VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN

Christian Concerns
Prayer Alert.
Please keep praying for the Christian freedom cases



The four cases of Christians who were penalised for living out their faith at work have now been heard at the European Court of Human Rights.

Thank you for your prayers so far but please keep praying for a favourable outcome.

Paul Diamond, representing Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane, argued cogently and convincingly before the judges.

Disappointingly, lawyers representing the British Government argued that these Christians’ freedom of religion was protected by the fact that they could resign and get another job.

But the judges had some probing questions for the Government and the case that it was trying to make.
The story has been all over the media. It was the front page story of the Daily Express yesterday and was the most commented on story on the BBC website!

We would like to say an enormous thank you for supporting us on this long journey in order to make this happen.

Please keep praying as we await the judgment!

If you would like to support Shirley’s and Gary’s cases with a donation, please visit our donations page http://www.christianconcern.com/donate

I am NOT homophobic! but believe Christians should be able to to opt out/or wear a cross as the case may be, on certain issues.
European Cases to be heard on Tuesday
Four Christian freedom cases will be heard before the European Court of Human Rights on 4 September.
Please pray for a favourable outcome.
Two of the cases relate to wearing a cross at work. Prime Minister David Cameron has told MPs that Christians should have the right to wear a cross at work, yet this is not what the Government is saying to the European Court.
The Government has intervened against the two Christians whose cases are before the ECHR claiming that their employers had every right to discipline them.
Send postcard and contact your MP here >
http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/
The two other cases relate to freedom of conscience. This includes Gary McFarlane, who was sacked after he expressed a possible conscientious objection to giving sex therapy to two homosexual men.

Christian Concern - Christian Weekly News
European Cases to be heard soon

Four Christian freedom cases will be heard before the European Court of Human Rights on 4 September. Please pray for a favourable outcome.

Two of the cases relate to wearing a cross at work. Prime Minister David Cameron has told MPs that Christians should have the right to wear a cross at work, yet this is not what the Government is saying to the European Court.

The Government has intervened against the two Christians whose cases are before the ECHR claiming that their employers had every right to discipline them.
Send postcard and contact your MP here >
http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/


The two other cases relate to freedom of conscience. This includes Gary McFarlane, who was sacked after he expressed a possible conscientious objection to giving sex therapy to two homosexual men.


Please write to your MP to express your concern. Full briefings on the four cases can be found below to help:

The Wearing of the Cross >
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/Briefing%20-%20The%20Wearing%20of%20The%20Cross.pdf

The Clash of Rights >
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/Briefing%20-%20The%20Clash%20of%20Rights.pdf

Christian Concern - Christian Weekly News.

David Cameron warned over Sunday trading laws
David Cameron has been warned that applying the extended trading hours past the Olympics period would represent a ‘major breach of trust’ by the Coalition.
Full Story http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/david-cameron-warned-not-to-extend-new-sunday-trading-laws-past-olympics


Christian B&B owners win right to appeal to Supreme Court
A Christian couple who were fined because of their ‘marrieds only’ policy for double rooms at their guest house in Cornwall have won permission to take their case to the Supreme Court.
Full Story http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/christian-bb-owners-win-right-to-appeal-to-supreme-court

Judge rules that boy's life-support can be switched off without the consent of his parents A Judge ruled on Friday 10 August that doctors can switch off a young boy’s life-support system even though his Christian parents wanted him to be kept alive as they still had hope of his recovery.
FullStory
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/end-of-life/judge-rules-that-boy%E2%80%99s-life-support-unit-can-be-switched-off-without-parent

Nick Clegg to open door to same-sex 'marriage' in churches
Nick Clegg will allow Parliament to go further in its plans to legalise same-sex 'marriage' and enable churches and other religious institutions to conduct the ceremonies, The Independent has reported.
Full Story
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/clegg-set-to-open-the-way-for-churches-to-hold-gay-marriages-8031917.html#1

Christian Concern - Christian Weekly News.
Gloucester Council backs down after Christian group stopped from sharing faith
Gloucester City Council has issued an apology after stopping a Christian group from handing out Christian literature in the city centre.
The apology was issued following the threat of legal action from the Christian Legal Centre, after a group of Christians were stopped from distributing Christian booklets in the town’s city centre in July.
It is vital in today's society that Christians are not fearful but that we press on and proclaim the Gospel.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/gloucester-council-backs-down-after-christian-group-stopped-from-shar

New report suggests Equality Commission should be abolished
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) should be abolished as it does not contribute anything meaningful to Britain, according to a new report from independent think tank Civitas.
Full Story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/new-report-suggests-equality-commission-should-be-abolished


Senior Labour figure calls for legislation change for gambling laws
Senior Labour figure Harriet Harman has called for a tightening of gambling laws this week and admitted that the Labour Government was wrong to allow high-stakes gambling machines to flourish on British high streets.
Full Story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/senior-labour-figure-calls-for-legislation-change-over-gambling-laws

Why does the BBC ignore Usain Bolt's God?
The BBC have known for more than four years what Usain Bolt always does, before and after each race, without fail: how he chooses the moment the camera is on him to make the act of humble worship, as a very public witness that it is the Creator who made him fast. They have been briefed to bits by Bolt's PR team and by members of his family: Usain Bolt is a Bible-believing, God-honouring, Jesus-worshipping Christian. But not a whisper from the BBC; not a word of explanation
of the real significance of these 'moments to himself'.

Full Blog from Cranmer >http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/why-does-bbc-ignore-usain-bolts-god.html

David Cameron - Not ashamed of the cross?

Prime Minister David Cameron has told MPs that Christians should have the right to wear a cross at work, yet this is not what the Government is saying to the European Court.

The Government has intervened against the two Christians whose cases are before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over the right to wear a cross. The Government has told the ECHR that their employers had every right to discipline them.

Send postcard and contact your MP here >
http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/

Two other cases, relating to freedom of conscience, will also be heard by the ECHR on 4 September. This includes Gary McFarlane, who was sacked after he expressed a possible conscientious objection to giving sex therapy to two homosexual men.
Please write to your MP to express your concern. Full briefings on the four cases can be found below to help:
The Wearing of the Cross >http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/Briefing%20-%20The%20Wearing%20of%20The%20Cross.pdf
The Clash of Rights >http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/Briefing%20-%20The%20Wearing%20of%20The%20Cross.pdf

Man with locked-in syndrome recovers by 95%
When Richard Marsh had a stroke doctors wanted to switch off his life-support. He could hear every word but could not tell them he was alive. Now, he is 95% recovered from the condition, and is co-writing a book that he hopes will inspire hope and provide information to victims of locked-in syndrome and their families.
Full Story >http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/07/locked-in-syndrome-richard-marsh

Christian Concerns UK

Victory as Gloucester Council apologises for stopping Christian group handing out tracts

Following the intervention of the Christian Legal Centre, Gloucester City Council has issued a statement apologising for stopping a Christian group from handing out leaflets and admitting it was wrong to stop them.

The apology follows the threat of legal action after Gloucester City Council told a group of Christians that they could not distribute Christian literature in the town’s city centre.

The tracts were being handed out by members of at least ten city churches during ‘Bible Day Gloucester’ last month.

But council staff prevented the leaflets from being given out on the day, claiming that the group had breached by-laws that were specific to the town. Gloucester Council has prevented the handing out of leaflets by Christians on several previous occasions.

Roland Parsons, spokesman for 'Christians in Gloucester', said:

"Christians in Gloucester believe that we have the freedom in Britain to hand out literature of a political or religious opinion to any other citizen in Gloucester."

Full Story
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/gloucester-council-backs-down-after-christian-group-stopped-from-shar

Freedom of Speech under threat, warns Ann Widdecombe after Christian Concern conference bookings revoked
Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald, has warned against the increasing curtailment of freedom of speech in the UK.
Full Story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/freedom-of-speech-under-threat-warns-ann-widdecombe

New Booklet: Freedom of speech - Street Evangelism
Please download free copies of our booklet: "Freedom of Speech - Street Evangelism", which examines the law in relation to preaching on the streets and offers guidance on the legal rights of Christians to preach the Gospel.

The booklet examines Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 which is sometimes used against street preachers, and looks at some recent cases.
Booklet > http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/evangelism-web.pdf
NOT ASHAMED OF THE CROSS
David Cameron - not ashamed of the cross?
Prime Minister David Cameron has told MPs that Christians should have the right to wear a cross at work, yet this is not what the Government is saying to the European Court.

The Government has intervened against the two Christians whose cases are before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over the right to wear a cross. The Government has told the ECHR that their employers had every right to discipline them.

Send postcard and contact your MP here >
http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/


Major free speech trial to be held over abortion protests
Two pro-life campaigners, Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Sloane, both respresented by the Christian Legal Centre, are to stand trial in September in a landmark freedom of speech case.

The two campaigners, who are part of pro-life campaign group Abort 67, were arrested in June last year outside Wistons abortion clinic in Brighton, after they refused to take down a banner showing the effects of abortion on an unborn child.

PRAY
Please pray that Andy and Kathryn will be found not guilty and that freedom of speech will be upheld.
Video here Abort 67 at Westminster & the QEII
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrVzrvsCaHo&feature=player_embedded

Breaking News: General Synod backs right of Christians to manifest faith in public life
Dear Supporter,

The Church of England’s Parliament, the General Synod, met last night and decided to back the right of Christians to manifest their faith in the public square.

In a debate brought about by a General Synod Member and cleric from the Peterborough Diocese, the Revd Stephen Trott, a bold message on religious freedom was sent to the Government and the UK and European Courts from all three Houses; the Bishops, Clergy and the laity.

The Synod voted by 263 to 25 to pass:

“That this Synod express its conviction that it is the calling of Christians to order and govern our lives in accordance with the teaching of Holy Scripture, and to manifest our faith in public life as well as in private, giving expression to our beliefs in the written and spoken word, and in practical acts of service to the local community and to the nation.”

This is a huge boost to the four British Christians who are taking their cases of religious discrimination to the European Court of Human Rights on September 4.

Two of them are Christian Legal Centre clients Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane. Please support us as we support them.
FULL STORY>
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/general-synod-backs-right-of-christians-to-manifest-faith-in-public-l

Shirley Chaplin Case File >
http://www.christianconcern.com/cases/shirley-chaplin
Gary McFarlane Case File >
http://www.christianconcern.com/cases/gary-mcfarlane

BREAKING NEWS

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Potential Legal Action against Law Society and QEII2 Centre


As many of you are aware, a conference we organised in May to discuss the definition of marriage was cancelled at the last minute by the Law Society and then by the Government owned Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.

Both claimed it breached their diversity codes. This was an appalling assault on freedom of speech in the public sphere and an attempt to shut down any discussion or support for traditional marriage.

We have sent them a letter asking them to satisfy our claims or we will commence legal action within 7 days.

We have decided to take this action due to the importance of defending freedom of speech in society and to uphold the ability of Christians and others to express their beliefs on marriage without penalty.
Full Story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/law-society-and-qeii-centre-to-be-taken-to-court-for-cancelling-marr

Breaking News: Positive results on abortion and euthanasia from the BMA
Today the British Medical Association voted on two important motions (among others):

•A motion was passed supporting the provision of independent counselling for women considering an abortion, separate from the abortion providers themselves. This is a great result ahead of the Government's consultation on the issue.

•A motion which would have changed the BMA position on assisted suicide from ‘against’ to ‘neutral’ was not passed. This was an attempt to neutralise medical opposition to assisted suicide but has thankfully failed.
Thank you for all of your prayers and continued support.

Read More on Motions>
http://pjsaunders.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/bma-ethics-debate-great-results-on-both.html
PRAYER ALERT!


Stop the weakening of laws which protect the vulnerable

“This is a crucial time for Britain; this is the biggest threat we’ve faced since the Joffe Bill back in 2006. And we are calling on Christians everywhere to pray and to act.” – Dr Peter Saunders, Care Not Killing.

We are currently witnessing a huge push for assisted suicide and euthanasia to be introduced in the UK.

Please pray:

•At the BMA annual meeting today a group of pro-euthanasia doctors have put forward multiple motions trying to push the association from 'against' to 'neutral' on assisted suicide. Please pray that this would not happen.

•On 4th of July, 'Dignity in Dying' has planned a mass lobby on Parliament where their supporters will lobby their MPs to change the law to allow assisted suicide. Please pray that their plans will come to nothing and that the law will not change. Lets make sure our rally on 3 July is bigger (see below).

•That the Judges make the right decision in Tony Nicklinson’s case, which was heard last week. He wants his doctor to be able to end his life without facing murder charges. If he is successful it will seriously weaken the law on euthanasia and put many vulnerable people at risk.
Watch video here for more information and how to pray >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abHtgp4JSGY
Join us on Rally:
Please come to a rally and mass lobby of Parliament to resist euthanasia, organised by Care Not Killing on 3 July from 1-4pm at the Emmanual Centre, London.
More information>
http://www.carenotkilling.org.uk/public/pdf/rally-better-palliative-care-2012-07-03.pdf

BREAKING NEWS
•Disappointment as Dr Scott given an official warning by the GMC for sharing his faith with a patient

The GMC has reprimanded Dr Richard Scott for sharing his faith with a patient at the end of a private consultation. There were significant procedural irregularities at the hearing, and we will continue to seek justice for Dr Scott.
ReadFullstory
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/christian-gp-found-guilty-of-%E2%80%98malpractice%E2%80%99-for-sharing-his-faith

CHRISTIAN CONCERN


In a hearing today, the General Medical Council has decided to pursue the case against Dr Richard Scott, the Christian GP under investigation for sharing his faith with a patient.

This decision from the GMC is despite the fact that the patient who complained has refused to give open evidence to the tribunal for two years. Incredibly, the GMC has now decided to receive evidence from the complainant in secret by telephone, so there will be no chance for Dr Scott to cross examine his accuser in person.

Please pray for Dr Scott, and pray that justice will be done. Please also pray for Dr Scott's health, as he is currently undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer.

Full Story http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/gmc-to-hold-secret-proceedings-against-doctor-for-sharing-his-beliefs


Dr Scott: Case File > http://www.christianconcern.com/cases/dr-richard-scott

Law Society bans marriage conference over diversity
The Law Society has revoked the booking of a major marriage colloquium to be held by Christian Concern and others because it is contrary to its ‘diversity’ policy.

A range of high profile speakers are due to participate including the Chairman of the Bow Group, Ben Harris-Quinney, the Director of ResPublica, Phillip Blond, and media commentator Cristina Odone.

The impartiality of the Law Society is under question after it tweeted: "Gay marriage is the next great civil rights battle" and linked to an article supporting same-sex 'marriage' by David Furnish.

Full Story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/law-society-bans-a-marriage-conference-because-of-its-%E2%80%98diversity%E2%80%99-policy

Please politely tell Desmond Hudson, chief executive of the Law Society, what you think at: desmond.hudson@lawsociety.org.uk.

Join us at the Conference

The conference has not been cancelled. It will still take place on Wed 23rd May at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. Please e-mail info@marriage2012.org.uk if you would like to register.

Come to a Parliamentary Briefing

The Bow Group is hosting a special Parliamentary briefing on same-sex 'marriage' later that day from 6.30pm to 8pm. Speakers include David Burrowes MP, Fiona Bruce MP and Andrew Lilico. It would be great for the room to be packed so that MPs are reminded how important this issue is. You don't need to have been to the conference earlier to come. Email us for more information.

The former Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev Michael Nazir Ali has called on the European Court of Human Rights to defend the freedom of Christians to wear the cross at work, and to overturn the increasing restrictions on religious liberties in the UK.

In a written submission to the Strasbourg Court, Bishop Nazir Ali has warned that the rights of Christians had been "vanquished" by UK judges and that Christians now "risk their employment" if they choose to wear the cross in public.

He urged the Court to give Article 9 (the right to freedom of conscience) its "full and intended" effect when hearing two landmark cases involving Christian employees who were penalised for wearing the symbol at work.

Bishop Nazir Ali said in the document: "We have reached the stage where Christians in the United Kingdom risk their employment if they wear a cross.

"However, the United Kingdom courts have permitted the wearing of a Sikh bangle, the Islamic headscarf and even a cornrow haircut.

"In case after case in the United Kingdom, the rights of Christians have been vanquished."

He added: "The cross is ubiquitous in Christian devotion from the earliest times.

"The sign of the cross is made by Christians not only during worship but before and after meals, at times of danger and also to give thanks.

"The cross is the most easily recognisable Christian symbol in architecture, church furnishing and the dress of the clergy.

"Lay people are encouraged to wear a cross or a crucifix to affirm their desire to follow in the way of Christ, as he taught us to do.

"They wear it also to declare their faith and to witness to others.

"I am aware that many Christians wear the cross and would be distressed to be required to remove it.

"Further, to hide the cross, in circumstances where the cross is an expression of faith, would be extremely distressing to the adherent as it would amount to asserting that the cross and by implication the Lord Jesus Christ is something to be ashamed of and faith in him something to be hidden."

Under threat

At a recent Easter homily in Edinburgh, the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, expressed concerns that the right to wear a "simple and discreet" cross was increasingly under threat in the UK, urging Christians to "proudly" wear the symbol of the cross "each and every day of their lives."

"I cannot but voice my concern at the increasing marginalisation of religion, particularly Christianity, that is taking place in some quarters," he said.

Lord Carey

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, has also made direct submissions to the European Court with regards to the two cross cases, arguing that Christians were being increasingly "vilified" and "driven underground" by the tendency of UK courts to apply "equality law to discriminate against Christians."

He said that the failure of Judges to protect the religious freedom of Christians "case after case" demonstrated a "crude" misunderstanding of the faith which has led to believers being treated as "bigots".

Right to wear the cross

The issue of wearing a cross in public has become highly contentious.

Judges in the UK have refused to uphold the religious liberties of two Christians who faced discrimination for wearing the symbol during working hours - cases which are due to be heard before the European Court of Human Rights in September.

This includes Christian Legal Centre client Shirley Chaplin, who was forced from front line nursing after refusing to remove the cross she had worn for thirty years.

The Government has refused to back the two cases in their submissions to the European Court, stating that the right to religious freedom was guaranteed because Christians had the right to resign from their jobs.

Not Ashamed of the Cross

Christian Concern has launched the ‘Not Ashamed of the Cross’ campaign, asking the Prime Minister to align the Government’s submission with his public support of Christian values at a recent Easter event, at which he told a gathering of senior church leaders that the nation needed Christian values and also that he supported a "fight back" against rising secularism.

Sources

The Telegraph

Norfolk Church could lose premises for criticising Islam
A Norfolk church has been banned from its weekly outreach, and could be stopped from worshipping at its usual premises, after a complaint that it sold a booklet criticising Islam.

Norwich City Council received only one complaint about the booklet, yet it decided to ban Norwich Reformed Church from holding their weekly bookstall outreach in Norwich for “equality reasons.”

The complaint was made about a booklet entitled ‘Why Not Islam’, written by the church’s pastor, Dr Alan Clifford. The Council claimed that the booklet was “hate motivated”.

Premises under threat

The Council also advised its Eaton Park Community Centre to refrain from taking any further bookings from the church, which has held worship services at the site for over 20 years.

A Council spokesman said:

“Although the police advised that no criminal offence had been committed, we have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to foster good relations between people of all backgrounds and religions.

“By allowing premises owned by the Council to be used by an organisation publishing such material, we would be failing in that duty.”

The Pastor, Dr Clifford, said the church would appeal in the hope that "the council will see sense and see how they are violating our freedom of speech".

"It's an intolerance from the city council acting in a high and mighty manner as we've had it confirmed by Norfolk Police - who've inspected the document - there is no crime involved," he said.

Comment

Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:

“It is good that in our nation we know what it is to have freedom of speech but in recent times it is increasinginly under challenge.

"It is worrying that an honest critique of Islam leads to this kind of censorship and we should be concerned about where this might lead. In this case it seems that freedom of speech has been denied. It appears that the mere criticism of other religions can be seen as a hate crime, yet the effect is that valid debate is shut down. We should all be free to debate and criticise without being penalised."

Sources
BBC News
Archbishop Cranmer Blog
Resources
Christian Concern: Religious Freedom

http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/norfolk-church-could-lose-premises-for-criticising-islam

Not Ashamed of the Cross:
standing with Shirley, for the cross

Today is Good Friday – the day marking Jesus' death upon a cross to rescue His people. The cross is an enduring symbol of the good news of that rescue.

And yet today the place of the cross is questioned in our society – part of a wider trend to push the Christian faith out of public and professional life.

Shirley Chaplin was barred from wearing her confirmation cross after nearly thirty years in front line nursing. Now hers is one of four landmark Christian freedom cases going to the European Court of Human Rights.

Before Christmas, David Cameron said that 'we are a Christian Country. And we should not be afraid to say so.' Just this week, he told church leaders that 'the values of the Bible, the values of Christianity are the values that we need.' And recently his spokesman said that 'the PM's personal view is that people should be able to wear crosses.'

And yet the British Government is not supporting Shirley as her case goes to the European Court of Human Rights and has even suggested that the cross is not a generally recognised form of practising the Christian faith.

We need to ask: 'What does the Government really believe about Shirley's cross?'

So today Christian Concern is launching the Not Ashamed of the Cross campaign to urge the Prime Minister and the Government to support Shirley and historic Christian freedoms – to stand with Shirley, and stand for the cross.

We are asking you to contact the Prime Minister and your MP to ensure that the Government changes its official position and brings it into line with the Prime Minister’s public statements.

Please join us in standing with Shirley and protecting Christian freedoms.

•Support Shirley - order postcards for you and those at your church to send to the PM and your MP.http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/support
•Meet Shirley - watch Shirley tell her story.http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/meet
•Read the Daily Mail coverage
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2125855/Betrayal-Crucifix-As-PM-urges-support-Christianity-Minister-tells-Europe-Britons-right-wear-cross-work.html
•View the website http://www.notashamedofthecross.org.uk/

BREAKING NEWS
The 'MegaMosqueNoThanks' campaign has been re-launched to oppose attempts by the extreme Islamic sect, Tablighi Jama'at, to build a 9,500 capacity Mosque near the Olympic site in East London under the banner of a 'cultural centre'.

The Islamic group recently revealed a development that includes an eight-storey high mosque, 45 metre-high minarets, apartments, and retail and business units. Visitors were informed that the formal planning application is to be submitted imminently.

Owing to the nature of the group and the significance of the site, these plans represent a challenge not only for the local community but for the nation as a whole.

Campaign leader, Alan Craig, said: "We intend to inform residents about the separatist, supremacist and sexist nature of Tablighi Jama'at, and the harm this proposed huge new global headquarters mosque at West Ham will do to the local community if it goes ahead. We provide hard evidence for this. They are divisive and actively work against integration and social cohesion. They are also deeply sexist."

More details of the campaign can be found at: www.MegaMosqueNoThanks.com.
Watch Alan Craig Discuss campaign.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VgKJLNPqozo

Bishops call for Church of England to stand for Christian freedomsPublished: February 7th, 2012 |
Religious Freedom

Three bishops are calling for the Church of England to defend the freedom of Christians to wear a cross in public, and to resist the growing restrictions on religious liberty in the UK.

The bishops are backing a motion at the General Synod criticising the ‘silencing’ of symbols and other visual displays of Christianity in the public sphere; and urging the church to publicly declare that wearing a cross is an integral part of the Christian faith.

The motion also calls on the church to stand against the ‘overzealous’ application of the 2010 Equality Act which has caused legal problems and even job dismissals for a number of Christians.

Cases before European Court

The motion is being supported by over 100 members of the General Synod,and explicitly mentions several cases of discrimination against Christians in the public domain; including that of Shirley Chaplin, an NHS nurse who was told not to wear her cross at work; and Gary McFarlane, who was sacked because he mentioned that he may have a conscientious objection to providing sex therapy to homosexual men after the issue was discussed on a staff training day.

The motion also cites the case of Lillian Ladele, who refused to conduct civil partnerships in her position as an Islington registrar due to a conscientious objection, and was subsequently sacked; and that of Nadia Eweida, who was disciplined for visibly wearing a crucifix pendant by her employer British Airways.

All four cases are due to be heard shortly by the European Court of Human Rights. The Government recently decided not to back the four Christians in their submissions to the European Court, but rather to argue that that the original decisions against them were correct.

Read more
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/bishops-call-for-church-of-england-to-stand-for-christian-freedoms

Judge rules against Christian guesthouse ownersPublished: February 10th, 2012 |
Sexual Orientation, Religious Freedom

Two Christian guesthouse owners have today lost their appeal against last year’s ruling which left them with a £3,600 fine for only letting married couples rent double-rooms in their guesthouse.

Peter and Hazelmary Bull were found to have discriminated after refusing a double-room to a non-married same-sex couple in 2008.

The Bulls appealed the decision, claiming that they had always restricted double-rooms to married couples in accordance with their Christian beliefs.

The Judge who gave them permission to appeal explained that his original ruling affected “the human rights of the defendants to manifest their religion and forces them to act in a manner contrary to their deeply and genuinely held beliefs.”

Court of Appeal

However, today the Court of Appeal upheld the original decision and found that same-sex couple Mr Hall and Mr Preddy had been discriminated against under equality laws.

Mr Hall and Mr Preddy were backed in their case by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The EHRC has intervened in several cases relating to the clash between freedom of belief and homosexual rights, and in every such case it has intervened strongly against the freedom to manifest religious belief.

The EHRC caused outrage last year when it argued in Johns v Derby Council that Christians with Christian moral views on sex should not be allowed to foster because they might ‘infect’ children.

Comment

The Christian Institute funded Mr and Mrs Bull’s appeal.

Spokesman Simon Calvert said: “Peter and Hazelmary have been penalised for their beliefs about marriage.

“Not everyone will agree with Peter and Hazelmary’s beliefs, but a lot of people will think it is shame that the law doesn’t let them live and work according to their own values under their own roof.

“Something has gone badly wrong with our equality laws when good, decent people like Peter and Hazelmary are penalised but extremist hate preachers are protected.”

Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:

“This was the wrong decision. A number of judgments have now elevated sexual orientation rights above historic freedom of belief. This was never the intention of Parliament, and has no democratic mandate.

“Bed and breakfast owners have now become another category of people in the UK who will be penalised if they try to serve the public without compromising their religious beliefs.

“We are heading towards a two-tier society where only those who subscribe to secular, humanistic values will be able to operate in many areas in the public sphere.

“With full homosexual marriage now on the horizon, protecting conscience will become more important than ever.”

Source
BBC News
Christian Institute
Resources
Full Judgment
Christian Concern: Religious Freedom

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS

Philosopher warns of growing threat to religious freedom
January 26th, 2012 |
Religious Freedom

Leading philosopher Roger Trigg, a Professor at Kellogg College, Oxford, has warned of an increasing tendency in UK courts to prioritise equality above religion, thereby undermining religious freedom.

Professor Trigg, who is the founding President of the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion,stated that: “Religious freedom and the right to manifest religious belief is a central part of every charter of human rights.”

Yet he believes that the courts are now “limiting human freedom itself”.

Professor Trigg is launching a new book, “Equality, Freedom and Religion”, which cites numerous cases where religious freedom has been denied by the courts.

These include the cases of Lillian Ladele, who refused to conduct civil partnerships in her position as an Islington registrar due to a conscientious objection, and was subsequently sacked; and Nadia Eweida, who was disciplined for visibly wearing a crucifix pendant by her employer British Airways.

Balance of Rights

There have been many concerns that, within judicial interpretations of equality law, a hierarchy of rights has developed, with some rights now being seen as more important than others. Recent court decisions have suggested that the freedom to manifest sexual orientation now trumps the freedom to manifest one’s religious beliefs.

This has led to Christians losing their jobs after refusing to compromise their beliefs at work as well as Christians being stopped from being foster parents.

Yet Professor Trigg argues in his new book that the courts need to hold the different rights in balance, and that “reasonable accommodation” should be the aim of every judge.

Using the example of Lillian Ladele, he commented that: “It should have been easy to find a solution here, but the need to respect the right to equality trumped the freedom of religious convictions in this instance.”

European Court

Christian Concern has supported many individuals who have been penalised for their faith in the public sphere, including Shirley Chaplin, an NHS nurse who was told not to wear her cross at work; and Gary McFarlane, who was sacked because he mentioned that he may have a conscientious objection to providing sex therapy to homosexual men after the issue was discussed on a staff training day.

The cases of Lillian, Nadia, Gary and Shirley are all currently waiting to be heard by the European Court of Human Rights.Any decision by the European Court on these cases will have huge consequences for the freedom of Christians in the UK and Europe to live by their beliefs in public.

David Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron recently gave a speech in Oxford,on the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, during which he proclaimed that Britain was a Christian nation and should continue to be informed by Christian moral values.

Yet, despite this, the Government has decided not to back the four Christians who have taken their cases to the European Court, but rather to argue that they were right to have been penalised.

And when asked about Eunice and Owen Johns, the Christian foster parents who were stopped from continuing to foster because of their Christian sexual ethics, the Prime Minister backed the decision of Derby Council and claimed that “Christians should be more tolerant”.

Lord Carey

The decision not to back the four cases has been heavily criticised by Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, who stated: “I am very disappointed for the individuals concerned who have simply followed their conscience. Such is the result of a liberal establishment that has become deeply illiberal.”

Tory MP Gary Streeter is now leading a cross-party group of parliamentarians who are conducting an inquiry into discrimination against Christians. Christian Concern, along with other organisations, has been giving extensive evidence to the enquiry.

Comment

Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented:

“I have witnessed a real restriction of religious freedom in this country in the last few years. Increasing numbers of Christians have been penalised for their faith in the public sphere. Some Christians have been threatened with disciplinary action, suspended, and even sacked for refusing to act against their consciences. This has to stop, and I believe that it will.”

Source
Daily Telegraph