United Kingdom

United Kingdom Population: 61 113 205 Life expectancy: 79.0 years Fertility rate: 1.66 children/woman School life expectancy: 16 years Religion: Non-religious (46%), Calvinist Christian (21%) Nondenominational Christian (11%), Roman Catholic (9.0%), Other Christian (7.8%) Islam (3.3%) Other (2%)

Concerns Northern Ireland Conflict Northern Ireland is the greatest modern example of how destructive divides between Christians can be. It also demonstrates how careful one should be in merging faith with politics; While most Catholics consider themselves to be Irish and are Nationalist in political outlook, the Protestants consider themselves to be British and are Unionist, that is, they want Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK. This conflict caused both groups to haunt and hate each other for over 30 years before the IRA declared an end of its “armed campaign” in 2005.

The UK is a developed country, with the world's sixth largest economy by nominal GDP and the seventh largest by purchasing power parity. It was the world's first industrialised country and the world's foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but the economic cost of two world wars and the decline of its empire in the latter half of the 20th century diminished its leading role in global affairs. The UK nevertheless remains a major power with strong economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence. It is a nuclear power and has the fourth highest defence spending in the world. London is one of the world’s most strategic cities; what happens in London influences the world through the media, the arts and finance. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics.

There have been many bouts of violent conflict in the past and there is no guarantee that people will not resort to violence in the future. Simply on the basis of previous experience one would have to say that another period of violence is a possibility. It will require a fundamental shift in the nature of the relationship between Catholics and Protestants in the region for violence to be avoided in the future. Teenage pregnancy The UK has the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Europe (yet less than the US). Of the about 60% that choose to keep the child, only 10% are to get married with the child father. The rest face the difficult economic circumstances that come along with being a single parent and the suddenly limited opportunities to get an education. Also for those who have a boyfriend, the prospects are depressive: Women under age 18 are twice as likely to be beaten by their child's father than women over age 18. A UK study found that 70% of women who gave birth in their teens had experienced adolescent domestic violence.

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Pray for peace in Northern Ireland. Pray that both Protestant and Catholic Christians can demonstrate God’s forgiveness and reconciliation in their communities Pray for the unity of the Church in the world, that the disagreements never gets more important than to practice Jesus’ selfless love Pray for London, and whatever influences is has on the world Pray for the pregnant youth, that they may choose wisely and righteously and get whatever support they need Pray for those who face difficult social and economic circumstances because they choose to keep their child. Provide for them what they need, and give them good friends Pray for the political leaders in the United Kingdom, that they may reign wisely for the benefit of their country and for the world Pray for the advancement of justice and selfless love in the UK

Head of Government: Prime Minister Gordon Brown Son of a minister of the Church of Scotland, he went to College at age 16, was elected rector of the University of Edinburgh as a student, and eventually got his PhD in history. He later became a Labour MP and then PM. Brown was committed to the Iraq War, but said in a speech in June 2007 that he would "learn the lessons" from the mistakes made in Iraq, and that he will give Parliament the final say on whether British troops are sent into action in future. In March 2009 Brown was named World Statesman of the Year by a US foundation dedicated to promoting peace, human rights and understanding between religious faiths (the Appeal of Conscience Foundation).

Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth became Queen of the UK upon the death of her father in 1952. In her annual Royal Christmas Message in 2000, she demonstrated her faith: “To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me, the teachings of Christ, and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example.”