News

“For the first time in EU history, defence ministers unanimously decided to activate the ‘mutual defence clause’ of the EU treaty. ‘France is requesting help and assistance from Europe. And today all Europe, united, answers yes’... ‘The European Union expressed its strongest, full support and readiness to provide all the aid and assistance asked for and needed.’ French president Francois Hollande had invoked article 42.7 of the EU treaty in an address to the parliament Monday.

In the wake of the Paris attacks, Pope Francis referred to the actions of terrorists as “a piece…of a Third World War” (The Washington Examiner, November 14, 2015).

Last weekend’s carnage in Paris was devastating and sobering. Watching people suffer who are made in the image of the Almighty God (Genesis 1:26) should sadden everyone. The day after the attacks, the Islamic State (IS) redistributed a video that contained threats against France and “called on French Muslims to carry out attacks” (Reuters, November 14, 2015). The message to France was, “As long as you keep bombing you will not live in peace.

Unexpectedly and rapidly, the nightmare exploded across Paris, in bullets, bomb blasts, blood and death. It was late Friday night in Paris when the chilling reports began to come in. The world was shocked as news began to spread of the horrific, deadly attacks. We pray for France. We grieve for the victims. And we ask: Why did this happen? What comes next? 

“David Cameron will this week sign a landmark deal with China, thrusting the communist nation into the heart of Britain’s civil nuclear industry. Under the controversial accord, Beijing will buy a large minority stake in Britain’s first new atomic reactor in 20 years. The investment will help EDF Energy of France, which will lead the project, cover part of the mammoth £24bn cost. The Chinese are also expected to help bankroll a second EDF plant at Sizewell on the Suffolk coast.