26th June 2026

The US Supreme Court has ruled that protected status can be removed from hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants which had permitted them to remain in the US for years.  The ruling enables the US administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 people from Haiti and 6,100 from Syria. Haiti continues to face exceptional challenges. Gang violence has intensified, undermining state authority and disrupting economic activity. Armed gangs control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and regularly carry out killings, rapes, looting and kidnappings. At least 2,300 people in Haiti this year, while nearly 100 have been kidnapped, the United Nations said on Monday. Criticising the ruling, Justice Elena Kagan said that the government's decision to remove these protections were racially motivated. "The statements fairly shout, in their racial undertones and overtones alike, that race entered into the President's resolve to remove Haitians from this country," she said.  Jill Habig, CEO and Founder of Public Rights Project said, "Today's decision puts hundreds of thousands of people at risk." She added, "Families will be separated, local economies will take a hit and people will be forced back to countries in the grip of violence, instability and humanitarian collapse.  The human cost will be felt all across America." 

Loving God, we ask your protection for all who believed they were safe and are now placed at risk.  Our hearts go out to families who may become separated and people forced to return to a violent country.  We also pray for politicians who appear to care little for the welfare of vulnerable people; fill their hearts with love, compassion, and empathy.  Move among all in the US administration who claim Jesus as Lord and help them, by the power of your Spirit, to reflect upon the actions they take as politicians and administrators and how these match with a commitment to love neighbour. Help us all to reflect the love of Christ by showing love to the weak and vulnerable.  IN the name of Jesus we pray,  Amen.  

At midnight last Saturday, 20 June, 400 people took part in the 4km runway run hosted by Aberdeen International Airport and Canadian firm CHC Helicopter. This was the seventh Midnight Runway Run, and it raised £71,000 for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and CHC Helicopter’s chosen charity, Lifestars.  Over £320,000 has been raised over the seven years of the annual fundraiser, with runners able to direct 30% of the funds they raised to their choice of charity. Director of fundraising at SAMH Hazel McIlwraith said: “We’d like to thank every single runner who stayed up late to take part in this year’s Runway Run and make it such a fantastic success. These vital funds will support life changing mental health services in local communities, including The Nook – our free walk-in mental health hub that opened in Aberdeen’s Marischal Square last week. Lifestars’ chief fundraising officer Willie McPherson added: “We are incredibly proud to have been part of this year’s Runway Run and grateful to be one of the charities to benefit from such an inspiring event. The funds raised will play a crucial role in helping us grow our work and support more children and families who rely on Lifestars.”

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear your voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

all the people rejoice;

We come to you, Father,

through Jesus your Son,

And give you the glory;

great things you have done.

Frances Jane Crosby 1820-1915