Ice sculptures at Canary Wharf highlight UK's homelessness problem

International humanitarian charity Penny Appeal unveiled five life-size ice statues symbolising homeless families at London's Canary Wharf Station to promote its winter campaign.

The frozen family depicts the plight of the 140 families in the UK who become homeless every day, and the 900 children who become homeless every month.

Left to right: Aamer Naeem, Baroness Warsi, Rt Rev Paul Hendricks and Imam Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra.

Rt Rev Paul Hendricks, Baroness Warsi and Imam Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra unveiled the ice sculptures, following a brief speech highlighting the ways in which Britain's diverse range of communities can show compassion and become more aware of homelessness during the festive period.

Asking 'What Would Jesus Do?', the campaign aims to bring people from all backgrounds together during the festive winter period.

The charity's chief executive Aamer Naeem said: 'Our campaign reaching out to help the vulnerable homeless in the UK runs all year round, but this is the season where we feel more for those in need due to the harshness of the weather.'

Many homeless people remain hidden from view during winter, choosing to bus-surf or find other means of keeping warm. Penny Appeal, which works in the UK and 30 other crisis-hit countries around the world, has placed the sculptures outside of the warm, cheerful interiors of some of London's biggest offices to inspire people to give to an otherwise invisible community.

The initiative is backed by the Christian Muslim Forum, which supports Christian-Muslim engagement.

News
Cambridge University Press celebrates 100 years of the iconic Cameo Bible
Cambridge University Press celebrates 100 years of the iconic Cameo Bible

To celebrate the 100-year milestone, Cambridge is releasing a Centenary Edition of the Cameo Bible.

Order for church to leave worship site overturned in Indonesia
Order for church to leave worship site overturned in Indonesia

In a rare move in Indonesia, an administrative court earlier this year overturned a local government order for a church to vacate its worship site, sources said.

7 reactions to the death of 'father of the abortion pill': 'Legacy of death and deception'
7 reactions to the death of 'father of the abortion pill': 'Legacy of death and deception'

Pro-life and pro-choice advocates reacted to the death of the “father of the abortion pill,” Étienne-Émile Baulieu, who died Friday at the age of 98 at his home in Paris. 

Christians to hold day of prayer ahead of assisted suicide vote
Christians to hold day of prayer ahead of assisted suicide vote

With the final vote approaching, Christians are joining together in prayer.