well turn out to be wrong. Your life, like Dame Esther’s, may yet be prolonged by some marvellous new medication – enabling you to continue revelling in the everyday joys that she celebrates in her list. Such as, for example, spring bulbs. 

“When I thought I would drop off my perch in a matter of weeks, there seemed little point in ordering bulbs which would not flower for months,” she writes. “Happily the new drug has postponed my perch-dropping for months, even years, so I’m surviving and this winter’s bulbs are in the soil. Hope is here. Spring’s on its way…”

I agree. Hope is indeed here. In particular, the hope that our MPs have all read her article, and reflected on its implications – even if its author hasn’t. Dame Esther has long fought for “assisted dying”. But now she may well have killed it off.

Police Have Lost Public Confidence!

 Police have 'lost control' of UK towns and cities as poll reveals crisis

Police have 'lost control' of UK towns and cities as poll reveals crisis Michael Knowles Almost one in ten said they put off calling 999 because they could not rely on the response.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1995127/Crime-police-towns-cities-justice

Blogger: I do not believe that this is the fault of the bulk of Police Officers. 

This must be laid clearly at the door of: inept government; liberal practices and leftist demands from on high; the placing of liberal leftists into almost all senior positions; changing the Police Force into a Police Service!

BLAME BRAMSHILL! - The Super Liberal Senior Staff College. The upper echelons of today's police are riddled with leftists.

Some of The Successes of CSW and Their Followers.

 

Your support has made a difference! As we look towards 2025, we give thanks for all you’ve done to keep supporting those who suffer for their faith or belief. It’s our privilege to share in this work with you. There are several moments from 2024 that we invite you to join us in giving thanks for: The release of Reverend Samson in Myanmar/Burma. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruling that there is no justifiable basis for Pastor Lorenzo’s imprisonment. In fact, they said it contravenes nine different Articles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Being able to continue standing alongside the Tarfa family in Nigeria, who are still working tirelessly for the return of 16 of the children who were taken from the Du Merci Centres nearly five years ago. Over 700 messages sent to UK parliamentary candidates as part of our General Election campaign to raise awareness of freedom of religion or belief – an amazing response! The launch of our North Korea report and being able to take it into the corridors of power in Westminster and in the United Nations (UN). The appointing of the new UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP. We will keep praying as the new year begins - particularly for the next court hearing of the Du Merci case, which was recently adjourned once again and rescheduled for 14 January 2025. We could not do this work without your continued support, so thank you!

All Believers Have The Ear of God.

 

Birdie.

 

Worsening Violence in India?

Over 400 Christian leaders in India demand Modi take action to quell religious violence.

By Christian Daily International, Thursday, January 02, 2025

SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images

More than 400 Christian leaders in India ended 2024 with a strongly-worded appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put an end to a surge in violence against Christians that was especially heightened during the Christmas season.

Modi is a member of the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has instigated much of the violence against Christians and whose activity has increased under his government.

In the Dec. 31 appeal to the government of Modi and President Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Christian leaders stated there were more than 720 cases of violence against Christians reported to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) between January and mid-December 2024, and 760 cases recorded by United Christian Forum (UCF) through the end of November.

Well, How Could Christians Have Voted For Harris?

Majority of white Christians, Hispanic Protestants backed Trump in 2024: poll.

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, January 02, 2025

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 06, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Americans cast their ballots today in the presidential race between Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as multiple state elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

A new survey reveals that most white Christians and Hispanic Protestants supported President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election as discussions continue about the influence of voters’ religious beliefs on their political affiliation.

The Public Religion Research Institute released a report examining the results of the 2024 presidential election broken down by religious affiliation. The report is based on responses collected from 5,772 adults and a subsample of 4,757 adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election between Nov. 8 and Dec. 2. The respective samples have margins of error of +/-1.7 percentage points and +/-1.9 percentage points. 

Trump, the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election, received his strongest level of support among white Evangelicals, measured at 85%. Just 14% of white Evangelicals backed Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. CP.

Nigerian Christians targeted at Christmas.

If the layout of this Prayer Alert Email looks wrong we recommend that you View this email in your browser Dear All. One-year-old killed as Nigerian Christians targeted at Christmas

Among the nearly 50 people reported to have been killed in attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria at Christmas was a one-year-old child.    Militant Fulani herdsmen are understood to have killed 15 Christians in a village in Plateau state on the night of December 22. Among the dead were a one-year-old and a 13-year-old, sources said. On Christmas Day at least 33 were killed in a separate attack on villages in Benue state. Please pray for all those affected by these atrocities.   Clement Chup, president of the Aten Development Association (ADA), condemned the ‘gruesome killing of innocent, law-abiding Nigerians of Aten land’, in the predominantly Christian community of Dowchai, also known as Gidan Ado, in Riyom county.   ‘We are saddened by this callous and avoidable murder of 15 persons in a settlement just a stone’s throw from a military checkpoint,’ Chup said in a press statement. ‘This no doubt calls to question the commitment of the security agencies in their mandate of securing lives and property of Nigerians.’    The assault, in which dozens of houses were set ablaze, took place during a 6pm-6am government curfew, he noted.   ‘We are therefore baffled as to how the criminals found their way to perpetuate their evil plans without the security personnel detaining them,’ Chup said. ‘This is most disturbing, as these attacks and killings have been reoccurring within the community.’   In a separate attack in Benue state on Christmas Day Fulani herdsmen attacked a cluster of five predominantly Christian villages in Kwande county, killing 33 people and setting fire to homes, sources said.   The death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue, local resident Udeti Gira said.   ‘The brutal assault by Fulani herdsmen terrorists has left the community in shock and mourning,’ Gira told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News (CDI-MSN). ‘The people of Kwande are still waiting for a decisive response from the Government to address the escalating insecurity in the area.’   Resident Abraham Kyambe said the attack had also resulted ‘in the destruction of farm products worth millions of naira, leaving the community reeling. ‘As the people of Kwande struggle to come to terms with the aftermath of the attack, the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next? Will the Government take decisive action to protect its citizens, or will the cycle of violence continue unchecked?’ Gun attack on Pakistani believers    Three Christians were shot and wounded in a Christmas Day gun attack on the home of a pastor and televangelist in Lahore, Pakistan, it has been reported.   Following a Christmas Eve confrontation in which Pastor Shahzad Siddique tried to stop a group of Muslims from harassing guests, more than a dozen gunmen opened fire on Christians at a gathering outside his home in Lahore’s Maryam Colony the next day, he told CDI-MSN. Siddique is a Pentecostal preacher on satellite-television channel Praise TV.   Two of the three injured – Siddique’s uncle and driver – were out of danger, but the third Christian, Akash Patras, remained in a serious condition with a stomach injury, the pastor said. Police had arrested five suspects and were raiding sites to catch the others involved in the shooting, he said.     Siddique said: ‘I’ve always preached peace and tolerance, but this unprovoked attack has shown that extremist elements do not want a peaceful society.’   (Source: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News) PRAY For God’s comfort and strength for all those affected by the brutal attacks on the Christian communities in Nigeria For an end to the violence against Christians in Nigeria and that the Government and security forces would protect vulnerable citizens Thank God that no one was killed in the shooting in Pakistan but please pray that the three injured men would recover and that those responsible for the attack would not only be brought to justice but would repent and turn to Christ.     Please CLICK on the red button if you prayed.   I prayed! General enquiries or comments? Please email us directly at: info@releaseinternational.org

The Christmas Story Always Matters!

 https://www.christiantoday.com/article/why.the.christmas.story.still.matters.today/142490.htm

Christian Persecution In India.

Christian persecution in India hits record high, says rights body.

Shireen Bhatia  27 December 2024.

The 19th century Methodist Church of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand.(Photo: Getty/iStock)

Violence against Christians in India has reached unprecedented levels, with 745 incidents reported through November 2024, according to data released by the United Christian Forum (UCF), a Delhi-based civil society organisation.

The figure marks a significant increase from previous years, with documented incidents rising steadily from 127 in 2014 to 734 in 2023. The data, collected through UCF's toll-free helpline, shows a nearly six-fold increase over the past decade.

"The seven hundred and forty five (745) incidents of violence against Christians in India this year till November were reported on UCF Helpline Number. This means many other incidents which may have happened, but were not reported on our hotline, are not included in the total number", UCF stated.

Notably, the figures exclude incidents from Manipur, where sectarian violence has led to widespread destruction. "Last year too, the tragic violence and bloodshed, as well as over 200 churches which were demolished in Manipur were not added to the UCF figures", the statement noted.

Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of incidents with 182 cases, followed by Chhattisgarh with 139 incidents, out of 673 total cases reported through October 2024. The incidents of violence have been reported from 23 of India's 28 states.

"Now as Christmas approaches we continue to pray for peace in our nation and hope the government will take assertive actions to restore peace and harmony amongst all citizens", UCF said.

The organisation highlighted concerns about law enforcement response, citing a People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) report that claims local police often collude with perpetrators and ignore offences against Christians.

The UCF also raised concerns about representation, noting the absence of Christian members in the National Commission for Minorities and National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions for over five years. The statement particularly emphasised the denial of Anglo-Indian reservations and vacant Christian memberships in state minority commissions.

A petition demanding action against anti-Christian vigilante groups remains pending before the Supreme Court of India, with no hearings since initial proceedings in 2022.

The organisation expressed concern over "politically motivated" anti-conversion laws in 12 Indian states, pointing to a recent Supreme Court observation that Uttar Pradesh's amendment bill, similar to PMLA and UAPA statutes, could violate Article 25 of the Constitution.

The UCF called for a national-level inquiry, noting that while the government dispatched a Secretary-level emissary to Bangladesh following attacks on minorities there, similar attention has not been given to domestic incidents.

The helpline, launched in 2015, continues to provide guidance to distressed individuals about approaching public authorities and securing legal remedies.

© Christian Today India

Christian persecution in India hits record high, says rights body Violence against Christians in India has reached unprecedented levels, with 745 incidents reported through Novem...

CT.

I'll Wager That Stuck In His Craw!

Christmas story 'reminds all of us to reach out to one another', says PM.

Staff writer  25 December 2024

Labour leader Keir Starmer addresses the Christians on the Left church service in Brighton, 26 September 2021. 

The Prime Minister has thanked churches and charities for welcoming "every person" this Christmas. 

In his Christmas message, Sir Keir Starmer, who is an atheist, said that the Christmas story "reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us." 

An Evil, Meanspirited, Vicious Policy Which Will Raise Government Costs in State Education.

 SIR – You are quite right to describe the introduction of VAT on school fees as “an act of class warfare” (Leading Article, December 30 DT.). 

The impact will be severe, chaotic and highly disruptive to the lives and education of many children, something that will please no one but the Labour front bench, whose policy of vindictive social engineering it is. It has been rushed through and implemented halfway through the school year to cause maximum turmoil.

Not only will it fail to raise the amount that the Government claims, it may also cost the taxpayer money, given the difficulties it will create for an already overstretched state sector.

Between them, the Chancellor and the Education Secretary have embraced a destructive and ill-thought-out policy and put ideology before responsibility or good judgment.

Mark Mortimer
Perth.

Verminous Attack.

Elderly woman killed in central Israel stabbing attack, Palestinian assailant shot and detained.

Terrorist was former Israeli informant, transferred to Israel when cover blown.

By All Israel News, Friday, December 27, 2024

     Israeli police check the scene of a stabbing attack in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, on Dec. 27, 2024. An Israeli hospital reported that a woman in her 80s was killed after being stabbed in the coastal city of Herzliya. Police say the suspected attacker has been arrested. | JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

An 83-year-old woman died from wounds sustained after being stabbed by a Palestinian man in the city of Herzliya in central Israel on Friday morning, Israel Police and Magen David Adom (MDA) said.

After the man stabbed the elderly woman, Ludmila Lipovsky, with a knife, he was shot by nearby security guards and later detained by the police.

Lipovsky was rushed to a Tel Aviv hospital in critical condition but was declared dead upon arrival. CP.

Blogger: Just how often do we see Jews making street attacks of this type on Palestinians?

Birdies.

 

Walking By Faith.

Blokes Should Not Be Allowed To Compete in Women's Sport Events!

NCAA 'misleading' consumers by allowing male athletes to compete in women's sports: Texas AG.

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, December 28, 2024

Female athlete crouched on a track in a starting position. | Getty Images

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the National Collegiate Athletic Association, claiming the top college sporting body in the United States is engaging in deceptive practices by marketing events as exclusively for female athletes while also allowing trans-identified males to compete. 

Paxton's lawsuit, filed earlier this week in the 99th Judicial Court for Lubbock County, requests a preliminary injunction to prevent the NCAA from allowing men who identify as female to compete in women's sports. 

In the suit, Paxton argued that the NCAA violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which exists to shield consumers from false or misleading business practices. CP.

Labour's Shambles.

 https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1995108/keir-starmer-Labour-poll-New-Year

It Was Mill - Not Burke Who ...

 The quote “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” is often attributed to Edmund Burke. However, Burke did not say this, and the earliest version of the quote was by John Stuart Mill in 1867. Mill said, “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing”.

Blessings.

 

Traditions.

From St Stephens to the Epiphany to Candlemas: what are the unusually named Christian celebrations around Christmas and New Year?

Heather Tomlinson  28 December 2024.

(Photo: Getty/iStock)

The days and weeks following Christmas are meant for much more than turkey leftovers. Throughout the ages churches have designated particular days to remember important Christian stories – and to celebrate – and the period following Christmas is particularly full of them.

Whether you are familiar with "feasts" and "saints days" will depend what church tradition you are from. Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox and parts of the Anglican church all have a set liturgical year with particular Christians or particular events in the life of Christ celebrated on each day.

This practice of feast days started in the very early church to remember the anniversary of the death of believers who were killed for their faith, which was considered the date of their birth into heaven. It spread to other admired and noteworthy Christians by around the third Century, and many different traditions began to be associated with the days.

St Stephen's Day on 26 December

As the practice of celebrating "feasts" is associated with those killed for their faith, it seems appropriate that the day after the birth of Jesus is the day to remember the first recorded martyr for Christ, St Stephen, whose work and fate is the focus of Acts chapters 6 and 7. Scripture describes him as a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (NLT) and how he was chosen to run a church program for the poor.

But it is the circumstances of his death that are most remembered, especially on Boxing Day. He was working miracles and evangelising, which made enemies who couldn't counter "the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke." They made allegations of blasphemy to religious leaders. But Stephen spoke boldly to them – his long speech recorded carefully in chapter 7 – and told of a powerful vision of Jesus. He was stoned to death, so early in the church's history that St Paul was watching, before he had converted himself.

There are many different traditions around the world held on this day: one widespread activity is visiting the homes of neighbours, house to house.

St John the Apostle on 27 December

Less well known is the feast for John the apostle that's held on the 27th of the month in Anglican, Catholic and Lutheran churches. The choice to remember this particular disciple just after Christmas, even though he does not describe the birth of Christ in his gospel, may have been due to the focus on Christ's divinity in his writings, and possibly his significant influence on the early church, being the last surviving of the apostles according to tradition.

The Holy Innocents (Childermas) on 28 December

The murder of young children by King Herod is an important part of the Christmas story, if the most gruesome and sad. This terrible deed was inspired by fear and jealousy of the powerful towards the prophesied new rule of the newborn Christ. In modern times it is often a day that Christians particularly remember the children lost through abortion. In Ibi in Alicante, Spain, a less obviously connected tradition has remained: the festival of Els Enfarinats, involving military re-enactments, music and a public flour fight.

St Thomas Becket and St Sylvester

Before the new year a number of early Christian leaders are remembered, not for their associations with Christmas, but the dates of their deaths. Both the Anglican and the Catholic churches remember St Thomas Becket, the medieval politician who became Archbishop of Canterbury, argued with Henry II, and was murdered by the King's supporters on the 29th in the 12th Century. St Sylvester was a fourth Century church leader of the church who was interred on the 31st, and is the reason some countries call New Year's Eve Silvester.

Twelfth night

This is usually considered to be the evening of the 5th January, but sometimes the 6th, depending how the twelve days from Christmas are counted. The night before epiphany, twelfth night has traditionally been celebrated with cake and carols. Unlike today, the latter were more popular in the days following Christmas than before. The eponymous Shakespeare play is said to have been intended for the festivities that were held on this evening.

Epiphany of the Lord

What exactly this feast means varies between denominations and throughout history. Usually it focuses on the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus, which is particularly significant as they were gentiles from other lands. It is also considered by many churches to be the official end of Christmas celebrations. However the Epiphany can also refer to Jesus's first miracle at the wedding in Cana, or his baptism, the link being the manifestation of Christ to the world.

There are varying dates, but it's often January 6th, the day after twelfth night, although churches that celebrate the day formally often move it to a nearby Sunday. There are records of its celebration going back to the third Century church, as the periods of Advent and Christmas celebrations until the Epiphany instituted by the Council of Tours in 567AD. Today, there are a variety of traditions associated with the day, such as giving gifts, celebrating women and giving them a day off, and musical performance.

Candlemas

Not usually understood as a Christmas feast in modern times, but still of Jesus's childhood, this traditional celebration was to remember the presentation of Jesus at the Temple that is recorded in Luke chapter 2 along with these powerful words of Simeon to Mary: "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul." (NLT)

Candlemas is celebrated on the 2nd February, 40 days after Christmas Day, because that is how long Jewish parents like Mary and Joseph waited to take part in this ritual.

The unusual name refers to a tradition of carrying beeswax candles before the altar to celebrate in church. In some periods of history and cultures, such as Tudor England, the day was the official end of the Christmas period, when the decorations would be taken down.

Heather Tomlinson is a freelance Christian writer. Find more of her work at Heather Tomlinson’s Substack | Substack or via X (twitter) @heathertomli