Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which organised the protest said, “200 Hours for 200 Days is a prophetic protest, inspired by Leah’s perseverance. We want to bring home to people just how long Leah has been held captive. And urge the Nigerian government to negotiate her release, as they did for the rest of her classmates.

“Leah should be with her classmates right now, but instead she was snatched from her school and is being denied her faith and her future.”

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, is one of many people who have joined the protest by standing near the desk for an hour.

Outside the Nigerian High Commission launching the #freeleah campaign. Leah, who is still held captive by Boko Haram, because she refused to recant her Christian faith, has been held for 198 days. pic.twitter.com/3b4KvKksql

— Tom Brake MP (@thomasbrake) September 4, 2018

Protesters have been encouraged to stand in silent prayer and reflection at the desk, hold up a placard or answer questions from passers-by.

Leah Sharibu, 15, was one of 110 girls abducted from their school in Dapchi, Nigeria by Boko Haram in February 2018.

The next month, following negotiations by the government, the girls were released.

However, Sharibu was kept in captivity because she refused to covert…

According to Bob Fu, religious freedom activist and founder of China Aid, Zion Church was banned on Sunday after government officers barged into a worship service and confiscated “illegal promotional materials.”

After more than 10-yr’s existence, the largest house church in BJ Zion Church is banned today with multiple dozens of Govt officers and agents besieging worship venue and many security vehicles around. Pastor Ezra Jin detained in office for some time &forced to leave. NO FREEDOM! pic.twitter.com/WOy1TBQBLw

— Bob Fu傅希秋 (@BobFu4China) September 9, 2018

The church, which has been operating for ten years, met in a renovated hall in north Beijing, according to Reuters. 

However, after the church turned down request from government authorities to install television cameras in the building in April, the church has been threatened with eviction. 

It’s been reported that Beijing Chaoyang district civil affairs bureau said Zion Church was breaking rules by having mass gatherings in an unregistered church.
 
“I fear that there is no way for us to resolve this issue with the authorities,” Zion’s Pastor Jin Mingri told Reuters.
 
The authorities gave Zion Church members information about government sanctioned churches they could attend instead.
 
However many Christians in China, including Pastor Mingri, believe being forced to attend a church…

The sports company announced last week that American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick is the face of a new campaign which celebrates the 30 year anniversary of the company’s‘ Just Do It’ slogan.

Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018

Im 2016, Kaepernick became  one of the first NFL players to kneel during the national anthem to protest against racial injustice and police brutality.

His actions have drawn support with other players following suit, but also caused criticism from people who believe it’s disrespectful not to stand for the national anthem. 

The new Nike deal with Kaepernick has also brought about a mixed reaction.

Some people have praised the company for taking a bold step to support fighting against racism. Others have announced a boycott of the sports company and posted videos on social media of them burning their Nike shoes.

President of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, Jerry Falwell Jr said the school wants a supplier that supports veterans, the American flag, American values and law enforcement, according to local news station WSET.
 
Liberty University has a contract for Nike to provide equipment and clothing for all of its athletic programs until 2024.

WAKE UP…

It said its 23rd annual three-day conference at Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural University later this month is a sell-out with more than 130 delegates attending – the highest number to date.
 
Latest figures show that more than 260 people joined as new members of the PBS last year, an increase of more than 40 per cent on the previous year, bringing the total to more than 3,000. The number of corporate members – including churches, schools and businesses – rose by almost 50 per cent from 25 to a total of 67.

PBS describes itself as encouraging the rediscovery and use of the majesty and spiritual depth of Thomas Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer (BCP) at the heart of the Church of England’s worship.

Commenting on the growing enthusiasm for The Book of Common Prayer, PBS chairman Prudence Dailey said: “The Prayer Book is as relevant today as it ever was and increasingly it is being appreciated by young adults. We are seeing growing interest in the society’s activities among those in their twenties and thirties.”
 
She revealed that the society’s work among ordinands suggests that many in the new generation of young clergy will be enthusiastic about using the BCP for services.
 
One ordinand commented: “It is more than just the beauty of the language of the Prayer Book which appeals to me. I like the fact that it is quite literally a book of common prayer which…