Re: VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN

Admin Mon 16 Jan 2023, 11:53 pm

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Faithw16

https://www.faithwire.com/2023/01/13/real-history-behind-the-separation-of-church-and-state-inside-the-contentious-phrase-and-thomas-jeffersons-intent/?
Real History Behind the ‘Separation of Church and State?’ Inside the Contentious Phrase and Thomas Jefferson’s Intent
Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash
By Billy Hallowell
Editor
January 13, 2023
One of the most pervasive phrases in the sociopolitical lexicon is “the separation of church and state,” an expression many mistakenly believe is present word-for-word in the U.S. Constitution.
Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast ??
The term, typically used to claim there can be no intermingling of faith and government, has a fascinating history, according to Howard Goldthwaite, senior creative director at First Liberty Institute.

Goldthwaite recently wrote, directed, and produced a short animated video titled “No Better Letter,” an effort to explain where “the separation of church and state” term originated and why some misunderstand not only the history but also its application to constitutional law.

“The phrase is from a letter; it’s not in the Constitution, like everybody seemed to assume,” he said. “It’s from a letter written on Jan. 1 of 1802 by Thomas Jefferson [to] a group from Danbury, Connecticut.”

That group had written Jefferson expressing concern “they were going to be … told what to teach, what to preach,” Goldthwaite said.

Jefferson, then the third president of the United States, told them in his reply they had nothing to worry about and that the government didn’t have the power to tell them what to do in their house of worship.

But Goldthwaite said this letter has been used to drive a wedge between church and state — one that disallows the two from any proximity.

Atheist and Satanist groups, among others, often invoke the phrase to target nativities and other religious displays if and when these images are present on public property.

Voluntary prayer has also been targeted, with football coach Joe Kennedy losing his job before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in his favor last summer.

The natural question, of course, is why so many believe this term is somehow implied in the U.S. Constitution. And the broader discussion, of course, is just how much church and state can intermingle without violating the First Amendment — something over which both sides continue to haggle.

“I encourage everybody to read the original Danbury letter and then Jefferson’s response,” Goldthwaite said. “Jefferson was clearly putting their minds at ease that the government’s not here to tell them what to teach, what to believe.”

He continued, “That misunderstanding is kind of where the train jumps the track with a lot of people. They think the government has the right to tell any religious group to just back off anytime they want.”

Watch Goldthwaite’s “No Better Letter”:

Goldthwaite said he believes some of the motivation in using the term centers on a quest some secularists have not to see people of faith engaging in politics and government.

“They want to keep them out. They want to keep their values out,” he said. And so they wrap themselves in this ‘separation of church and state’ phrase.”

In the end, Goldthwaite said the “wall of separation” protects the church from state control, expressing his belief that many critics simply get it backward.

He’s hoping “No Better Letter” helps set the record straight.

It should be noted that organizations like the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an atheist activist group, seem to take a very different view, seeing the Danbury letter as a call for separation.

“As president, [Jefferson] issued his famous letter to the Baptists of Danbury, Connecticut, on Jan. 1, 1802, explaining that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment builds ‘a wall of separation between church and state,'” the FFRF wrote. “He refused to issue any days of prayer or thanksgiving, believing civil powers alone were conferred on public officials.”

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

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Admin Sat 29 Oct 2022, 12:39 am

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/10/28/spiritually-dangerous-ex-psychic-who-was-embroiled-in-occult-for-years-warns-christians-halloween-can-open-demonic-doors/?
‘Spiritually Dangerous’: Ex-Psychic Who Was Embroiled in Occult For Years Warns Christians Halloween Can Open ‘Demonic Doors’
By Billy Hallowell
Editor
A woman who spent years working as a psychic before finding Jesus and renouncing the occult is warning Christians about the spiritual dangers associated with Halloween.

Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast

“Halloween, I really believe, opens demonic doors,” Jenn Nizza told CBN’s Faithwire. “And the season itself promotes divination … it pushes out the Ouija board, witchcraft. You see it in stores, on social media, sweatshirts.”
She said taking part in Halloween can be “very spiritually dangerous” and rebuffed claims from some believers that the day can in some way be “redeemed” and celebrated in a more positive or uplifting way.
“I think you have to think about — why are you trying to redeem something that is demonic?” Nizza said. “We’re called to be godly parents.”

The former medium warned that the “devil is manipulative” and sneaky and can and will use simple events to try and lure people away from the truth.

Watch Nizza discuss Halloween and her previous work as a psychic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIWswhDyQrc&t=
5s

Today, Nizza said she wants nothing at all to do with Halloween, and explained how, in her previous work, she would often spend Oct. 31 working and doing readings.
“It was a time when I was hired a lot to go and do group readings [for] people having Halloween parties, which is another danger to the Christian, by the way, because … there may be a tarot card reader there or a medium [at a party] because that is the thing to do during Halloween,” she said.

Nizza also responded to claims from some fellow believers that divination (seeking the future through supernatural means) is somehow untrue or a parlor trick.

She said her experience communing with the demonic realm was real and deeply disturbing.

“Divination needs to be talked about a little bit more in the church. There’s no doubt about that,” she said. “Oftentimes, Christians aren’t hearing about it but then to say it’s just a parlor trick or just a parlor game is really spiritually ignorant.”

Find out more about Nizza and her ministry here, and read our full explanation of her journey to Jesus.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

Admin Tue 30 Aug 2022, 10:23 pm

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Faithw11

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/08/22/i-gave-god-an-ultimatum-imprisoned-mafia-member-hit-rock-bottom-when-he-cried-out-to-jesus-to-kill-him-or-change-him/
‘I Gave God an Ultimatum’: Imprisoned Mafia Member Hit Rock Bottom When He Cried Out to Jesus to ‘Kill Him or Change Him’
Photo by Rene Böhmer on Unsplash
By Billy Hallowell
Editor
August 22, 2022
A Mafia associate who spent most of his existence in and out of prisons and living a life riddled with crime eventually found himself broken, emotionally tattered, and at a dire crossroads.

“I knew about God but didn’t know God. I gave God an ultimatum,” Robert Borelli recently told “The Prodigal Stories Podcast.” “I said, ‘You better have somebody kill me — or change me.'”

Borelli, a member of the Gambino Crime Family, had lived a hardened life, but that moment of pure emotion overtook him as he sat alone in his jail cell, separated from his daughter and loved ones.

“I was crying like a little baby,” he said. “It broke my heart, just shattered my heart in pieces.”

Listen to Borelli tell his story of going from a violent Mafia affiliate to a passionate Christian:

Admin Thu 19 May 2022, 11:37 pm

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/05/19/god-was-on-his-side-mother-to-be-will-give-birth-to-son-twice-to-save-his-life/?
‘God Was On His Side’: Mother-to-Be Will Give Birth to Son Twice to Save His Life
ins-Phillips
Editor
Jaiden Ashlea recently gave birth to her baby — and she’s about to do it all over again.

During a recent interview with the New York Post, Ashlea explained she learned at 19 weeks that her then-unborn son, Levi James, had spina bifida. The news, she said, left her “in shock.”

“I couldn’t even speak when the doctor was telling us this,” said the 23-year-old woman from Jacksonville, Florida.

Listen to the latest episode of the Faithwire podcast

The news got worse with each moment. Ashlea, a TikTok fashion blogger, and her fiancé Noah Detrick were told by doctors there was “no hope” and their baby would likely be born brain dead, according to the Mirror. She recalled her mind racing, telling herself, “This isn’t real; this isn’t happening,” describing the ordeal as “a nightmare.”

But for Detrick and Ashlea, abortion was not an option.

With termination off the table, the Florida-based couple shifted their thinking: What’s next?

That’s when they discovered the modern medical marvel of fetal surgeries. So they traveled to Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando, where she became the medical center’s 31st mother to ever undergo an incredible surgery allowing doctors to perform a Cesarian section, break Ashlea’s water, and successfully repair a large legion on baby Levi’s L2 vertebrae on his lower back.

After performing the surgery, the doctors repositioned the baby inside Ashlea’s womb and placed her on bed rest.

She will deliver Levi again — and officially — at 37 weeks in July.

Ashlea first opened up about her incredible surgery on TikTok:

“Since the surgery, [doctors have] seen so much more movement and signs of any malformation in his brain are reversing,” Ashlea told the Post, noting doctors believe it’s likely Levi will have no major motor issues when he’s born for the second time this summer. “He’s kicking his legs and twisting his ankles in there. I can feel him moving.”

While Ashlea is undoubtedly grateful to the medical experts who performed the surgery on baby Levi, she is also crediting God for His goodness in the life of her soon-to-be-born-again baby.

“I’m excited for him to realize how many people were rooting for him, and how loved and special he is,” she said. “Not everyone gets the chance to have this surgery. And I want him to know that God was on his side.”

As Christians, it seems like it’s hardly a coincidence Ashlea happens to live near Orlando. Winnie Palmer Hospital is one of just 12 facilities in the U.S. that perform these high-risk fetal surgeries.

Such procedures — which can only be performed on a few hundred expectant mothers and their babies each year due to how incredibly invasive the surgeries are — typically cost upwards of $25,000. Thankfully, insurance covered Ashlea and Levi’s groundbreaking surgery.

Please be in prayer for Ashlea, Detrick, baby Levi, and the doctors and medical staff who are caring for them.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

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Admin Fri 13 May 2022, 9:54 pm

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/05/13/the-devil-is-attacking-muslim-mob-reportedly-stones-to-death-burns-christian-womans-corpse-over-false-blasphemy-claim/?
‘The Devil Is Attacking’: Muslim Mob Reportedly Stones to Death, Burns Christian Woman’s Corpse Over False Blasphemy Claim
AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File
By Billy Hallowell
Editor
2 hours ago
A young woman in Nigeria was reportedly stoned to death and her body beaten and burned after she was falsely accused of insulting the Muslim prophet Muhammad.
Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Shehu Shagari College of Education student in Sokoto, Nigeria, was brutally murdered May 12. The violent attack was purportedly filmed and shared on social media.
“We have videos, we have photos which I’ve seen, unfortunately,” Joel Veldkamp, head of international communications at persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity International, told CBN’s Faithwire.

Watch Veldkamp share details of the horrific story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPaSfD4xrI8

Veldkamp, who stated facts on the deadly attack are still being pieced together, said Yakubu, a Christian, was the head of a Christian fellowship organization at the university.

She came under fire and was later killed over comments purportedly made on WhatsApp, a messaging app.

“There was some kind of argument in the WhatsApp group about religion,” Veldkamp said. “Some people say she praised Jesus for something, other people say she asked some other people to stop talking about religion so much.”

Other reports claim she was falsely accused of insulting Muhammad after refusing to date a Muslim, or that she said on WhatsApp that Christians at Shehu Shagari College of Education were discriminated against and Muslims favored.

An additional assertion was that she thanked Jesus after passing tests and refused to retract her statement of gratitude.

Regardless of Yakubu’s purported comments or the causal details, she was attacked the next day by young Muslims who were outraged and violently decided to end her life.

“The next day some young Muslim students went to her hostel and grabbed her and beat her to death and then burned her body,” he said. “We have the video of the body being burned, and you can see the faces of the people who did it, and you can hear them shouting ‘Allahu Akbar.'”

Listen to the latest episode of the Faithwire podcast

Admin Wed 04 May 2022, 10:22 pm

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Christ13

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/05/04/put-that-spiritual-armor-on-actor-chad-michael-murray-reveals-he-reads-bible-daily-teaches-kids-about-jesus/?That Spiritual Armor on’: Actor Chad Michael Murray Reveals He Reads Bible Daily, Teaches ‘Kids About Jesus’
Actor Chad Michael Murray poses with his wife Sarah Roemer (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
By Billy Hallowell
Editor
6 hours ago
“One Tree Hill” alumnus Chad Michael Murray reads the Bible and devotionals every morning — actions he said are akin to putting on “spiritual armor.”

“I get up every day, and I put that spiritual armor on, read the Bible and do some devotionals and then get ready to go to work,” the actor told Fox News.

Murray, 40, seems to be referring here to commandments seen in Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV), which encourage Christians to stay close to the Lord to push back against evil. These Scriptures read:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

He also revealed he has turned down roles due to his Christian beliefs.

“I stick to the things I believe in,” Murray told Fox News. “Let’s just say a piece of material were to come across my desk, which has happened plenty of times over the last 22 years, that I don’t necessarily feel is what I believe or what I’m selling — then that’s not for me. I don’t want to step in something that I don’t believe in any way because it’s going to destroy it for everybody else involved.”

Listen to the latest episode of the Faithwire podcast

Admin Wed 04 May 2022, 10:11 pm

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/05/03/evil-no-match-for-power-of-prayer-christians-react-to-bombshell-news-roe-v-wade-could-be-overturned/?
Evil ‘No Match’ for Power of Prayer: Christians React to Bombshell News Roe v. Wade Could Be Overturned
By Billy Hallowell
Editor

May 3, 2022
“This is the news we have been waiting for for 50 years.” That’s how pro-life activist Abby Johnson responded Monday night to a bombshell leaked majority opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Supreme Court case.

And Johnson’s reaction is spot-on. The shocking release of the draft language, which Justice Samuel Alito wrote, indicates the court could overturn Roe v. Wade and substantially transform the abortion landscape.

Naturally, the leaked document — an unprecedented happening before the official release of U.S. Supreme Court decisions — is only adding to the typically-nuclear nature of the abortion wars.

Listen to the latest episode of the Faithwire podcast

As for Johnson, who was once a pro-choice Planned Parenthood clinic director before becoming a pro-life champion, she said it is “truly exciting” to see where the court might be headed.

“The majority opinion overturning Roe means that over a dozen states will be abortion-free due to their trigger laws,” she said. “The battle to make abortion unthinkable will become more intense as blue states seek to codify abortion until birth while red states seek to protect life from its very beginning.”

But Johnson also offered a caution many are mirroring in the wake of the document leak: Justices can change their minds and votes before official opinions are released, meaning the draft version is anything but final.

“We still have a lot of work to do: we must pray for the Justices, we must fund pregnancy resource centers, we must work nonstop to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy and don’t know where to turn, and we must support paid family leave and policies to support families, not tear them apart,” she said. “I am hopeful that in the near future, we may live in a nation where abortion is unthinkable.”

Other pro-life and Christian voices were also hopeful and quick to respond to the news:

Admin Sat 19 Feb 2022, 11:09 pm

https://www.faithwire.com/2022/02/18/weird-stuff-happened-on-set-actress-reveals-terrifying-events-while-filming-the-conjuring-that-still-make-her-shudder/?
‘Weird Stuff Happened on Set’: Actress Reveals Terrifying Events While Filming ‘The Conjuring’ That Still Make Her ‘Shudder’

From left, the cast and crew of "The Conjuring" arrive at the the film's LA premiere at the Cinerama Dome on Monday, July 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. Pictured from left are Shannon Kook, James Brotherton, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, James Wan, Lili Taylor, Joey King, Kyla Deaver, Mackenzie Foy, Hayley McFarlane and in back row, Ron Livingston. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)

Actress Joey King, who played a little girl afflicted by the supernatural in the demonic-themed horror film, “The Conjuring,” recently shared strange details from her time making the movie that still make her “shudder.”

King, 22, said earlier this month in an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show” that she developed a strange blood disorder while playing Christine, one of the Perron children in “The Conjuring.”

Listen to the latest episode of the Faithwire podcast

The condition was so severe that she had to go to the hospital for treatment before and after filming each day.

“It was pretty intense. Some weird stuff happened on the set, along with the movie being scary,” she told fellow actress Drew Barrymore. “It’s true, I developed this bizarre, rare, out-of-nowhere blood disorder, and basically, my body, like all the red platelets from my body were like drained. They were just gone.”

Listen to King share her story about “The Conjuring”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqjhqa3kFRs

King said she had a “high risk of internal bleeding,” and doctors said she might need a blood transfusion.

“It was so dramatic,” she said. “So I had to, every day before work and after work, go to the hospital, get my blood taken.”

But something truly bizarre happened once King finished filming “The Conjuring.”

“Then, all of a sudden, I got home, and I’ve never had a problem with my blood since,” she said, sparking a shocked reaction from Barrymore. “Every time I think about it, I just shudder a little bit.”

King has discussed this story before, telling shock radio host Howard Stern in 2020 that her blood issue was discovered after bruises started mysteriously appearing on her body during filming.

“In the [movie], when the mom gets possessed, she gets all these bruises on her,” King said. “And so during the filming of those particular scenes, I started having a lot of bruises show up on my body.”

The bruises in strange places like her chest and stomach were so pervasive that makeup artists thought she stole their supplies to create fake bruising. They only realized this wasn’t the case when they tried to remove the bruising to no avail.

It’s a truly bizarre story, but regardless of the veracity of the claims, scripture does tell us that evil is very real.

Faithwire and CBN have covered a plethora of cases surrounding people who believe they have encountered — and triumphed over — evil.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

Admin Sat 19 Jun 2021, 9:36 pm

https://www.faithwire.com/2021/06/18/pelosi-refuses-to-answer-reporters-question-is-a-15-week-old-unborn-baby-a-human-being/?utm_source=cbn&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-eu-faithwire&utm_content=20210618-2484130&inid=4b58f7c0-7f5b-eb11-b823-005056af0da1
Pelosi Refuses to Answer Reporter's Question: Is a 15-Week-Old Unborn Baby a Human Being?
So...is that a yes or a no?
Pelosi Refuses to Answer Reporter’s Question: Is a 15-Week-Old Unborn Baby a Human Being?
By Steve Warren
June 18, 2021
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) deflected a question from a reporter on Thursday when she was asked whether a 15-week-old unborn baby is a human being.

The question was regarding the upcoming Supreme Court review of a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The high court is expected to hear the case this fall.

‘They Need to Understand’: Catholic Bishops May Demand Biden, Other Pro-Abortion Politicians Quit Taking Communion

Julia Johnson, a CNS News reporter, asked Pelosi the question during her weekly press conference.

“Let me just say that I’m a big supporter of Roe vs. Wade,” Pelosi replied. “I am a mother of five children in six years. I think I have some standing on this issue as to respecting a woman’s right to choose.”
The reporter, however, wasn’t going to let the speaker off the hook.

“Is it a human being?” the reporter asked again.

Without responding, Pelosi pointed to another reporter in the room to ask a question.

Pro-Life Group Issues Warning After Dems Reintroduce ‘Egregious’ Bill Guaranteeing Abortion Up Until Birth

As CBN News reported, the Mississippi case does not directly challenge the legal right to an abortion, but it could lay the groundwork for more restrictions. And if Roe v. Wade is ever overturned, abortion would then become a state issue.
With more conservative Supreme Court justices now on the court, pro-life advocates are hopeful that our nation will get a step closer to overturning Roe v. Wade.

Mallory Quigley of the Susan B. Anthony List explained, “Ultimately the hope is that the Supreme Court will take the handcuffs off the states and allow them to pass laws that reflect the values of the people that live there.”

Only one abortion clinic remains operational in Mississippi and that owner said procedures are performed up to 16 weeks gestation.
This story originated through Faithwire’s parent company CBNNews.com. For more download the free CBN News app.

Canadian Pastor Arrested on New Charges After ‘Underground Worship’ Following Church Building Seizure Jun 15, 2021 03:22 am

(RebelNews) — Pastor Tim Stephens was arrested on Monday afternoon on new charges, after Fairview Baptist Church gathered for underground worship for the second week in a row since their church was effectively seized by Alberta Health Services last Saturday. Alberta authorities were forced to drop other charges against Pastor Tim last month, after...
Continue reading the story https://christiannews.net/2021/06/15/canadian-pastor-arrested-on-new-charges-after-underground-worship-following-church-building-seizure/

Admin Sat 19 Jun 2021, 9:22 pm

Supreme Court Unanimously Rules for Catholic Social Services, Can’t Be Forced to Violate Their Faith
AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Fil

By CBN News
Contributor

June 17, 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Philadelphia was wrong to reject Catholic Social Services because the group said it wouldn’t violate its religious beliefs about sexuality.

The city had limited ties with the Catholic agency which had declined to place children with same-sex couples.

The court has ruled in the case, Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, “The refusal of Philadelphia to contract with CSS for the provision of foster care services unless CSS agrees to certify same-sex couples as foster parents violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.”

Read more on the background of this case HERE and HERE.
https://www.faithwire.com/2021/06/17/supreme-court-rules-unanimously-for-catholic-social-services-cant-be-forced-to-violate-their-faith/?utm_source=cbn&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-eu-faithwire&utm_content=20210617-2478743&inid=4b58f7c0-7f5b-eb11-b823-005056af0da1

Admin Wed 09 Jun 2021, 8:18 pm

https://www.faithwire.com/2021/06/07/judge-tells-canadian-pastor-jailed-for-holding-church-services-his-religious-freedoms-werent-violated/?
Judge Tells Canadian Pastor Jailed for Holding Church Services His Religious Freedoms Weren’t Violated
GraceLife Church of Edmonton/YouTube screenshot
By Tré Goins-Phillips Editor
June 7, 2021
A judge in Canada ruled Monday that the religious freedoms of Alberta Pastor James Coates — who was in jail for more than a month after holding in-person worship services at his church despite COVID restrictions — were not violated.
Coates, who leads GraceLife Church in Edmonton, recently submitted a Charter challenge, claiming pandemic-related health orders in Alberta violated his religious liberties.

Provincial court Judge Robert Shaigec, however, disagreed. He dismissed the pastor’s application Monday, The Canadian Press reported.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

According to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, which is representing Coates, the judge acknowledged the “sincerity of Pastor Coates’ religious convictions,” but suggested his religious freedoms weren’t “reasonably threatened in more than an insubstantial way.”

Shaigec went on to argue a 35-day stint behind bars for preaching to a full congregation was not a violation of Coates’ religious freedoms because he could have been released had he acquiesced to “a single condition,” which was that he agreed to stop leading services and restricted his congregation to only 15% of the facility’s total operational capacity — a stipulation Coates argued violated his conscience as a pastor.

“He chose to remain in jail,” Shaigec said of Coates, according to CTV News. “It was Mr. Coates’ choice to make.”

Coates was ultimately released in late March without any conditions and the government dropped all but one of its charges against the preacher.

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“The argument that James Coates was forced to either forsake his conscience or secure his liberty has been answered,” Shaigec said. “Religious freedoms are subject to the rule of law.”

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

Coates’ lawyers argued Alberta health orders restricting attendance at venues — including churches — violated charter rights centering on freedom of expression and religion. His attorneys also stated their belief that GraceLife and Coates were singled out by government and law enforcement officials.

Shaigec rejected their arguments, claiming it was public complaints that resulted in inspectors placing their microscopes over the church.

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“Similar restrictions apply to almost all secular activities and gatherings,” he said, describing the ticketing process GraceLife underwent as “quick and respectful.”

It should be noted the facility owned by GraceLife was closed and barricaded by government officials in early April, resulting in the congregation meeting at an undisclosed location for worship services.

During the Monday hearing, the judge expressed frustration over Coates’ skepticism about pandemic-related restrictions, saying he has argued the mandates have been “part of an agenda to transform our nation.”

Nevertheless, Coates’ trial is slated to continue with discussions over the constitutionality of public health orders that placed attendance caps on worship services.

Lawyers are scheduled to convene June 30 to set a date for the next hearing.

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

Admin Sat 06 Mar 2021, 11:45 pm

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Christ24

Watch: Child Being ‘Brainwashed’ to Recite ‘GayBCs’ Draws Serious Concerns Mar 02, 2021 08:22 pm
A disturbing video that has surfaced online has many raising concerns over the sexualization of children by those pushing a homosexual agenda. In the now viral video, a seemingly special needs child is sitting on the lap of a woman reading through a book called "The GayBCs" as the boy recites letters of the alphabet that are identified with sexual terms. While it...
Continue reading the story
https://christiannews.net/2021/03/02/watch-child-being-brainwashed-to-recite-gay-bcs-draws-serious-concerns/

Live Feed: Christians Wait To Be Arrested While Singing Hymns and ‘Rescuing’ in Front of Abortion Facility Doors Mar 05, 2021 10:57 am
A number of Christians gathered in Tennessee to block the doors of an abortion facility as they sung hymns in order to "rescue" children from death—an effort that was met by police with road closures, a shelter-in-place order, as well as arrests. The effort was organized in part by Chet Gallagher outside of the doors of careafem, a surgical abortion facility...
Continue reading the story
https://christiannews.net/2021/03/02/watch-child-being-brainwashed-to-recite-gay-bcs-draws-serious-concerns/

Four Venezuelan Christians Forced To Eat Pages of the Bible, Scarred With Xs Mar 03, 2021 10:10 pm
(Open Doors) – Four Christian men were attacked with knives and sticks and forced to eat sheets of the Bible in a recent, shocking incident in Venezuela. It took place in Libertador, a city in Mérida state. The perpetrators are believed to oppose the work of Restoration House, a church-led drug rehabilitation programme which the four victims had joined. In...
Continue reading the story
https://christiannews.net/2021/03/03/four-venezuelan-christians-forced-to-eat-pages-of-the-bible-scarred-with-xs/

Admin Fri 17 Jul 2015, 9:47 pm

Published: July 15th, 2015 | Employment, Freedom of Speech, Religious Freedom, Social| Victoria Wasteney, Sarah Mbuyi
A Chinese businessman has told the BBC how his faith in Jesus Christ has a dramatic impact on the company that he runs.
Wang Ruoxiong (pictured), the chairman and founder of the Tiantai Group, became a Christian seven years ago. He says that Jesus is the firm’s ultimate boss:
"He controls everything. I am merely a housekeeper of Jesus, assisting him in taking care of the company."
Six of the eight members of the property giant’s senior management team are Christians.
Mr Wang says that putting biblical principles into practice in the workplace has brought success to the firm. He underlines the importance of good relationships, highlighting the way that staff members are treated and the way that the company relates to its suppliers.
This, he says, makes the company distinct and creates commercial advantage:
"When the senior managers at the top are willing to use the values in their own work and life, the values are passed down. Eventually they become the shared values of the common employees of the entire company.
"At that time, the company becomes truly irreplaceable."
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, commented:
“God’s pattern for human flourishing is not just for our personal, private relationship with Him, but for every area of life. When we put it into practice, it brings blessing.
“It’s humbling and exciting that a Christian businessman in communist China is reminding us of the practical benefit that Jesus brings in very concrete ways.”

Admin Wed 27 May 2015, 9:05 pm

Breaking News
Street preachers win cases

Rob Hughes
was arrested in Basildon on 4 September last year after a confrontation with a member of the public who wrongly accused him of using homophobic and offensive language.
Despite clear evidence to the contrary, Rob was arrested by police and held in custody for 11 hours. During this time he was interviewed, a DNA sample was taken as well as his finger prints and a mug shot.
Rob was finally released just before midnight after police said they wouldn't press charges due to insufficient evidence.
We gave Rob legal support and he has now received £2,500 and a contribution towards his legal fees for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and breach of his human rights as part of an out-of-court settlement.
Rob later said that without the Christian Legal Centre, “many street preachers like myself wouldn't have that help and support so I'm very grateful.”
Evangelist Rob Hughes shares his story of arrest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxAY0kJOO7w

Andrew Geuter
was arrested in Hereford on 23 April this year following a complaint made by a member of the public who wrongly accused him of making homophobic comments.
Having spent 5 hours in police custody, Andrew was released on conditional bail.
The police later informed him that they would not take further action again due to insufficient evidence.
Andrew has been preaching in Hereford once a week for 11 years and during this time has experienced no trouble or complaints. Speaking to Christian Concern he commented that for a man who has never even received a parking ticket the prospect of having a criminal record was ‘extremely disturbing’.
Andrew’s wife, Caroline, who spoke to the Christian Legal Centre whilst her husband was in police custody said that, “It’s been wonderful knowing we had their support and just knowing we weren’t alone.”
Andrew Geuter describes his case, and arrest in Hereford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEPkzy_cpI8#t=27

Admin Sat 23 May 2015, 11:12 pm

Anjem Choudary publically confronted with the historical problems with Islam
Published: May 23rd, 2015 | Islam, Social
On Wednesday, May 20th, Jay Smith, skyping from here in London, along with Bob Deal, sitting in the Trinity Channel studio in the USA, had a two hour debate, on the American based Trinity channel, with Anjem Choudary the leader of the most radical Muslim group in Europe today (Islam4UK), and his disciple, Mizanur Rahman (below right), both of whom also skyped in from London.
You can see the debate in its entirety at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8wYuiV1wPY

The debate centred on the many historical problems surrounding the emergence of Islam, including:
1) What the historical record is telling us who Muhammad actually was, including where he lived, and when?
2) Why his earliest biographies (Sira) and his sayings (Hadith) don't appear for over 200 years after his death?
3) Why Mecca, where Muhammad lived, doesn't appear until 741 AD, over 100 years after Muhammad's death?
4) Why all the earliest mosques for the first 100 years are pointed (i.e. the Qibla) 600 miles too far north, towards Petra instead of Mecca?
5) Why all the earliest Qur'anic manuscripts don't begin to appear until the 8th century, some 50-60 years after Muhammad; all with variants, and with corrections continuing well into the 9th century, a full 200 years after it was supposedly compiled complete and unchanged?
All these facts suggest that Islam is a much later invention, probably initiated during the reign of the caliph Abd al Malick in the late 7th century, as a need for an Arab identity, and then constructed, changed, and enlarged over the following two centuries, and finally redacted back on to the person of Muhammad who, we are told, died in 632 AD.
Understandably, neither Anjem nor Mizanur could, or rather would, deal with this new historical material, employing their usual verbal taunts, while constantly returning to affirm the classical Islamic traditions for their authority, the very documents which were put into jeopardy by Jay and Don throughout this debate.
Many people ask why it is important that we engage publicly in such debates with men like Anjem Choudary and Mizanur Rahman, particularly on such subjects, since they represent the more radical ‘fringe’ of Islam, and not the more reasoned nominal majority?
The reason is very simple. Anjem Choudary is hugely influential here in Europe.
According to the latest 'Scotland Yard' statistics, he has been responsible in influencing over a third of all Muslims who have left Europe to join ISIS in the past year, and regularly speaks in over 50 countries concerning his more radical brand of Islam.
Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71mSbHHkpr8
if you would like to see our 7-minute video invitation to the debate, which includes (in the final 5 minutes) a special documentary put out by the BBC last week on the influence of Anjem Choudary here in Europe.
In fact, it is because of Anjem's influence over so many young Muslims that the new Conservative government will be introducing later this month the new 'Extremist Disruption Order' (EDO), aimed at specifically censuring Anjem's group, the
'Islam4UK'. That is why we Christians, more than anyone else, must step forward and debate men like Anjem and his co-religionists.
Just as we Christians are absolutely dependent on the historical credibility of the Bible and Jesus Christ for everything we believe, so men like Anjem and MIzanur, because they are so much more radical in their beliefs than probably any other Muslims you will meet, are likewise completely dependent on the credibility and authenticity of the Qur'an and its model, Muhammad. Yet, it is historical material like that which we introduced in this debate which will eventually prove to be the 'Achilles heel' of men like Anjem and Mizanur, as it destroys the very foundations of everything they believe and hope for.
This debate will be the beginning of many more like it, as new and even better ongoing historical research continues to question who Muhammad was, where the Qur'an came from, and how indeed Islam really began.

To see a more in-depth talk on this new historical material, go and
watch the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd9lIuUjPs0

Stay tuned for much more yet to come, which you can use and pass on to others, on our Pfanderfilms site, at: https://www.youtube.com/user/PfanderFilms

Admin Sat 23 May 2015, 10:53 pm

Christian apologist debates radical muslim
Jay Smith, a Christian expert in Islam, debated muslim extremist preacher Anjem Choudary
this week. Choudary is believed to be one of the main reasons for the government's new Extremism Disruption Orders

(EDOs). However, such laws won't stop the spread of radical Islam. The basis of radical Islam needs to be exposed. This is what Jay did during the debate,
which you can watch here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Sam Solomon's books on the dangers of Islam are also available.

Ex-Muslims afraid to speak out
Young men and women from muslim backgrounds who have left Islam claim that they are a minority within a minority in Britain.
A number of ex-muslims told the Guardian
how they have been cut off from their families and face death threats as a result of leaving Islam. This is why we setup Safe Haven,an initiative that has been developed with a heart for connecting victims with those who can provide a safe place to stay: a secure and loving home away from the hostility.

Ashers Bakery: Judgment handed down in 'gay cake' row
A judge sitting at Belfast County Court has ruled today (19th May) that a Christian-run bakery that refused to bake a cake backing same-sex ‘marriage’ was guilty of ‘discrimination’ on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Passing the ruling, District Judge Isobel Brownlie said: "This is direct discrimination for which there is no justification. The defendants are not a religious organisation. They are a business for profit. There are no exceptions available.
"As much as I acknowledge their religious beliefs this is a business to provide service to all. The law says they must do that.”
The Judge said she recognised that the McArthur family, who owned the bakery, "hold genuine deeply held religious beliefs" but that "whilst defendants have right to religious beliefs they are limited as to how they manifest them."
Ashers Baking was asked to make a cake decorated with the slogan 'support gay marriage' but declined on the basis that to do so would compromise their Christian beliefs. LGBT activist Gareth Lee, who placed the order, also wanted a picture of Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie in an embrace, and a logo of the homosexual pressure group, QueerSpace, where he acted as a volunteer.
Management informed Mr Lee that the bakery, run by the McArthur family, would be unable to produce the cake on the basis of a conscientious objection and offered to give him a full refund.
READ MORE

Judge compares secularism to Tudor tyranny

Militant secularists exhibit an attitude to freedom of speech and religion which is similar to that of tyrannical leaders in the Tudor times, one of Britain’s top judges has warned. Sir Michael Tugendhat’s, who retired from the High Court last year, stated that “lawsuits involving religion were absolutely unknown” when he began his professional career, but that in the past 10 to 15 years “they had become increasingly frequent.”
The former judge, who has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, representing celebrities such as footballer John Terry, said that aggressive secularists were seeking to “limit” religious freedom and free speech to a “private sphere”, adding that freedom which could not be exercised in a public setting amounted to a form of “oppression."
READ MORE

Students attempt to ban Bible from halls

Students at a Welsh university have voted to ban the tradition of putting Bibles in their halls of residence in the name of ‘multiculturalism’. Even though only 1 in 10 students voted in the referendum, Aberystwyth University bosses have said that they will now decide whether to accept the students' demands. A student at the university said: “This is seemingly a ploy based around the personal grievances and beliefs of the small number of new Union representatives.”
READ MORE

Andrea Williams talks to LBC Radio's Clive Bull about Bibles being removed from universities.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Admin Sat 23 May 2015, 9:53 pm

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Christian_News_Timeline_Cover.1.1.1

'Fix It, Jesus': Student Takes Podium to Pray as Medical Emergency Unfolds During Graduation

(CN) -- A high school student in Alabama jumped to his feet and took the podium Thursday night to lead those gathered for the senior graduation ceremony in prayer as a medical emergency took place in the stands.
According to reports, a family member of a graduating student fell ill as the Clay-Chalkville High School graduation ceremony was underway on the grounds of the Cougar Stadium.
Christian Crawford, the senior class president, approached the podium as he felt led to pray, not knowing what was taking place.
“Everybody, can I have your attention real quick?” he said. “We don’t know what’s going on, but we will pray. We know that prayer is power, and that God is able. Let’s pray.”
Crawford then began to lead those gathered in prayer.
“Father God, we thank you for this day, Lord. We pray right now that whatever is going on, you will fix it, God,” he prayed. “We pray that you will heal it, God. We pray that you will redeem it, God. We pray that you will deliver it, God, because we know that you are a God who knows how to make a way.”
“And in the name of Jesus, we declare and decree in the name of Jesus that whatever is going on shall be fixed, because you are a God who is a fixer,” Crawford continued. “You are a God who is a healer. Jehovah God, Jehovah-jireh, Jehovah-nissi, Jehovah-shiloh. Fix it, Jesus. In Jesus’ name,
The student’s prayer was met with cheers and applause, as some grinned widely
at Crawford upon seeing what he had done and hearing his prayer.
A video of the moment, which was posted to YouTube by the Trussville Tribune, already has over 11,000 views.
“What an awesome young man, and what a great crowd,” one commenter named Matt wrote.
“Yes! Pray son! [Jesus] said if you be ashamed of Me before man, I will be ashamed of you before My Father. You just showed the world that you are not ashamed!” another named Kanitra said. “I don’t know you, but I’m mighty glad to say, I love you in Jesus! God bless you.”
WATCH
Student prays after medical emergency at graduation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ1JKH22Ukw

'Everybody Cried': Five-Year-Old Feeds, Prays With Homeless Man at Alabama Waffle House
(CN) -- A five-year-old boy from Alabama is making headlines after he moved patrons at a waffle house to tears while feeding and praying with a homeless man inside of the restaurant.
Ava Faulk of Prattville told local television station WSFA that she and her son Josiah visited the waffle house a few weeks ago, and saw a homeless man outside of the building.
PRATTVILLE, Ala. — A five-year-old boy from Alabama is making headlines after he moved patrons at a waffle house to tears while feeding and praying with a homeless man inside of the restaurant.
Ava Faulk of Prattville told local television station WSFA that she and her son Josiah visited the waffle house a few weeks ago, and saw a homeless man outside of the building.
“We saw a man who was dirty holding a bag with his bike outside,” she recalled.
Her son began to ask her questions about the man and why he looked the way he did.
“He’s homeless,” Faulk explained.
“What does that mean?” the boy asked.
“Well, that means he doesn’t have a home,” Faulk responded.
Josiah then told his mother that she should buy him something to eat. So, the two offered to purchase the man a meal.
“He came in and sat down, and nobody really waited on him,” Faulk recalled. “So Josiah jumped up and asked him if he needed a menu because you can’t order without one.”
After the man ordered his food, Josiah insisted that he pray a blessing over the man’s meal. So, the two bowed their heads and gave thanks.
“God our Father, we thank you for our many blessings. Amen,” Josiah prayed in song, as eleven other customers looked on at his kind gesture.
“The man cried. I cried. Everybody cried,” Faulk recalled.
She captured the touching moment on camera. The man ate his meal and went on his way.
“Watching my son touch the 11 people in that Waffle House tonight will be forever one of the greatest accomplishments as a parent I’ll ever get to witness,” she told reporters.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Atheist Seeks to Use Religious Freedom Law to Remove 'In God We Trust' from U.S. Currency
VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Money-Motto-pd

VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN - Page 2 Money-Motto-pd

(CN) -- A prominent atheist is again on a quest to remove the motto ‘In God We Trust’ from American currency after losing attempts to do so thus far, and is now seeking to use the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in his strategy.
As previously reported, atheist Michael Newdow, who has filed numerous suits challenging the mixture of God and government, first submitted a complaint in the Southern District of New York in March 2013, asserting that the motto violates the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution as it serves to proselytize unbelievers.
But in September of that year, U.S. District Court Judge Harold Baer, Jr., nominated by Bill Clinton, rejected Newdow’s arguments, opining that “the inclusion of the motto on U.S. currency . . . does not violate the Establishment Clause [of the Constitution].”
He consequently appealed his case to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, but last May, the court likewise ruled against the prominent atheist.
“The Supreme Court has recognized in a number of its cases that the motto, and its inclusion in the design of U.S. currency, is a ‘reference to our religious heritage,’” it wrote. “We therefore hold, in line with the Supreme Court’s dicta, that [the motto appearing on currency does] not violate the Establishment Clause.”
Now, Newdow is seeking plaintiffs for seven new lawsuits—one in seven of the twelve federal circuits—that challenge the motto from a different angle—the federal RFRA signed in the 1990s by then-President Bill Clinton.
“[C]hallenges to this practice under the Establishment Clause have, so far, failed,” he wrote in a recent guest post on Patheos. “Challenges under RFRA, however, are not as susceptible to misapplication. This is because every Supreme Court justice involved in the three RFRA cases heard to date has agreed that, under RFRA, religious activity may not be substantially burdened without a compelling governmental interest and laws narrowly tailored to serve that interest.”
“There is obviously no compelling government interest in having ‘In God We Trust’ on our money,” Newdow continued. “Accordingly, for those who feel that being forced by the government to carry a message that violates their religious ideals is substantially burdensome, lawsuits are now being prepared…”
He said that he is especially seeking families with children to be a part of the cases, since he believes that children will have greater influence on the courts.
“What we need mostly are families with minor children since the Supreme Court has indicated that it is more likely to uphold constitutional (and, presumably, statutory) principles when children are involved,” Newdow wrote. “Please be advised that the identities of any families with children will be kept ‘under seal’ in order to protect the children…”
“If you wish to participate—especially if you have minor children who you think will look back with pride as adults, knowing their parents gave them the opportunity to personally take part in strengthening civil rights in our country—please write to [me],” he reiterated.
Newdow did not outline whether he is seeking only atheists, or whether he believes atheism is a religion—one that is being burdened by the presence of the motto.
The motto “In God We Trust” has appeared on U.S. coins since 1864 and began being printed on paper currency in 1957. The phrase is to believed to have originated with the Star Spangled Banner, written during the War of 1812, which declares, “And this be our motto: In God We Trust!”
Following a Civil War-era proposal from a number of pastors to the U.S. Treasury Department that God be acknowledged on American currency, Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase obliged and ordered that a design be created. Its inscription was first upheld by Congress in 1864, and then again in 1873 when Congress passed the Coinage Act, which specifically declared that the secretary “may cause the motto ‘In God We Trust’ to be inscribed on such coins as shall admit of such motto.”
In 1956, Congress passed a resolution making “In God We Trust” the national motto, which was again upheld by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011 by a 396-9 vote.

U.S. Government Drops Remaining Charges Against Evolutionary Foe Kent Hovind

(CN) -- Federal prosecutors have filed a motion to dismiss the remaining criminal charges against an imprisoned creation science evangelist after a jury deadlocked on the matter and was not convinced of his guilt.
As previously reported, Kent Hovind, the founder of Creation Science Evangelism out of Pensacola, Florida, has been fighting charges of mail fraud and contempt for contesting liens against a number of properties that had been seized by the government several years ago.

Continue reading this story

Admin Fri 10 Apr 2015, 1:10 pm

Breaking News
Tribunal rules Christian was wrong to talk about her faith
An Employment Tribunal in London has ruled that a Christian occupational therapist was wrong to talk to her Muslim colleague about Christianity.

Victoria Wasteney has worked as a senior occupational therapist in east London for eight years and has an exemplary record.
But an Employment Tribunal has now backed Victoria’s employer, the East London NHS Foundation Trust, claiming that it was inappropriate for her to pray for her colleague, give her a Christian book and invite her to church events.

The decision leaves Victoria out in the cold for being open and honest about her Christian faith. It also leaves unchallenged workplace environments that are increasingly restrictive when it comes to discussing faith at work.

WATCH VICTORIA DISCUSS HER CASE ON ITV

CONTACT YOUR ELECTION CANDIDATE ABOUT CHRISTIAN FREEDOMS

Witness and challenge
Victoria’s colleague had encouraged Victoria to talk about her faith, willingly agreed that she could pray for her and even accepted an invitation to a church charity event.

Despite the fact that Victoria didn't force her views on her colleague at any point, in June 2013 her colleague made a formal complaint. Victoria was then suspended for 9 months pending an investigation.

This happened even though her colleague had never complained to Victoria personally and had often initiated discussions about Victoria’s faith.

In February 2014 an internal disciplinary panel found Victoria guilty of three charges of misconduct related to the accusations of “bullying and harassment”. Now the Employment Tribunal has backed up the decision of Victoria’s employer.
'Strained relationships'
Victoria commented: “I conducted all my conversations with my colleague in a sensitive and appropriate way. I knew she was from a different faith background and I was respectful of that. Surely there should be room for mutual conversations about faith, where appropriate, in the workplace?

“I am extremely disappointed with the Tribunal’s decision to side with my employer. There is already an unnatural caginess around faith and belief which is an obstruction to building meaningful relationships in the workplace.

“This decision will only perpetuate that, to the detriment of working relationships in the NHS.”

Victoria’s case shows the serious problems with the ‘equality and diversity’ framework. It is driving people apart in the workplace, not bringing them together. These strained relationships mean that work productivity ultimately suffers as well.

'Forced to hide identity'
Andrea Williams commented, “Are these the kind of workplaces we want, where people are forced to hide their identity and the things that matter most to them? Such an environment is detrimental to meaningful working relationships and ultimately to productivity.

“With the general election fast approaching, what will political parties do about the place of Christianity in the workplace, particularly in the NHS?

“The current ‘equality and diversity’ framework is having the opposite effect to what was intended. It is driving different people apart, not bringing them together, by breeding an atmosphere of mistrust in which people constantly feel as if they are walking on eggshells.

“Victoria’s case clearly demonstrates this. What will our politicians do to restore trust in the workplace?”

Next steps
We’ve given Victoria expert legal support without charge and will continue to do so as she appeals the decision.

Victoria hasn’t done anything wrong and the decision of the Employment Tribunal should reflect that.

But there’s something even bigger at stake — the freedom of men and women to be open and honest about their Christian faith at work.

Will you support us as we help Victoria and seek Christian freedom in the workplace?
Yes, I’d like to make a donation

Case update
Victory in Lowestoft sex shop case

Councillors in Lowestoft have rejected a licensing application for the opening of a Sex Entertainment Venue in the town centre.

Please join us in giving thanks for this important victory. The case was supported by the Christian Legal Centre.

This was the third licensing application for a Sex Entertainment Venue to be heard by Lowestoft councillors in a period of just 12 months.
CLICK TO WATCH BELOW
Watch a short video about the case (2 mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLfmw4l9xug

Case background
In February 2014, local residents expressed concern after a licence was granted for the opening of a sex club in the town, despite strong opposition from members of the Lowestoft community.

Thankfully, after several months, it transpired that the proposed venue would no longer go ahead.

However, in autumn 2014, a second application was made for the opening of a lap dancing club in the town centre, attracting concern from an alliance of local people including residents, businesses and churches. 26 letters of objection and three petitions containing nearly 200 signatures were lodged. The application was rejected. The Christian Legal Centre supported efforts to oppose the new plan.

A further application was then made, this time for a sex shop in the town. But earlier this year, councillors rejected it after the Christian Legal Centre again supported local residents in opposing the plans.

In a short video, Rev’d Matthew Payne, Vicar of Christ Church Lowestoft, along with others who objected to the applications, have commented on the victory.

Case background
In February 2014, local residents expressed concern after a licence was granted for the opening of a sex club in the town, despite strong opposition from members of the Lowestoft community.

Thankfully, after several months, it transpired that the proposed venue would no longer go ahead.

However, in autumn 2014, a second application was made for the opening of a lap dancing club in the town centre, attracting concern from an alliance of local people including residents, businesses and churches. 26 letters of objection and three petitions containing nearly 200 signatures were lodged. The application was rejected. The Christian Legal Centre supported efforts to oppose the new plan.

A further application was then made, this time for a sex shop in the town. But earlier this year, councillors rejected it after the Christian Legal Centre again supported local residents in opposing the plans.

In a short video, Rev’d Matthew Payne, Vicar of Christ Church Lowestoft, along with others who objected to the applications, have commented on the victory.

'Strong track record'
The Christian Legal Centre has a strong track record in successfully supporting local residents and churches to challenge sex entertainment venues. We are pleased that, with your support, our legal team has prevented the opening of sex establishments in:

Maidstone: In October 2012 an application for a lap dancing club at a venue located seconds away from Maidstone town centre in Kent was rejected. A second application was also rejected for another lap dancing club near a large shopping mall in the Gabriels Hill area, following the support of the Christian Legal Centre.

Bedford: In September 2011 an application for lap dancing to be hosted on the second floor of the ‘Saints & Sinners’ nightclub was rejected after local business owners and residents, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, argued that such a venue was not suitable in an area where there were schools, churches, shops and homes. More than 1000 letters of objection were received by the council in advance of a hearing on the issue.

Oxford: In March 2011 a successful challenge was made against an application for a sex entertainment venue to open just yards from St Ebbe’s Church. Although a licence allowing sexual entertainment had been granted for the same venue in 2010, the licensing laws then changed meaning that a new application had to be made for the venue to continue to operate. St Ebbe’s Church campaigned against the 2011 licence application on the basis that many children and young people use their church building each week, and that having such a club in close proximity would not be appropriate. The application was rejected after the Christian Legal Centre supported the Church’s challenge by providing legal assistance and advice.

Macclesfield: In January 2010, following a successful campaign by the Christian Legal Centre, and others, the council rejected an application for a lap dancing club to open in the town. The application was rejected for failing all four licensing conditions, i.e. the club would promote public nuisance, promote crime and disorder, would fail to promote public safety and would fail to protect children from harm.

Durham: In December 2007, local residents in Durham, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, successfully challenged a decision to grant a licence for a lap dancing club in the city. Residents argued against the plans on the basis that the proposed venue would fail to promote public safety, add to the already high levels of nuisance and disorder in the North Road area and harm children both morally and psychologically.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support

Admin Sat 04 Apr 2015, 11:21 pm

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Andrea's Easter message
So, 5 weeks until the General Election and where do we find ourselves?
The answer politically, is confused. It seems unlikely either of the old ruling parties will govern alone as a majority; it is unclear where the balance of power will lie or how minority parties will align to form a coalition government. Could there be a minority government fighting on every piece of legislation as Boris Johnson suggests the Conservative Party should do if it manages the largest minority?
One thing that unites all the party hierarchies is the rejection of Jesus Christ and the moral truths that flow from recognising Him as Lord. They pursue the reverse conviction – that to prosecute against them is to do good.
If the world hates you, bear in mind that it hated me first (John 15:18)
Between Christmas and Easter this year at Christian Concern we have dealt with a continued push for assisted suicide in parliament and a deliberate refusal by parliament to specifically outlaw gender abortion. We’ve seen a new normalising of same sex families and transgenderism and the imposition of that agenda in the school curriculum for the very youngest of our children.
History bears out that the alternative is Christ or Caesar; liberty or slavery; God or man.

We know that the State cannot be man’s saviour but Christ is to be recognised as the Saviour by the State. Where man’s law commands what God forbids, civil disobedience becomes a Christian duty.
'Jettisoning Christ'
Our ruling elite has jettisoned Christ and is unable to control the chaotic world of flux it has created. It sees no God to give purpose, direction, or rationality to life. It seeks an androgynous, classless, discrimination and distinction-free world of ‘social justice’. To recognise, accept and celebrate these ideas is called ‘love and equality’. Law is created that insists that everyone recognises and celebrates these values and it is called ‘justice’.

Anyone who opposes is phobic, bigoted, unkind; a disturber of the peace.
Who are the disturbers of the peace? This year so far:

Richard Page: Family magistrate reprimanded by the Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor who found he had been influenced by his religious beliefs. What were those beliefs? His views that children do best with a mum and dad; that the child to be adopted should stay with his foster parents rather than be placed with two men. Richard Page was ordered to go through ‘re-education’.

Street preachers arrested for reading from the bible. Mike Overd convicted of a Public Order Offence because the Judge says he used the ‘wrong’ verse in the Bible, from Leviticus.

Sarah Mbuyi: Nursery school teacher, dismissed for gross misconduct for stating to a colleague that God did not approve of same sex ‘marriage’. Lawyers for the nursery argued in court that such a belief breached the Equality Act and that such views were ‘inappropriate in the workplace’.

Mike Davidson: Boris Johnson and Transport for London pursued Mike Davidson of Core Issues Trust for £100K costs for daring to fight back over their decision to ban his bus advert to say that people can change their homosexual behaviour; as he and his organisation demonstrate with unstinting love, commitment and service.

Aisling Hubert: The Crown Prosecution Service sabotaged her private prosecution of two doctors filmed offering 'gender-abortion' and Judge Steiger deliberately and provocatively ordered her to pay £25,000. The Judge chose to punish the citizen seeking to do justice rather than the perpetrators of the crime.

Victoria Wasteney: We’re helping Victoria Wasteney, the occupational therapist working in the NHS who was disciplined for praying for a muslim colleague and giving her a book.
These cases demonstrate the reality that justice can no longer be found in the corridors of power, whether in our governing classes or in our courtrooms.

As the General Election approaches, there is increasing uncertainty and confusion among the Christian community, who are desperate to see true, Christ-centred leadership. So we must find our voice; and the governing elite must hear our voice.
How do we do that?
By giving witness to Christ with love and respect: more salt, more saltiness; more light; brighter.
By seeking to bring public life into alignment with the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
By being faithful in standing for Christ and not being bullied into State sponsored silence.
By praying for our nation.
By holding to account our elected representatives who have done ill.
By choosing a local MP who best reflects and understands Christ’s purpose and God’s priorities.
Find tools and resources to help you engage

Visit our dedicated election website now
Through faith in Christ, the gospel is hope and victory for time and eternity, for our nation. We must share and declare its great vision of hope. We must call out the Kingship of Jesus Christ over us as individuals; over our families, our communities and our nation. We must awaken the church to her public mission to a nation lost in post-Christian, even neo-pagan, ideals. We have Christ’s promise that he will build his church and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

A forgiven people is a happy people. Let’s call our nation to Christ.
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Admin Mon 02 Mar 2015, 8:55 pm

M & S Backtracks on baning 'Christ'
Published: March 2nd, 2015 | Religious Freedom
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The words “Christ” and “Jesus Christ” have been removed from a list of banned offensive terms by Marks & Spencer. The u-turn follows an online barrage of comments after it emerged, yesterday (Sunday March 1) that the the terms were banned.

Christ blocked
Customers who had previously tried to include them in greetings with online purchases of flowers were prevented from completing their orders, with an on-screen notification, reading: 'Sorry, there's something in your message we can't write.'
The policy emerged this weekend when Geraldine Stockford, a pastor’s wife from Christ Church Teddington, was blocked from ordering a £35 bouquet of spring flowers as a gift. The message Geraldine had tried to enter ran: “Thank you for your care and practical help for Margaret in her last days . . . With love from her church family, Christ Church Teddington.”
Gerardine originally thought her message was too long so altered the text to make it shorter; when the problem persisted she rang M&S’s call centre and was told a word must have been blocked. The blocked word turned out to be “Christ”. She said: “He (a customer service representative at an M&S call centre) had to write my message for me because I couldn’t do it over the internet.”

Jihad permitted
M&S said: “An automatic phrase-checker is in place to prevent the use and misuse of certain words and it includes hundreds of words of varying natures. It is common for us to override the checker at the customer’s request.”
The ‘automatic phrase-checker’ appeared to have been temporarily disabled following the outbreak of the story. Further testing of M&S’ ‘automatic phrase-checker’ before it had been disabled found that other religious terms, such as Allah, Buddha, and Mohammad as well as jihad were permitted, but inputting swear words triggered the same message as inputting Christ.

"Sad state of affairs"
Andrea Minichiello Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, who addressed Christ Church Teddington on Saturday said: “It is a sad state of affairs if the start point is to assume the word Christ is being used to be offensive.
We are delighted that Marks and Spencer has responded to the huge concern raised by members of the general public on this matter and will no longer 'blacklist' the name of Jesus Christ as a swear word or one that gives offence, Jesus Christ is the most pivotal figure in our nation's history, His name captures God’s redeeming love for all people and it is remarkable that it was ever banned.”

Admin Tue 20 Jan 2015, 1:25 pm

CHRISTIAN CONCERN
Published: January 19th, 2015 | Family, Freedom of Speech, Religious Freedom
A Cabinet minister and England's highest judge have together disciplined a Christian Magistrate for saying that a child's best interests lie in being raised by both a mother and a father, telling him that his Christian beliefs about the family must not influence his work whilst sitting on the Bench.
Richard Page, who has served as a Justice of the Peace in Kent for 15 years and is a well respected member of the panel, expressed the view during a closed-door consultation with colleagues in an adoption case. Having heard all the evidence in an adoption case, Richard decided that his legal duty to act in the best interests of the child meant that he couldn't agree to placing the child with a same-sex couple.
Following an investigation by the local JP Advisory Panel the case was referred to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice.
The Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice have now told Richard that his Christian beliefs about family life are discriminatory against same-sex couples. He has been publicly reprimanded and barred from sitting as a Magistrate until he has received 'equality training' for his views.

'Huge pressure to conform'
Commenting on his experience, Richard said, "My Christian faith informs me that children flourish best in a loving home with a married mum and dad. My 20 years of experience in mental health service also leads me to the same conclusion. This is not a matter of prejudice or bigotry but is based on knowledge and evidence that I have applied when seeking the best interests for a lifetime of a vulnerable child.
"As a Magistrate in the Family Court, I must conduct a case-by-case analysis, based on the facts which are before me. In this particular case, it appeared to me that there was overwhelming evidence that the situation was not in the best interests of the child.
"Since making the decision I have been put under huge pressure to conform to the conclusions that others wanted me to reach but I knew that I had to dissent, for the sake of that child. Christian faith demands setting aside ideologically convenient conclusions and fighting for the best interests of children."

'What's best for the child'
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he asked, "Why do you have magistrates if there isn't a different view that they can have? We all have views and that’s what you have to bring to decision-making, and mine are Christian views."
Recognising that his Christian faith shapes his outlook, he went on to explain "That’s allowed because that’s what we’re here for. Our job is to do what’s best for that child and that must be something to do with the magistrate’s views rather than just ticking the box."

'Declaration of war'
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali said that the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice "have declared war on even residual notions of the faith having any place in our legal process."
"The Government, and law officers, it seems are intent on preventing Christians from manifesting their belief in the public square. The implications are wider than that, for what is said about Mr Page could apply equally to Jews, Muslims and others," he went on to say.

'Pawns on the equality battlefield'
Commenting on the case, Andrea Williams said, "Richard Page is accused of being prejudiced on account of his Christian faith. Ironically, closer inspection of this case reveals that the real discriminatory prejudice is that practised by those who would prioritise the placing of this child with a same-sex couple, not on the basis of evidence but on the basis of ideology.
"Children should not be denied the chance to be brought up by a mum and dad wherever that option exists. We cannot allow children to become pawns on the 'equality' battlefield. Real 'equality' means focusing on the needs of each child not being driven by the so-called rights of adults to become parents."

Admin Sat 27 Dec 2014, 10:11 pm

Click Header for links to articles.
Christian Concern

Responding to Islam
2014 review - part 4
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6, ESV)

2014 has been another busy year in the life of Christian Concern. Working together with you, we have had many opportunities to speak of God's pattern for life and of His power. We thank God for His enabling and for our partnership with you. To fuel our thanksgiving and prayer, we are charting some of the significant moments of the year in seven short emails. Today our focus is responding to Islam.
Thank you again for your support,
Forward this email to a friend
Help us continue to speak up in 2015
Providing 'Safe Haven'

The launch of our 'Safe Haven' project was one of the highlights of the year.
Prompted by the brutal treatment experienced by some in the UK who have left Islam and become Christians, the initiative offers confidential support and advice - and potentially relocation - to those who wish to leave Islam but fear the consequences of doing so.
First announced in May and formally launched in November, 'Safe Haven' has attracted significant media interest.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
We are grateful for all your support and offers of help.
Safeguarding Christian freedoms

We have continued to support Nohad Halawi, who lost her job at London's Heathrow Airport after spurious accusations were made that she was 'anti-Islamic'. Nohad had defended a Christian colleague who was mocked for wearing a cross by Muslim employees and had also spoken with management about the way that some Muslim workers spoke disparagingly about Jesus.
The Court of Appeal heard her case in June but ruled in October that, given the complex employment arrangements that her employer had encouraged, Nohad effectively had no employment protections. With your help, we hope to appeal the case.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Enabled by your support, we have also been pleased to assist Victoria Wasteney, a Christian occupational therapist who was disciplined for praying for a Muslim employee, despite being encouraged by that colleague to talk about her faith.
"There is undoubtedly a pattern of inequality of treatment of Christians and Muslims in the NHS," Victoria commented.
READ MORE
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Victoria is appealing the disciplinary ruling.
Challenging Islamic cultural incursion

When it emerged in May that many high street restaurants and supermarkets were selling meat slaughtered in accordance with Islamic ritual, we launched a petition enabling you to ask David Cameron to ensure that all such meat is clearly labelled so that consumers can make a choice. We also provided you with contact details for many of the retailers involved so that you could raise the issue with them. Thank you for taking action.

Andrea explains why were should be concerned about halal meat
CLICK HERE TO WATCH

During the year, we've also kept you informed about other similar developments such as when, in June, the UK became the first non-Islamic country in the world to sell 'sharia compliant' government bonds (see this commentary from Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali).
We also reported on how the Law Society provided guidance for solicitors on drawing up wills compliant with sharia principles (the guidance was recently withdrawn) and how a high street bank was offering Islamic-compliant interest-free overdrafts.
We've also kept you up to date with concerns about Islamic extremism in schools.

And we've supported a local campaign in east London opposing the construction of a 'Mega Mosque'.
We've helped to bring those concerns to a wider audience - such as reports that a key witness at the planning enquiry withdrew at the last moment after being intimidated.

Mega MosqueNothanks.com campaigner Alan Craig highlights intimidating tactics ahead of Mosque public inquiry
WATCH

Highlighting international challenges

Alongside our focus on the UK, we've also highlighted the wider challenge of Islam. Co-founder Ade Omooba was interviewed on BBC Breakfast about the kidnapping of Nigerian schoolgirls by Islamic group Boko Haram.
Ade has explained that 'radical Islam is a virus in the atmosphere'.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH
We've also organised and spoken at prayer gatherings for Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and provided opportunity to channel financial support to those suffering there.
Providing resources and commentary

During the year, we've also provided commentary from experts such as Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali and Sam Solomon on developing issues related to Islam, to aid the understanding and engagement of Christians and churches.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH
We continue to provide links to books and resources on our website.
Thank you for your partnership in 2014
Thank you for praying, taking action, telling others and supporting us financially.
Help us continue to work with you in 2015
Forward this email to a friend

Admin Sat 20 Dec 2014, 4:24 pm

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
'Every Religious Organization Should Be Worried': Kentucky Wants Ark Encounter to Hire Non-Christians
(CN) -- Ken Ham, the founder and president of the Kentucky-based ministry Answers in Genesis (AIG), is expressing concern over new demands that the state is requiring of its proposed Ark Encounter, namely its requirement that the ministry not engage in “religious preference” in its hiring—meaning that it can’t refuse applicants simply because they are non-Christians.
“AIG as a religious organization has the legal right to hire people who believe in our Christian faith—which is a right for any religious organization, whether Christian or not,” he said in the four-minute video posted to Facebook on Saturday.
Continue reading this story

Report: Islamic Saudi Arabia Passes Law That May Impose Death Penalty on Bible Smugglers
(CN) -- Recent reports state that officials in the Islamic country of Saudi Arabia have passed a law that may impose the death penalty on Bible smugglers and any others distributing religious materials that are not of the Muslim religion.
“[T]he new law extends to the importing of all illegal drugs and ‘all publications that have a prejudice to any other religious beliefs other than Islam,'” Paul Washer’s HeartCry Missionary Society outlines in a post on their website. “In other words, anyone who attempts to bring Bibles or gospel literature into the country will have all materials confiscated and be imprisoned and sentenced to death.”
Continue reading this story

Arizona Biology Teacher Mocks Jesus, Biblical Creation in Lecture Slide

(CN) -- A biology teacher who describes himself as "an open-minded skeptic" purportedly showed a slide in one of his classes that mocks Jesus and describes biblical creation as "magic."
Christofer Bang is a lecturer at Arizona State University who teaches biology and ecology courses. According to his academic profile page, his areas of “expertise” include ecology, evolution and plant biology.
Continue reading this story

Atheist Who 'Prayed' to Mother Earth, Satan Denied Request to Open Palm Beach Meeting

(CN) -- A professing Florida atheist who recently led an invocation to Mother Earth, Satan and other entities at a public meeting in Lake Worth has been denied his request to do the same at a commission meeting in Palm Beach County.
As previously reported, as Preston Smith of Miami stepped to the podium to deliver the invocation on Dec. 2, a number of commissioners–as well as Mayor Pam Triolo—exited the room so they would not be participants in what was about to take place.

Continue reading this story

Admin Wed 19 Nov 2014, 9:15 pm

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS UK
Breaking News
Christian Concern launches 'Safe Haven' initiative to help those leaving Islam
Thank you for helping to make 'Safe Haven' a reality

Christian Concern has today launched an initiative to help protect those in the UK who want to leave Islam but fear the consequences of doing so.
Entitled 'Safe Haven', the project is a response to the brutal treatment experienced by some in the UK who have left Islam and become Christians.
It will offer confidential advice and support to those considering leaving Islam and may even help individuals to relocate.
An advertising campaign has been launched to highlight the availability of help.
This morning's launch took place at Church House in Westminster and was attended by members of the Church of England's General Synod and representatives of other organisations.
Visit the 'Safe Haven' website

'My own family would rather see me dead'

One of those who spoke at this morning's event, Fiaz (pictured), explains:
"My own household, my brothers, my parents, they don’t want anything to do with me. They’d rather see me dead."
His own experience has moved him to highlight the problems that others in the UK - especially women - face if they want to leave Islam.
“When an Asian girl turns away from the culture or the religion itself then it’s all about honour. They are at greater risk than the men are," he warns. "There are hundreds and hundreds of women across the country who have turned away from Islam. And there are those who are still at home but they are too afraid to turn away because they don’t feel that they have anywhere to go.
"Right now ... there are girls who are beaten, who are abused, and they are afraid to go out and tell others because they feel that if they did and they get caught, that’s the end of the road. I came across a girl a year ago and her own brother raped her. She is still at home. If she had an escape route she would take it.”
Watch a short video interview with Fiaz here (3 mins).http://www.safe-haven.org.uk/victims-stories/fiaz/
Fiaz was brought up in Bradford in a Muslim home. He left home to stay in a Christian hostel and through a family he met there, became a Christian.
But nearly 20 years on, Fiaz’s family still don’t approve of his decision. Fiaz explains:
“I have turned away from Islam and turned to Christ. My own household, my brothers, my parents, they don’t want anything to do with me. They’d rather see me dead.”
Fiaz’s experience has convinced him of the need for Safe Haven.
“I thought I was the only person in the UK that had turned away from Islam. So if I knew that there were these houses that existed and I knew there were others who had turned away from Islam then that would have been a great asset to me at that age.”
Awareness
He is now committed to raising awareness of what people—especially women—face when they leave Islam. “When an Asian girl turns away from the culture or the religion itself then it’s all about honour. They are at greater risk than the men are. There are hundreds and hundreds of women across the country who have turned away from Islam. And there are those who are still at home but they are too afraid to turn away because they don’t feel that they have anywhere to go.
“Right now, as we are speaking, there are girls who are beaten, who are abused, and they are afraid to go out and tell others because they feel that if they did and they get caught, that’s the end of the road.
“I came across a girl a year ago and her own brother raped her. She is still at home. If she had an escape route she would take it.”
Britain
Fiaz is also concerned that people realise this is happening in the UK: “If people think that this is not happening in Britain, then they need to wake up because it is.
“An individual who has turned away from Islam will get killed. It hasn’t happened yet but it will happen. The Safe Haven project is long overdue. It’s time to act now.
“I’m not afraid to speak out because I know Jesus. I have eternity with him after I die, so to me, being under threat does not stop me speaking out. I forgive my own household because I believe, as Jesus taught, that you should forgive those who persecute you. I forgive my family and I love them. I feel it’s important people know that I’m not attacking the people of Islam—what I’m trying to expose is the teachings of Islam: that is a problem.”
'Why do we have to live in fear of our lives?'
Another supporter of the project explains how, as a ten year old she thought about leaving home but "felt that I couldn't dishonour the family and leave, so I ended up being quite suicidal and didn't talk to anybody and spent all my time on my own.”
Now she asks, “it’s OK for people when they convert from another religion to Islam. Nobody says: ‘I’m going to kill you’. They don’t live in fear of their lives. Why is it that when a person leaves an Islamic background, becomes a Christian, why do we have to live in fear of our lives?”
[url=http://www.safe-haven.org.uk/victims-stories/selena/?utm_source=Christian Concern list&utm_campaign=73424b2479-BN-2014-11-18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9e164371ca-73424b2479-127290665]Watch a short video interview with Selena here[/url] (3 1/2 mins)
Selena
“Why do we have to live in fear of our lives?”
Selena was brought up in a traditional Pakistani Muslim home. She was taught to keep the traditions of her culture and was being prepared for an arranged marriage.
By the age of 10, Selena felt increasingly uncomfortable with these cultural pressures and began to think abut leaving home. She explains:
“I felt that I couldn’t dishonour the family and leave, so I ended up being quite suicidal and didn’t talk to anybody and spent all my time on my own.”
Selena experienced severe depression and by the age of 20 had already attempted suicide twice.
Decision
She left home but within four days her family found her and asked her to return home. Selena managed to find another place to stay, a Christian hostel, and started going to church, where she made a significant decision.
“I was desperately low. I still hadn’t found what I was looking for. So I said the prayer. I said ‘If you’re here God, I’m letting you, Jesus, into my life.’”
Even though Selena found comfort through her faith in Christ, she faced pressure from her family to become a Muslim and to keep quiet about her new faith.
Uncomfortable
Years later, Selena still felt uncomfortable being open about her faith. This was partly out of concern for her son. Selena describes how she felt:
“I was a bit uncomfortable, thinking: ‘I don’t want people to start picking on me, causing any problems.’ My fear was that I’ve got a child, I don’t want to be on the run. Having had experience previously with watching my back I didn’t want to be killed or have to put my son’s life in danger more than mine.”
Around that time, Selena started attending a group for people who had converted from Islam to Christianity.
“I started visiting that group and since then became a bit more open about my faith. I still feel uncomfortable telling people that I’m a Christian. I don’t wear a cross if I’m around a lot of Muslims or the Asian community. I don’t go openly saying that I’m a Christian because I do feel fear of them causing me trouble and I haven’t got anywhere else to run if I want to leave the area.”
Why?
After years of having to hide her faith so often, Selena has noticed a real difference in how people are treated depending on which faith they choose. She explains:
“It’s OK for people when they convert from another religion to Islam. Nobody says: ‘I’m going to kill you’. They don’t live in fear of their lives. Why is it that when a person leaves an Islamic background, becomes a Christian, why do we have to live in fear of our lives?”
Selena’s experience has made her a strong supporter of Safe Haven:
“I think it’s a good idea because if anyone in the future decides to do what I’ve done by leaving home, looking for God, or converting before they leave home, they need somewhere to go to. They can’t do it on their own. They need some support to fall back on. They need a roof over their head.”
'I only just escaped with my life and my sanity intact'
Another woman tells of how, aged 12, she was sent to Bangladesh to enter a forced marriage. When that failed, another attempt was made when she was 16. She recalls:
“The memory still makes me feel physically sick. If I shut my eyes I can almost smell him and see him sitting opposite me, licking his lips with delight. Incredibly, in the eyes of the Muslim community, this appalling union was going to bring honour to my family. I only just escaped with my life and my sanity intact.”
'Stop being a crusader and move'

Another speaker at this morning's event, Nissar (pictured), left Islam whilst living in the UK but has received death threats, experienced recurring verbal abuse, had his car burned and house vandalised. When he first went to the police, he was told to "stop being a crusader and move."
[url=http://www.safe-haven.org.uk/victims-stories/nissar/?utm_source=Christian Concern list&utm_campaign=73424b2479-BN-2014-11-18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9e164371ca-73424b2479-127290665]Watch a short video interview with Nissar here [/url](3 mins).
Nissar
“They told me categorically had I been in an Islamic country, like Pakistan or the Middle East, that they would actually be the first to chop off my head.”
Nissar, a hospital nurse, has been attacked and threatened ever since his family converted from Islam to Christianity in 1996.
When he first went to the police for protection after a threat by Muslims to burn down his house if he did not return to Islam, he was told to “stop being a crusader and move”.
Threats
Members of the local Pakistani community where Nissar and his wife, Qubra, live, have vandalised their home, set fire to their car and subjected the family to verbal abuse and even death threats.
On one occasion the couple and their five children, all aged under 10, were woken in the night to find an unoccupied house next door on fire. On another occasion a young man threatened Nissar directly, saying if he did not return to Islam, his house would be burned down.
Ten years after his conversion to Christianity, Nissar and his family moved to another part of the city to escape the barrage of abuse.
“They told me categorically had I been in an Islamic country, like Pakistan or the Middle East, that they would actually be the first to chop off my head. They called me a ‘Christian Jew dog’.
Help
“But, I am determined not to hide my conversion to Christianity and to do all I can to help the many thousands of other former Muslims, who have either moved away from Islam or need a refuge to escape this type of tyranny.”
Nissar is now a campaigner and co-founder of Safe Haven.
'Need a safe place to stay?'

An advertising campaign has been launched to coincide with today's launch.
Under the headlines, 'At Risk', 'Threatened', 'Afraid' and 'Fearful', the adverts read:
"If you've converted to Christianity and feel like you need to watch your back, Safe Haven can give you a safe place to stay."
You can download a copy of the poster to put up in your area here.

'People need to wake up'
Fiaz welcomed the launch of Safe Haven saying "if outsiders think that this is not happening in Britain, then they need to wake up because it is."
“An individual who has turned away from Islam will get killed. It hasn't happened yet but it will happen. The Safe Haven project is long overdue. It’s time to act now," he warns.
-------------------------------------------
'Love drives us'

Co-founder of Christian Concern and member of the Safe Haven team, Pastor Ade Omooba, also spoke at today's launch event.
Ade welcomed the project, saying: "The compassion of Jesus Christ drives us. Love demands that we do not turn a blind eye but stand with those who want to leave Islam. We want to see people set free from fear.
"At Christian Concern, we have heard of these appalling experiences too often. Something needs to be done."
Andrea Williams, Chief Executive, adds: "We are very grateful to all those who have given money and offered practical help to enable us to get this far. Please continue to pray for and support this vital initiative."
To find out more, offer help or donate,

please visit the Safe Haven website
CLICK HERE

Admin Sat 11 Oct 2014, 12:16 pm

Primary school introduces unisex toilets to 'prevent transphobia'

A primary school in Newhaven, East Sussex is requiring children aged 3-11 to share ‘gender-neutral’ toilets in a bid to ‘prevent transphobia’.

Harbour Primary School, which has around 500 pupils, unexpectedly introduced unisex toilets at the beginning of the academic year without prior consultation with parents and carers.

Parents have now been invited by Headteacher Christine Terrey to a meeting on 'transphobia', which will include a discussion about the toilets.

Read more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/primary-school-introduces-unisex-toilets-to-prevent-transphobia

Challenge to UK discrimination against ‘ex-gay’ minority
Mike Davidson addresses
the OSCE assembly > Christian Legal Centre client, Mike Davidson, who campaigns for freedom of choice for people who self-identify as ex-gay, has called on European states to challenge the UK government’s “failure to protect the ‘ex-gay’ minority”.

He has made a submission to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) accusing the UK Government of “viewpoint discrimination” and “political indoctrination”.

“My purpose is to expose the UK Government’s determination to suppress the legitimate view that sexual preference is not inborn. There is no scientific evidence to support such a claim but in the UK public bodies permit only one side to express its discredited view,” he said.

Watch Mike Davidson address the OSCE assembly here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRJa5U-vDnE&feature=youtu.be

Thousands attend pro-family demonstration in Paris

Alan Craig joins leaders at the
pro-family rally in Paris
More than 250,000 people took to the streets in Paris on Sunday to express their opposition to "anti-family" proposals in France, including plans to legalise medical procedures that will allow same-sex couples to have children.

Alan Craig, founder of the GayMarriageNoThanks campaign, who was invited to represent the UK by the rally organisers, La Manif Pour Tous, said: "The youthfulness of the protesters was noticeable. Overwhelmingly the participants were in their twenties and thirties, and teenagers were conspicuous by their noisy enthusiasm and, often, street dancing too.

"As in the UK, the government is ignoring the people as it drives through its anti-family proposals. But, clearly, at the grass-roots the traditional natural family is alive and well and full of youthful support in France."

Read more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/thousands-attend-pro-family-demonstration-in-paris

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