VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN

BREAKING CASE NEWS: Street preacher win
Street preacher Dominic Muir
 
The London Borough of Wandsworth has decided to drop charges against street preacher Dominic Muir for preaching in Battersea Park in August.
 
This is great news for everyone who believes in the freedom to preach the Gospel in public.
 
No prosecution
 
Dominic set up a public address system in the park on 11 August to speak to passers by. He read from the Bible and handed out Christian tracts.
 
But a Police Officer said that he would be prosecuted because he didn’t have permission to preach there. The council alleged that Dominic had breached little used byelaws which ban street preaching in certain parts of the borough.
 
We were able to help Dominic and attend the first hearing in September at Richmond upon Thames Magistrates Court. He entered a not guilty plea and the matter was adjourned for trial.
 
Thankfully, the council has just informed Dominic that they won’t be pursuing their prosecution.
 
Thank you
 
We know from Romans 10 that people can’t be saved without hearing the Gospel, and they won’t hear the Gospel unless someone preaches it to them. That’s why the freedom to preach the Gospel in public places is so important.
 
We were only able to help Dominic because we had the resources. And we only had the resources because of donations from supporters like you.
 
Could you give a one-off donation to ensure we still have enough resources the next time a street preacher needs our help? http://www.christianconcern.com/donate
 

Thank you for your support. Your giving is one of the main ways God uses to sustain our work of defending Gospel freedoms in the UK.

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS 
50 MPs call for review of CPS decision on sex selection abortions 
50 MPs have written a joint letter to the Attorney General supporting calls for an urgent review of the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not to prosecute doctors involved in illegal sex selection abortions.
 
The group, which includes MPs from both sides of the abortion debate, said that they were “united in concern” over the CPS’s decision which they deemed “unconstitutional” and a “step back in the fight for gender equality”.

“The decision by the CPS could lead to the conclusion that gender-specific abortion is merely a matter of professional misconduct rather than illegal,” the letter said.

“This is clearly unconstitutional as it is for Parliament to legislate to change the law, and it has occurred without recourse to Parliament. Safeguards in the 1967 Abortion Act need to be properly applied and enforced. Doctors are not above the law and the General Medical Council cannot be a substitute for the courts.”

Read more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/50-mps-call-for-review-of-cps-decision-on-sex-selection-abortions

BPAS Chief Executive: Women have the right to sex selective abortions 
Ann Furedi
Radio 4 Woman's Hour: Sex
Selection abortion debate
(33m 28s - 42m 46s) > This week Ann Furedi, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), attracted strong criticism after stating that women are free under the law to have an abortion on the basis of their child's sex.

Speaking to the online magazine Spiked, she said: "The woman gives her reasons, the doctor decides on the grounds as set out in the law ... there is no legal requirement to deny a woman an abortion if she has a sex preference, providing that the legal grounds are still met.

"The law is silent on the matter of gender selection, just as it is silent on rape."

Read more (Telegraph) >
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10316715/Women-are-legally-free-to-abort-a-baby-because-of-its-sex-says-abortion-charity-head.html

Challenging the comments in a debate on BBC Radio 4, journalist Yasmin Alibhai Brown said that sex selection abortion is not a 'choice' since many women were pressured into aborting female babies by their family members.
"The woman, if she was independently making the choice as a mother, would not choose to get rid of her baby for the reason that the feotus is female. There are people around her saying there are consequences," she said. 

Listen to the full debate on BBC iPlayer (33m 28s - 42m 46s) >
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gybqt

BREAKING CASE NEWS: Another street preacher arrested
Rev Josh Williamson
A Christian street preacher was arrested in Scotland yesterday (18 SEP) whilst addressing a crowd on a high street in Perth.

This is now the third arrest of a Christian street preacher since July. Tony Miano was arrested in London in July and Robbie Hughes was arrested in Basildon earlier this month.

“Breach of the peace”

Rev Josh Williamson, the pastor of Craigie Reformed Baptist Church in Perth, regularly takes to the streets to hand out leaflets, talk to passers-by and do open-air preaching.

But yesterday a police officer told him to stop preaching because he was breaking the law.

The officer insisted that he was not allowed to preach and told Josh that he would be arrested if he continued. When Josh said that he would not comply because he was not breaking the law, the officer placed him under arrest for breach of the peace.

Josh was taken to Perth police station, interviewed and released with a caution.

A second man, who spoke up in defence of Rev Williamson’s right to preach, was also arrested at the scene.

Injustice

Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Legal Centre, said:

“This is the third arrest in as many months. These street preachers are not breaking any laws and are perfectly within their rights. The police are overreaching their authority and misapplying the law. Their actions show an increasing hostility towards Christianity.

“Freedom of speech is a precious freedom that we must uphold. This injustice must be tackled to halt the chilling effect already felt by many Christians. The threat to freedom of speech is a concern for wider society, not just for Christians.

“It’s evident that police all over the UK need clear guidance on this matter. Three wrong arrests in three months just shows the level of ignorance that currently exists. It’s up to police chiefs to take a lead and issue guidelines so that this stops happening.”

We can only be there for preachers like Josh with your support. If you’d like to make a donation towards our work, please go to: http://www.christianconcern.com/donate

YET ANOTHER STREET PREACHER ARRESTED
You might have received a letter from me recently in which I highlighted the recent arrests of Christian street preachers.
Well, I'm sorry to say that it's happened again! 
Yesterday evangelist Rob Hughes was preaching on a high street in Basildon when he was arrested by police for a statement he didn't even make.
A bystander made a false accusation against him to the police and they arrested him on the basis of this false accusation. 
He was taken to Basildon police station and held there for seven and a half hours before being released at around 11.30pm last night.
We were in contact with him as the arrest was taking place and were able to send a solicitor to help him in the police interview process.
Rob said:
"I am so grateful that the Christian Legal Centre was able to react quickly and effectively in my situation."

After his experience, Rob commented that it seems Christian street preachers face a situation where they are "presumed guilty until found to be innocent."

This is happening alarmingly often now. Rob's experience shows why it's so important that we at the Christian Legal Centre keep giving legal support to Christians like him who simply want to share the good news of Jesus.
http://www.christianconcern.com/donate
And please pray for street preachers up and down the country, that God would use them to bring many people into the Kingdom.

In fact, we are also handling another case of a street preacher who was arrested in London earlier this week. We cannot say anymore at this stage for legal reasons but please pray for a just outcome.

In Christ

Andrea signature
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO Christian Legal Centre

P.S. Whatever you can give will help us respond when Christians need legal support. You can give any amount you choose on our online donation page

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Is this a sign of things to come?
Watch a short interview with
Alan Craig, who explains what
happened with the billboard
(2m 37s) >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCvnXNOJPEs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUqnbu3dpuqx7O3KRgZQarnA
Whilst gay campaigners celebrated outside Parliament on Monday evening, a truck carrying a billboard which read "Equal Marriage: Thank You" drove past several times.

But a truck carrying a pro-children billboard, also due to be there in Westminster on the same day, was nowhere to be seen.
This is the billboard design, making the point that children do best with a mum and dad:
So, what happened?

Alan Craig, campaign director for GayMarriageNoThanks, explains:

"While the van was travelling around [on Sunday], at one stage the billboard was pulled off one side by some bystanders who shouted obsceneties...

"The Adtrailers company phoned us up and said they couldn't run the advert the next day. They had received violent threats, they had received threatening emails. They said they couldn't afford to drive the advert around Parliament Square and Westminster again. They were concerned about the safety of their own staff.

"Our campaign was derailed by criminal verbal threats of violence to the staff of Adtrailers."

This kind of opposition is only likely to get worse with the passage of the same sex marriage Bill.

Will you help resource us so that we can defend people's freedom of speech; So that people can express Christian views about marriage and family without fear of facing abuse?

Your gifts and partnership keep this work going. 

It's easy to give online. Just click below:
http://www.christianconcern.com/donate
Thank you for your support as we speak for Jesus Christ in public life.
--------------------
Queen gives Royal Assent to same sex marriage Bill

Within both Houses of Parliament yesterday, it's been announced that HM The Queen has given royal assent to the same sex marriage Bill. This was a formality after the Bill completed its passage through Parliament.

Royal Assent was the final step to the Bill becoming law. It is now the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. The first same sex weddings are likely to take place sometime in 2014.

This is a very sad moment for our nation, and cause for lament. It marks a very clear departure from God's good pattern for human flourishing.

As God's people we should also repent for where we have failed to stand for and believe in God's truth.

But we know that there is hope both for us and for our nation in the Gospel. That's why we will continue to speak of Jesus Christ in public life and encourage you to do the same.

There are a few simple actions you can take now to continue this witness.

1. Write

Prime Minister David Cameron, by pushing this Bill, has put HM the Queen in a compromising position.

In the Coronation Oath, Her Majesty promised to "maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel".

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali commented to the Daily Mail last month: "...while she is faithful to the vows she has taken, in this country she has to act on the advice of her ministers.
 
"That puts the onus on the Prime Minister not to put the Queen into a position where she may have to go against the sovereign promises she has made. We hope that she is not put in that position."

By putting the same sex marriage Bill before her, Mr Cameron has forced Her Majesty into such a position.

Please contact the Prime Minister by email or letter to ask: Why did you put Her Majesty in a compromising position with the same sex marriage Bill?

Email: Click here https://email.number10.gov.uk/Contact.aspx

Christian Concerns UK
Prayer Rally 15th July: CANCELLED

We're sorry to inform you that after much consideration we have decided to cancel the prayer gathering we had organised for Monday (15th July), as it now appears there will not be a vote at the third reading of the same sex marriage bill on Monday and what happens on that day in the House of Lords will be a mere formality. We have therefore decided not to gather on Monday but to conserve energy for a future occasion.
 
We are resolute in our determination to keep standing for real marriage. We will never give up speaking about God's good pattern for his creation.
 
We're obviously disappointed but take comfort from Jesus' words: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
 
Please keep praying for our politicians, our church and for our nation, and thank you for standing with us.

Awake and Arise, O Church!
Watch Andrea's message of
thanks and reaction to the
Lords vote (1m 18s) >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im-BLLVColE


BBC Six O'Clock News report,
featuring footage of the prayer
rally (2m 38s) >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nilDcb3rPGs&list=UUqnbu3dpuqx7O3KRgZQarnA&index=1


"Standing tall" for marriage at
the prayer rally
It was great to see so many
come and join us outside Parliament

You've probably heard by now that the House of Lords voted last night to allow the same sex marriage Bill to pass. It will now go to committee stage, where Peers will examine the Bill and suggest amendments, before it is voted on again at the Bill's Third Reading.

I'd like to thank all of you who have been so faithful in prayer over the last few days, especially to all who came and joined us outside Parliament. The atmosphere was fantastic: respectful, colourful and joyful, with a sense of trusting the Lord for the outcome. It was great to see our "bride and groom" on the Six O'Clock News last night!

Thank you too for writing letters, sending emails and making phone calls in the run up to the vote.

We have taken action on this issue because this is the way of Jesus - to act with compassion. Some may try to portray us as "bigots" but we stand for marriage because we believe that God's ways are best for individuals and for nations.

So thank you for all that you've done. We couldn't have done anymore.

I'm not going to sugar-coat this situation; we were hoping for far more votes against the Bill than we got. It's a sad result.

But it's important to note that there are many Peers, whilst very uncomfortable with the content of this Bill, who felt unable to vote it down at this early stage. If you add these to the number who did vote against the Bill, this makes up a sizable group who will argue for amendments to be made at the committee stage. The Bill is not yet law and there is still some way to go before it is.

The Bill could still fail. We've nothing to lose and everything to play for, so it's important we keep up the pressure. Please keep praying as the Bill progresses.

I believe we're at a stage now when we have to work out what's next for us as Christians who believe passionately in the truth of God's Word. The Lords vote shows that Parliament is largely no longer with us on social issues. Likewise, the courts have not ruled in our favour when it comes to issues of Christian conscience.

So it's time to rethink ways in which we can engage the public with the truth of Jesus Christ. Our society faces many problems. We have been given the answer in Jesus Christ. We are simply jars of clay which contain the treasure of the gospel. It's time for the Church to rise up and share this treasure with the nation!

Let's not lose heart. We're told in Psalm 146 not to put our trust in princes. The last few days have demonstrated why. Our trust is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Let's not be cowed by the changes going on around us. Let's continue to be visible and vocal for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you once again for standing with us.
In Christ
Andrea

BREAKING NEWS: Grand Chamber rejects Christians' cases
Nurse Shirley Chaplin
Watch a video of Shirley
http://www.christianconcern.com/europeancases

Relationships Counsellor
Gary McFarlane
Find out more http://www.christianconcern.com/europeancases

The Grand Chamber of the Council of Europe announced today that it has rejected the request for referral from three UK Christians, including Christian Legal Centre clients Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane.

Thank you for all your prayers and generous gifts towards the appeal.

None of this has been in vain. A lot has been achieved along the way.

Positives...

The European Court decided that decisions of the UK Courts were within the 'margin of appreciation' (discretion) that it allows to national Courts - but in so doing it challenged many of the principles adopted by UK Courts and asserted by the British government.
So for example, the UK Government had made the remarkable assertion that the cross was not a generally recognised Christian symbol. It also suggested that since wearing the cross is not compulsory for Christians, it is not a protected freedom. The European Court ruled that, in principle, wearing the cross is an expression of Christian faith and so is a freedom to be protected!
Again, the UK Courts had held that beliefs about marriage as between a man and a woman was not a core component of Christian belief and so not protected. The European Court said that these beliefs were part of Gary and Lillian's Christian identity and so were in principle protected!
The British Government suggested that because the individuals were free to resign and find other jobs, there had been no infringement of their freedom of religion - in other words, 'your freedom to resign secures your freedom of religion'. The European Court ruled that 'freedom to resign and find another job' is not sufficient to guarantee religious freedom.
These are significant breakthroughs and will be a great help in contending for Christian freedoms in the UK Courts in the future.

Click here for a document setting out in more detail the significance of the European Court's judgment in the cases of Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane.
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/bed173cc9adfcad1
e0e442a35/files/20130523_Response_to_Court_Briefing.pdf
More positives...
Last month the Council of Europe passed a resolution calling on all member states to respect conscience and accommodate religious beliefs in the public sphere. The situation facing UK Christians, including the cases of Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane, was recorded in the report that was prepared for the debate that took place before the vote. This shows how the cases have influenced Council of Europe opinion and consequent policy.
This month, a member of the EU Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna wrote:
"We are concerned about rising anti-Christian intolerance and violence... a trend which often remains unnoticed."

These cases have played a part in highlighting the increasing frequency of low-level discrimination against Christians.

What now?

We will continue to stand up for God's truth and support Christians who face legal challenge for manifesting their faith, just as Gary and Shirley did.

If you or someone you know is facing such a situation, please do get in touch with us.

With the possibility of the Government's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill passing into law, we need to continue to stand firm for God's truth. We expect more of these kinds of cases and we are ready to keep speaking of Jesus Christ in public life.

Thank you once again for all your prayers and support during progression of Shirley and Gary's cases.

May 28, 2013

“How many ignored warnings does it take?”
Douglas Murray of the London-based Henry Jackson society wrote an excellent column last week for The Wall Street Journal (see below).

The subtitle states, “Britain has been in denial about the Islamist threat.”

So true. It’s very disturbing that this same denial permeates the thinking of far too many of America’s political, academic, media, counterterrorism and law enforcement leadership.

An Associated Press story over the weekend, referring to President Obama’s national security speech late last week, began this way:

“Some call it wishful thinking, but President Barack Obama has all but declared an end to the global war on terror.”

The reason Obama has done so is because he sees only al Qaida and its affiliates as a threat. Doing so misses the point.

The point is the “war on terror” is not confined to one organization and is not limited by geography, but is defined by those who subscribe to jihadist ideology. Denial won’t change this fact.

Our federal government continues to lead us down the very same path that has failed so miserably in Great Britain and much of Europe.

---

The London Terror Attack Was More Than 'Unforgivable'

Britain has been in denial about the Islamist threat. Time to face it down.

DOUGLAS MURRAY


London

How many ignored warnings does it take? That is one question that should hang over Britain after the horror of the daytime murder of a British soldier on the streets of south London. On Wednesday afternoon, Drummer Lee Rigby was killed in Woolwich by two men wielding large knives and shouting "Allahu akbar"—God is great.

Islamists have been saying for years they would do this. They have planned to do it. And now they have done it.

Related Video

WSJ Europe editorial writer Ray Zhong on the alleged terror attack in London Wednesday, and what it says about the wider war on terrorism. Photo: Getty Images

The attack itself is not surprising. What is surprising is that British society remains so utterly unwilling not just to deal with this threat, but even to admit its existence. Politicians have called the Woolwich killing "unforgivable" and "barbarous." But expressions of anger should not really be enough.

Attempts to attack military targets in Britain go back to before the millennium and even before, it is important to note, the war on terror. In 1998 Amer Mirza, a member of the now-banned extremist group al Muhajiroun, attempted to petrol-bomb British army barracks. In 2007, a cell of Muslim men was found guilty of plotting to kidnap and behead a British soldier in Birmingham. The plan had been to take the soldier to a lock-up garage and cut off his head "like a pig." They wanted to film this act on camera and send it around the world to cause maximum terror.

In 2009, al Muhajiroun protested at a homecoming parade in Luton for British troops returning from Afghanistan. Carrying banners saying "go to hell," "butchers" and "terrorists," the group was protected by British police officers from an increasingly irate crowd of locals. The resulting outrage toward the police gave rise to the deeply troubling English Defence League, a street protest movement that often turns violent.

National News/Zuma Press Police in Woolwich, south London, after Wednesday's attack.

Now comes the attack in Woolwich, which the perpetrators—as with the earlier cell—wished to be observed and even filmed. Reports suggest that they invited people to capture their actions on video. The perpetrators gave interviews, machetes in hand, to bystanders with cameras. This horrific scene is something that will stick in the memory.

But it should also have been foreseen. Instead we entered the stage of denial. For there is already, in the reaction to events, more than a hint of what I have previously termed "Toulouse syndrome." The term is named after the attacks last year carried out by a jihadist called Mohammed Merah, who killed three French soldiers in a rampage that concluded with the murders of four French Jews at a school in Toulouse.

In the early stages of the attacks, when little was known, there was significant speculation that the culprit was a far-right extremist. At that stage everybody knew what they were going to say. But once the culprit turned out to be an Islamist, the gaze nearly fell away completely. "Nothing to see here, please move on" was the order of the day.

"Toulouse syndrome" also touched Boston last month. After the bombing at the marathon, media and politicians waited, hoping—some even said as much—that the attackers would be tea-party types. Then everybody would know what to say. But when it turned out to be Islamists?

So it is with the Woolwich killing, which British officials have lined up to denounce. Yes it is sickening. Of course it is barbaric. But what of it? Even all these years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2011, our societies remain unfit for purpose in facing up to—and facing down—Islamic extremism.

Too many still seek refuge in ignorance and denial that was so memorably displayed by U.S. officials after the Fort Hood shooting in 2009. A man who was a member of the American armed forces, Maj. Nidal Hasan, gunned down his colleagues while shouting "Allahu akbar." On that occasion the American government, like the French government before it and the British government this week, decided to focus on everything about the attack other than what really mattered: the motive. Fort Hood was put down to a case of workplace violence.

There will be many angles to the events in London that must be addressed in the coming days, and we can hope many will receive the appropriate level of public attention. Among them will be one particularly unpleasant irony.

Most of the extremists who have repeatedly expressed their hatred of British soldiers are themselves supported by the British state. A prominent hate-preacher—Anjem Choudary, a leader of the disbanded al Muhajiroun—was even caught on video earlier this year extolling Britain's "jihad-seekers' allowance." As he explained to his followers, "The normal situation, really, is to take money from the kafir"—a slur for non-Muslims. "Allahu akbar. We take the money."

After the video showed up online, a BBC reporter asked Mr. Choudary to clarify how much he's taking—the press has long reported a sum of £25,000 ($37,770) per year. "It's irrelevant," Mr. Choudary replied.

This would not be the first time a country has paid both sides in a conflict. But if the reported figure is anywhere near accurate, it would surely be the first time in human history that a society has paid its opponents better than it pays its own. A British soldier can expect to start in the army on a salary of around £16,000 ($24,172).

The events in south London must cause a re-evaluation by British society of the insanity we have been permitting. The question is not how sad we feel. The only question should be what we do about it.

Mr. Murray is associate director of the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based think tank.


ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure.

The news items, blogs, educational materials and other information in our emails and on our website are only intended to provide information, news and commentary on events and issues related to the threat of radical Islam. Much of this information is based upon media sources, such as the AP wire services, newspapers, magazines, books, online news blog and news services, and radio and television, which we deem to be reliable. However, we have undertaken no independent investigation to verify the accuracy of the information reported by these media sources. We therefore disclaim all liability for false or inaccurate information from these media sources. We also disclaim all liability for the third-party information that may be accessed through the material referenced in our emails or posted on our website.

PLEASE PRAY:
European Court to consider UK Christian freedom cases tomorrow
Nurse Shirley Chaplin
Watch a video of Shirley
http://www.christianconcern.com/europeancases
Relationships Counsellor
Gary McFarlane
Find out more http://www.christianconcern.com/europeancases
A panel of five judges at the European Court of Human Rights will tomorrow (Monday 27th May) consider whether the cases of Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane should be heard by the Grand Chamber of the Court.
These cases are very significant for the future of Christian freedoms in the UK and across the Council of Europe area (c. 800 million citizens). Please pray that the Judges refer the cases to the Grand Chamber.
In January, the UK was found to be in violation of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights in the case of Nadia Eweida, the British Airways worker who had been barred from wearing her cross. It was the first time that the UK had ever been found to have violated Article 9 which guarantees 'freedom of thought, conscience and religion'.

In the same judgment, the Court critiqued the UK's approach to the religious freedom of three other Christians - Nurse Shirley Chaplin, relationships counsellor, Gary McFarlane and civil registrar Lillian Ladele. The UK Government had claimed that the wearing of the cross and Christian beliefs about marriage and sexual ethics were not protected expressions of Christian faith. The Government had also claimed that since the individuals were free to resign and find employment elsewhere, their religious freedom was automatically protected.
The Court disputed these assertions. In spite of this, however, the Court ruled that any restriction on the freedom of Mrs Chaplin, Mr McFarlane and Ms Ladele was within the 'margin of appreciation' (discretion) that it affords to Member States.
In April, an application was made for the cases to be heard by the Grand Chamber of the European Court. This is the highest and final Court of appeal on matters related to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Please pray that the panel of judges meeting tomorrow refers these cases to the Grand Chamber.
Shirley Chaplin had worn her confirmation cross on a small chain around her neck, without incident, throughout her nearly thirty years in frontline nursing. Then, as part of a new uniform policy, she was told to remove it despite indicating that it was a symbol of her faith and the fact that allowances were made for the religious dress of others.
She was moved from frontline nursing to clerical duties, a role that ceased to exist six months later. She also lost the opportunity to pursue locum nursing. The Government claimed that there were over-riding health and safety reasons for the sudden ban. However, as hospital documentation demonstrates, 'health and safety' concerns were only raised later.

Gary McFarlane an experienced relationships counsellor, indicated during a training course that on account of his Christian faith he might have a conscientious objection to providing sex therapy to a same-sex couple if the situation ever arose. He was dismissed for gross misconduct for discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, despite the fact that the issue involved a hypothetical scenario and the fact that there was no risk of anyone being denied a service or of any undue burden being placed on his employer (since there were other counsellors who could have provided the service). Gary's conscience could have been easily accommodated but he was effectively a victim of 'thought policing', being penalised for 'thought crime'.

Click for more information > http://www.christianconcern.com/europeancases
Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane are supported by the Christian Legal Centre and represented by Paul Diamond. The judges will also rule on the case of Lillian Ladele.

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Join us on 3rd June outside Parliament

Following the prayer gatherings outside Parliament this week, we're asking you to come and join us once more on 3rd June.

This is the day that the House of Lords will vote on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill and there is a chance that it could be defeated there. We'll be gathering at 12-2PM and 5-7PM.

If you can, please come along to the lunchtime slot from 12-2pm as Peers arrive and prepare to begin the debate.

Here are some easy actions you can take in the next few days:
Make your travel arrangements! Book a ticket on the train or coach, or why not arrange a car share with people from your church?
Print this poster and put it up in your church this Sunday.
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35/files/PrayerGathering_A4_proof.pdf

Show or share this video of the prayer gathering we had this week to encourage people to come on 3rd June.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp_EGtd6wWE
There was a great atmosphere!
Share the facebook event page on facebook and twitter.

Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). We need to be visible on 3rd June.

Please come and join us as we stand for God's design for marriage and pray for our leaders as they make this important vote.
Sunday 2nd June - National Day of Prayer for Marriage

Christian Concern, together with Christian Institute, Care, Evangelical Alliance and Christian Medical Fellowship to promote a National Day of Prayer for Marriage on Sunday 2nd June.

Please encourage your friends and churches to join in.
Please pray:
That marriage will not be redefined, and that it will be promoted in society for the good of all.
That on Monday 3 June a majority of Peers will vote against the bill to redefine marriage.
For the Coalition for Marriage group as it campaigns to defend the historic meaning of marriage.
For parliamentarians and others in public life to have the courage to stand up for their convictions.
For the news media, that they would report the issue widely, fairly, and accurately.
That the consequences of redefining marriage would be publicly known and properly discussed.
That people would not face discrimination, in the workplace or elsewhere, because of their sincere beliefs about marriage.
Special event

We're also planning a special gathering on this day in London.

Keep Sunday 2nd June free and get in touch with us for more details > info@christianconcern.com

Marriage prayer widely reported

Watch a BBC News report
which contains footage of
the gathering at 1m 20s in > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpirWvHXxs0

Thank you for praying this week during the debate of the Government's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

It was fantastic to see so many of you outside the Houses of Parliament. The prayer gatherings were featured in national news bulletins and most of the national newspapers. This is a great witness that Christians care about God's design for marriage and the future of our country.

Here are some links to newspaper articles which mention or show pictures of the gatherings:

The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/gay-marriage-opponents-warn-david-cameron-of-long-battle-ahead-for-bill-to-become-law-8627956.html
The Times (£ - click on 'slideshow')
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article3770252.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2013_05_20
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/may/21/gay-marriage-bill-divides-conservatives

Prime Minister's problems

David Cameron appeared on Radio 4's Today Programme attempting to give the impression that the same sex 'marriage' issue is now behind the Conservative Party. But the votes of Conservatives in the House of Commons on Tuesday shows that the Prime Minister faces a divided party. 129 Conservative MPs voted against the Bill and only 118 Conservatives voted in favour of it.

Andrea Minichiello Williams said:

"Mr Cameron thinks that this issue is behind him but he still doesn't seem to realise how divisive it has been. The Conservatives lost thousands of votes at the recent local elections. Grassroots Conservatives have been all over the media saying how out of touch the Prime Minister is with his party. Just because the Bill has moved on from the Commons doesn't mean that Mr Cameron's problems are over.

"It was a mistake for him to pursue this policy and the way that he has pursued it - without mandate - has left a bitter taste in the mouth for many who voted for him at the last election.

"The battle for marriage is far from over and we expect the vote in the House of Lords on 3rd June to demonstrate this".

Next steps...

The Bill has passed through the House of Commons but now it goes to the House of Lords where many Conservatives are also likely to vote against it. Peers will vote on the Bill at second reading on Monday 3rd June. We are planning to gather again for prayer outside the Houses of Parliament. Please put the date in your diary and join us if you can!

It's vital that we keep up the momentum we've built up with the prayer gatherings during the Commons debate.

Please tell your friends and churches about the event. You can download a poster here to put up in church this Sunday >

We will send out further details of these events, and other ways to take action, in due course.


Church of Scotland votes to allow practicing homosexual clergy

The Church of Scotland has voted in favour of allowing liberal parishes to appoint practicing homosexual men and women as ministers.

The proposal must go to regional presbyteries and then return to the General Assembly for approval in 2015 before it can be written into Church law.

Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/church-of-scotland-votes-to-allow-practicing-homosexual-clergy

Woolwich attack - Radical Islam on our doorstep
Fred Williams - Video Producer
for Christian Concern
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/islam/woolwich-attack-and-radical-islamism
Fred has produced a video
explaining radical Islamism from
a Nigerian perspective (watch
from 3m 41s in) WARNING:
Contains some graphic images


Sam Solomon, an expert on
Islam, has written several useful
books on the topic. Visit the
Christian Concern shop to
buy copies > http://www.christianconcern.com/shop

The tragic murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich this week has left the nation reeling in shock.

These kinds of attacks have been witnessed first hand in northern Nigeria by Fred Williams, one of the Christian Concern team. In an exclusive piece, Fred highlights the need for us in the UK to acknowledge the true nature of radical Islamism. He writes:

I have watched and listened carefully to people in the UK respond to the brutal killing of a soldier by two suspected Islamists. Some of the comments I have found to be quite bewildering. Our Prime Minister said ‘’There is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act."

People like me who have seen the violence first hand in Nigeria know that for certain such statements are simply untrue. Many say Islam is a religion of peace but I dare say radical Islam is definitely not. I agree that demonising Islam or Muslims won't help but also denying the global threat of Islamic radicalization that is fast reinforcing itself within our society is a tactical error with grave consequences.

For many years in Nigeria, we refused to accept our people were being infected with dangerous ideologies of global terror and we misdiagnosed the issue as mere local politics and tribal sentiments trying hard not to offend people until it was too late.

Read the rest of Fred's piece here > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/islam/woolwich-attack-and-radical-islamism
Video

Fred has also produced a number of videos based on his experience of radical Islamism in Nigeria.

This video explains the strategy and core beliefs behind it. Watch it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5j8DwXZ0P8(from 3m 41s in) > [WARNING: Contains some graphic images]

Fred also has a charity which promotes justice and peace in Jos, Nigeria (one of the areas worst effected by radical Islamism) called LoveJos. Visit the website here > http://www.lovejos.org.uk/

[img][/img]

Thousands of Christians are now following this campaign on Facebook and Twitter and have signed the declaration. But did you know that this amazingly successful campaign is run by Christian Concern? We’ve also been promoting this campaign at the conferences we attended this year,

including the New Wine leadership conference and New Word Alive. It’s an example of how we are encouraging and equipping the church and the up and coming generations to take a stand for Jesus Christ.

Find out more and sign up by clicking here
http://www.notashamed.org.uk/

"It's like there's a fire been put in your bones"
That was the reaction of one of this year's Wilberforce Academy graduates, held at Trinity College, Oxford in March. Since Christian Concern began the Academy four years ago, more than 300 young people have caught the vision to speak fearlessly of Jesus Christ in public life – be it in the media, the legal profession, health care, education, politics or the Church.

Read about the Wilberforce Academy
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/young-christians-catch-the-vision-for-speaking-of-jesus-in-public-life

Visit the Wilberforce Academy website
http://www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk/

In an important development the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has passed a resolution calling on its 47 Member States to “accommodate religious beliefs in the public sphere by guaranteeing freedom of thought in relation to health care, education

and the civil service…” and “ensure the right to well-defined conscientious objection in relation to morally sensitive matters.” The situation facing UK Christians, including the cases of Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane who are being represented by us, were highly influential in bringing this resolution about and were cited on many occasions.

In the light of this encouraging development, please pray that we are granted a Grand Chamber hearing in the cases of Gary and Shirley.

Read more details on the appeal to the Grand Chamber
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/landmark-christian-freedom-cases-proceed-to-next-stage

Read more details on Gary and Shirley's cases
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/european-court-announces-judgment-on-christian-freedom-cases

Christian Concern: a 'global leader' for religious freedom
In a hectic 10 days of meetings in Australia, culminating in a presentation to the Australian Parliament, Andrea was able to sound a warning bell by sharing what has happened in the UK concerning our Christian freedoms. At one big event in Sydney, we were described as a 'global leader' for religious freedom – a wonderful accolade for an organisation not yet 5 years old!

Watch Andrea discuss her visit to Australia
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/andrea-speaks-about-her-visit-to-sydney



HOPE FOR OUR NATION
May 2013
Dear friend,
Speaking of Jesus Christ in public life – this is the aim which drives all our work at Christian Concern.

And together we’re getting this message out there, in the UK, Europe and beyond.

I thank the Lord for your faithful prayers and support and hope that the updates below will encourage you. It's a taster of the newsletter we recently sent out in the mail, so if you didn't receive a copy or would like multiple copies to give away, just click here to let us know.

Thank you for standing together with us on the same conviction – that Jesus Christ really is the only hope for our nation.
Yours in Christ Jesus,

Andrea Minichiello Williams,
CEO, Christian Concern & Christian Legal Centre

Working to overturn the same-sex 'marriage' bill
Christian Concern is at the forefront of promoting authentic marriage in the UK. We are still working hard with the Coalition for Marriage, of which we are a founding member, to defeat the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

We are encouraged by those who have taken a stand, sometimes in the face of severe opposition. We will be shortly be calling people to prayer outside parliament at significant times and will be in touch about this very soon.

Read about upholding God's good gift of Marriage

http://www.christianconcern.com/blog/the-attempt-to-impose-same-sex-marriage

Here are a few points you can make:
If passed, the bill will erode the institution of marriage
the legislation is unnecessary and undesirable
the dilution of marriage will have destructive consequences for the social fabric of our nation
marriage has held the Royal Family together and allowed it to endure for centuries; the proposed legislation will downgrade and ultimately destroy the institution
Please also send a copy of your letter to the Prime Minister.

Here are the two addresses:

Her Majesty The Queen
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA The Rt Hon David Cameron, MP, Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London SW1A 2AA
Please write and post your letter as soon as you can.
NI Assembly rejects motion on same sex 'marriage'
The Northern Ireland Assembly has rejected a motion to introduce same sex 'marriage'. It was defeated by 53 votes to 42.

Thank you for praying for this vote on Tuesday (30 April). It is encouraging to see Northern Irish MLAs standing for true marriage in the face of pressure to redefine it.

Read more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/ni-assembly-rejects-motion-on-same-sex-%E2%80%98marriage


Amnesty International has been at the forefront of the campaign to introduce same sex 'marriage' in Northern Ireland. Patrick Corrigan, Program Director for Amnesty in Northern Ireland, has said that:

"States may not discriminate with regards to the right to marry and found a family, on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. That obligation is clear in international law. This means that marriage should be available to same-sex couples in Northern Ireland just as it appears it soon will be in other parts of the UK...

"Should politicians fail to act, there could be a legal challenge on the basis of inferior treatment of same-sex couples in Northern Ireland with regards to the right to marry and found a family."

Take action

If you currently support Amnesty, please write to them to ask why they are using their resources to push this issue. Here are a few points you can make (but feel free to make your own):
The people of Northern Ireland are free to determine their own marriage laws - they do not have to "fall in line" with the rest of the UK, should it redefine marriage.
It is disingenuous for Mr Corrigan to speak as though the legal definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman is discriminatory. History and research shows that traditional marriage is good for individuals, good for children and good for society.
We have already seen people who hold traditional beliefs on marriage suffer discrimination for their beliefs before any change in the law (such as Gary McFarlane, Andrew McClintock, Sheila Mathews, Owen and Eunice Johns, Kwabena Peat, Theresa Davies, Mike Davidson and Christian Concern). Redefining marriage will make the situation worse for some people and is therefore against Amnesty's purported aim to protect human rights.
If Amnesty International's involvement in campaigning for same sex 'marriage' in Northern Ireland will stop you from continuing to support Amnesty, please say so.
Please send your message to Amnesty International's main (sct@amnesty.org.uk) and Northern Ireland offices (nireland@amnesty.org.uk).

Contact your MP re same sex 'marriage' bill

MPs will vote soon on amendments to the government's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

Please contact your MP and ask him or her to "co-sign" this amendment, which calls for a referendum on the redefinition of marriage:

New Clause 9

The amendment highlights how undemocratic the introduction of this bill has been.

Click here to find out who your MP is, then click on the name and you should see their contact details.

When you contact your MP, you can make some of the following points:
There is no mandate for this bill: it didn't feature in any major party's manifesto.
There is no public consensus for redefining marriage - many people are opposed to it.
The government's consultation ignored half a million responses opposing the redefinition of marriage.
It is not the government's job to decide what marriage is for everybody else

Ethnic minority church leaders criticise same-sex 'marriage' plans
Leaders representing more than one million ethnic minority churchgoers in Britain have written a joint letter to the Daily Telegraph opposing the government's plans to redefine marriage.

The leaders accuse the Prime Minister of ignoring the views of "major migrant communities" on the issue, with they say could cost the Conservative Party votes in the next general election.
Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/ethnic-minority-church-leaders-criticise-same-sex-%E2%80%98marriage%E2%80%99-plans

Governor of Rhode Island approves same-sex 'marriage' bill

Governor Lincoln Chaffee has approved a bill introducing same-sex 'marriage' in the US state of Rhode Island.

The legislation will take effect on 1 August this year, despite being fiercely opposed by the Roman Catholic Church.

Find out more (BBC) > http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22392542
Christian Weekly News programme
Watch this week's edition of
Christian Weekly News
(26m 53s) > This week sees another fresh edition of the Christian Weekly News programme.

Watch it and find out about:
Image, a Christian charity in Manchester offering pregnancy counselling and support
Explore, a ministry which sends married couples into schools to teach pupils about marriage
Some of the Christian principles which guided Margaret Thatcher's leadership
A charity set up by our video producer Peter Wooding which supports a centre for children with special needs in Ukraine
Watch it here > http://www.christianconcern.com/media/christian-weekly-news

Council of Europe tells Member States to accommodate religious beliefs
The Council of Europe

l-r: Paul Diamond, Andrea
Minichiello Williams & Gary
McFarlane at the Council of
Europe this week
In an encouraging development, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has passed an important resolution.

The resolution calls on the 47 Member states to:

“accommodate religious beliefs in the public sphere by guaranteeing freedom of thought in relation to health care, education and the civil service provided that the rights of others to be free from discrimination are respected and that the access to lawful services is guaranteed”.

It also called on States to“ensure the right to well-defined conscientious objection in relation to morally sensitive matters.”

This is good news which should help countries like the UK which are seeking the adoption of ‘reasonable accommodation’ as a sensible means of resolving growing instances of ‘clash of rights’ cases involving Christian identity.

The cases of Christian Legal Centre (CLC) clients Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane were mentioned in the report that was prepared for the debate in the Parliamentary Assembly.

Immediately after Wednesday's debate, a special briefing for Parliamentarians and representatives of national governments took place which focused on the cases of Nurse Shirley Chaplin and Relationships Counsellor Gary McFarlane.

Christian Legal Centre director Andrea Minichiello Williams, standing counsel Paul Diamond and client Gary McFarlane all spoke at the event.
READ MORE
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/council-of-europe-tells-member-states-to-respect-conscience-and-accom
In their Grand Chamber application submitted earlier this month, Shirley and Gary argue that Article 9 protections (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) in the UK will be rendered almost meaningless in practice if the European Court does not give clearer direction, especially in a society that displays increasing hostility to Christian belief.

Nurse Shirley Chaplin is urging the Court not merely to rely on the Government’s assertion that her Confirmation Cross presented a ‘health and safety risk’ but to consider the evidence in the case. Otherwise, she argues, the Government can effectively introduce a blanket ban without justification or scrutiny.

Gary McFarlane, meanwhile, highlights how he was effectively penalised for ‘thought-crime’ since no-one would have been denied access to a service as a consequence of his possible conscientious objection to providing same-sex sex therapy. Such 'policing of thought' has disturbing consequences not only for Christians but for the future of a free society.

A decision on whether the Grand Chamber will hear the cases is not expected for several weeks.

Please pray that the Grand Chamber would decide to hear the cases.

Christian Weekly News programme
Victory for midwives in landmark abortion conscience case

Two Catholic midwives have won the right to be exempt from involvement in abortion procedures following a ruling by an appeal court in Scotland.
Judges in Edinburgh ruled that Mary Doogan (58) and Concepta Wood (52) could lawfully refuse to supervise and assist staff involved in abortions under the conscience opt-out clause of the 1967 Abortion Act.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/victory-for-catholic-midwives-in-abortion-conscience-case

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Abortion Act 1967 - 45th Anniversary
45th years ago today (27th April), the UK's Abortion Act came into effect. Since then, around 8 million babies have lost their lives as a result.

The loss of so many little human lives grieves God's heart.

We as a nation have allowed these lives to be taken. Many, many people have been directly affected.

Let's take the opportunity to turn to the Lord in prayer, repent of our apathy, ask for His forgiveness and plead with Him mercifully to bring change and healing in our nation.

Yet amidst the sadness and devastation that abortion has wrought on our nation there is light shining into the darkness.

We're sending you this email to tell you about some of these encouragements. Some of these initiatives have been running for years, others have just recently started.

Please pray for change - but as we pray, we also need to take action - we may be part of the answer to our prayers for transformation.

As you read this email, ask the Lord to show you how you could get involved - many of the organisations below have a need for volunteers.

Watch this short video about the
work of Image and how you can
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdtgG1nPQ8k
be involved (3m 12s) >Image is a Christian charity in Manchester that offers a number of services to women.

It is one of a number of groups across the country that offer pregnancy counselling, parent support groups and post-abortion support.

Many lives have been touched through Image's faithful ministry.

The charity firmly believes that all people are made in God's image and therefore have value.

Watch this short video to find out about their work and how you can be involved, either by taking part in their training course or by setting up a similar ministry where you are.

Click here to watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdtgG1nPQ8k

One of Us - A small step to save millions of lives
Watch Josephine Quintavalle
(ProLife Alliance) and Andrea
Williams speak about the
campaign (3m 25s) >
Please take a small step that could safeguard the lives of many. The 'One of Us' European Citizens Initiative would allow us to propose European legislation to ban European funding for any activities that destroy human embryos.
We only need 1 million 'signatures' - and we have over 250,000 already.

The petition is on a European Union which is a little unwieldy – but it is worth persevering for the good that it will do. When you get to the final stage, you may want to click the 'sound icon' to listen to the code that you need to enter.

It only takes a few moments but could have a huge impact – so please start by clicking here.
http://www.oneofus.org.uk/#signnow
250, 000 people have already 'signed'.

Christian Concern has partnered with the ProLife Alliance to promote this initiative in the UK.

The ProLife Alliance is a staunch defender of human life and frequently campaigns on issues such as abortion, euthanasia and embryology.

40 Days for Life - Prayer ministry

40 days for life is a locally organised community initiative encouraging Christians to pray for an end to abortion.

Prayer vigils are organised outside of abortuaries with the intention of saving lives and inspiring hearts and minds.

There are plenty of ways that you can get involved:
Regular participation at a local prayer vigil
Help distribute the 40 Days for Life magazine
Experienced and well trained counsellors are important. Perhaps you could assist in this way, and help lead a counselling training session
Door-to-door outreach
Get in touch with Robert to find out more about how you can be involved: Robert@40daysforlife.com

During a recent London prayer campaign, organisers estimated that 36 babies were saved from abortion. Read more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/mps-urge-government-to-monitor-gender-of-aborted-babies

Alliance of ProLife Students - Students taking action
Watch a short video from the recent London launch of APS
(3m 21s) >The Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS) is a new student-led initiative seeking to bring the pro-life message back onto university campuses and promote a culture of life.
Many campuses have shown hostility to any groups that do not endorse abortion.

APS is not just speaking up for the unborn but also for the right to freely express pro-life views on university campuses.

This new initiative has been met with a lot of enthusiasm - four new groups have just recently started! The groups have been set up in Sheffield, Hertfordshire, Aberdeen and Nottingham.

If you're a student, get in touch with APS to see if there a group meeting at your university or to find out how you can start one.
Visit the Alliance of Pro-Life Students website >
http://prolife.org.uk/
Abort67 - Exposing the truth about abortion

Watch a video of students
blocking an Abort67 display
at the University of Sussex
(1m 16s) >Abort67 educates the public about the horrific effects of abortion. They do this by displaying images in public settings. The images are shocking, but they show why abortion must stop.

The group finds that once people learn about the humanity of the unborn child and what abortion does to the baby, their minds are often changed.

But sometimes people will attempt to cover up the images and therefore keep the reality of abortion hidden from view.

Abort67 believes that the only way people will know what really happens during an abortion is to see the pictures.

Click here to visit the website which has useful resources for you to arm yourself with robust, well reasoned and common sense responses on the abortion issue.

Parliament - Campaign for monitoring of abortions by gender
Watch Fiona Bruce MP talk about
her abortion statistics proposal
(3m 21s) >The fight to expose the truth about abortion is also happening in Parliament.

Government ministers have recently admitted that there is a discrepancy between the number of baby boys and girls being aborted in the UK. This has raised concerns that girls are being aborted on purpose in some communities.

At the moment, records of the sex of aborted babies are not being kept. This has led MP Fiona Bruce, and others, to call on the government to start keeping a record.

Read more >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/mps-urge-government-to-monitor-gender-of-aborted-babies

Watch an exclusive interview with Fiona Bruce MP here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/christian-concern-report-fiona-bruce-mp-speaks-about-her-abortion-statistics-proposal

Why not write to your MP telling them that you would like to see an end to abortion? Find your MP here http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/ then click on your MP's name to find their contact details.

This week's Christian Weekly News TV programme
Watch the latest Christian Weekly
News TV programme (28m 43s) > The Lord is God over all nations and all over the world the gospel is bearing fruit (Colossians 1:6). This week's Christian Weekly News programme highlights some of these encouragements.

Christian Concern's video producer, Fred Williams, has just got back from a trip to Nigeria. He visited the Zambiri orphanage in Jos, North-Central Nigeria where Archbishop Ben Kwashi and his wife Gloria have taken 48 orphans into their home. Fred has produced a very moving report featuring interviews with Ben and Gloria and several of the children (beginning at 16:58).

The programme also includes:
an update on Dr Mike Davidson's case (beginning at 00:39)
a report on how Egyptian Christians are responding to difficult times and praying for revival (beginning at 10:27)
and an inspiring story of mission in the Amazon Basin (beginning at 03:47)
Click here to watch the programme on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arRXeAKqD8M&feature=youtu.be

Have your say on what our children are taught in schools

The Department for Education (DfE) is inviting responses to its consultation on changes to the National Curriculum for pupils below GCSE level.

Areas of particular concern in the DfE’s Report are the lack of support/direction in Science, Citizenship and Religious Education for the Government’s aims to develop the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils from a Christian perspective.

Please respond to the online consultation before it closes on 16 April.

We suggest responding to question 1 and highlighting the points below.

Please mention that the Government could breach its duty to protect religious liberty under the Equality Act 2010 in any area you mention:

Science
Evolution should not be taught as scientific fact but as one explanation alongside creationism
Highlight the ComRes poll in which 51% of those surveyed believe that intervention by a designer was needed
There are many valid scientific arguments that support biology, geology, physics and other disciplines in support of the creationist explanation of origin
Citizenship
The lack of emphasis on the Judaeo-Christian heritage that underpins British Society: law, morality, charity and social cohesion provided by Churches and organisations founded by Christians
The work and lives of Important Christian figures that shaped the nation should be taught
Religious Education
Many schools are flouting the law on collective acts of religious worship and making religious education available to pupils
To ensure the Government meets its ‘aspirations’ for spiritual and moral development, Religious Education should be taught at an early stage in the curriculum
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
There needs to be recognition that parents have primary responsibility for this area of education, not schools
Parents must retain the right to withdraw their children from classes (e.g. 'sex education')
Some current resources contain materials about sex which many parents would find alarming
Go to the online consultation document >
https://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?
action=Respond&consultationId=1881
Further information can be found in the consultation document and Programmes of Study
https://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?
action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1881&external=no&menu=1
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/nationalcurriculu
m2014/b00220600/draft-national-curriculum-programmes-of-study/draft-pos-subjects

Leading philosopher says: "Remove sex education from curriculum"
Professor Roger Scruton has said that sex education should be removed from the curriculum and handed back to parents.

The philosopher said: "Children are being taught to treat sex as a mere appetite, which has no connection to love or human relationships, and which can be squandered as we wish without long-term consequences".

Read more (Lapido media) >
http://www.lapidomedia.com/scruton-says-remove-sex-education-curriculum-wake-
new-gang-sex-statistics

Wilberforce Academy 2013: Young Christians catch the vision for speaking of Jesus in public life
It was an inspiring week where the next generation of Christian leaders were equipped with a biblical and theological framework for leadership in public life.

Click here to watch our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FtLHefJOjw
report from the Academy, including highlights from Lord Carey's speech and interviews with the delegates.

Click here
to watch a longer, in depth report on the Academy, featuring interviews with the speakers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rsCBvHS6b4&list=UUqnbu3dpuqx7O3KRgZQarnA&index=1

Click here to read about this year's Wilberforce Academy.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/young-christians-catch-the-vision-for-speaking-of-jesus-in-public-life


New book - Belief and the Nation
One of Christian Concern's longtime friends and supporters, John Scriven, has just had his first book published.

Entitled Belief and the Nation, the book sets out a Christian approach to current concerns such as the welfare state, education, crime and punishment, marriage and family and the beginning and end of life. John, a practising lawyer, brings clarity to what are often complicated issues.

The book would be ideal for anyone interested in understanding how Christian faith is fundamental to a flourishing society.

Paperback and electronic versions are now available on Amazon.

Click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belief-Nation-John-Scriven/dp/0957572506
for the paperback edition (priced £9.99)
Click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belief-and-the-Nation-ebook/dp/B00C7A7BFI/ref=
sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365176919&sr=1-2
for the electronic edition (priced £2.03)
Provocative BBC Good Friday programme - further reflections

Thank you to all who watched and contacted the BBC about The Mystery of Mary Magdelene programme, which was broadcast on Good Friday.

The programme was provocative because of its timing (12noon on Good Friday) and content (attempting to sexualise Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdelene, based on dubious scholarship).

For further comment on this programme, please take a look at this article on our website:

Provocative BBC Good Friday programme - further reflections
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/provocative-bbc-good-friday-programme-further-reflections

Victory in Bedford as Council backs 'nil' policy for sex clubs

Bedford Council has voted unanimously for a Borough-wide ‘nil’ policy in relation to sex establishments.

This is wonderful news and means that if applications for sex clubs are made in the future, the Council is in a much stronger position to refuse them.

Read the full story >

Thank you for praying for the Council meeting last night where the decison was made.

This encouraging result continues the string of successes that the Christian Legal Centre has achieved in opposing sex establishments. We have also enjoyed victories in Oxford, Maidstone and London.

Thank you once again for your prayers and support!
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/bedford-council-backs-
%E2%80%98nil%E2%80%99-policy-for-sex-clubs

Have your say on age ratings for films - only one week left!
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is asking members of the public for their views on age ratings for films.

Your response will have an impact on how the BBFC rates films in the future. This is particularly important for the protection of children. Many Christians will feel that the current guidelines are too permissive.

Click here http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/guidelines-review-2013
to complete the online survey. It's very straightforward and only takes about 10 minutes.

The BBFC says on its website: "The Review ensures the BBFC Classification Guidelines for age rating films are in step with public opinion". This means the BBFC want to hear from you and your views will make a difference.

If a large number of Christians take part this could have a significant impact on how films are age rated in Britain.

There is only one week left to go before this closes! Please complete the survey and pass on to anyone else you know who might be interested.

Click here to go to the survey!
http://surveys.marketcells.com/(S(hll1vw4c5tu1qzj5ti41sno4))/default.aspx?SID=140120129

Pro-life group continues record breaking campaign in London
One of the babies saved as a
result of a local 40 Days for Life
campaign This past Lent, the pro-life campaign group 40 days for life conducted its most successful campaign in London.

Three prayer vigils were organised in London at BPAS Bedford Square, Marie Stopes Whitfield Street and Marie Stopes in Ealing.

Read about the campaign here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/pro-life-group-continues-record-breaking-campaign-in-london


40 days for life is a locally organised community initiative encouraging Christians to pray for an end to abortion.

If you'd like to get involved by bringing the campaign to your city, please visit the 40 Days for Life website >
http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm

From conception to birth - great video


Alexander Tsiaras: Conception
to birth -- visualized (9m 38s) > This video brings to life the development of the baby in the womb.

It is introduced and created by Alexander Tsiaras, an artist and technologist whose work explores the unseen human body, developing scientific visualization software to enable him to "paint" the human anatomy using volume data. He's the author of Body Voyage and co-author of Information Architects. Most recently, he is the author of From Conception to Birth: A Life Unfolds and The Architecture and Design of Man and Woman: The Marvel of the Human Body, Revealed.

He says: “The magic of the mechanisms inside each genetic structure saying exactly where that nerve cell should go — the complexity of these mathematical models is beyond human comprehension.”

Watch, enjoy and share!
Watch the video >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKyljukBE70

Stop a UN Report that promotes abortion and contraception

The Human Rights Council of the UN is considering whether to ratify a report praising sexual reproductive health education programs focused on promoting access to contraception and abortion.

Spanish group Profesionales Por La Etica has sent an open letter to the President, the High Commissioner and Representatives and Ambassadors in the Human Rights Council of the UN asking for the report to be rejected.

Please register your support for the aims of the letter by sending a pre-prepared email to members of the Human Rights Council, which you can find here.Stop a UN Report that promotes abortion and contraception

The Human Rights Council of the UN is considering whether to ratify a report praising sexual reproductive health education programs focused on promoting access to contraception and abortion.

Spanish group Profesionales Por La Etica has sent an open letter to the President, the High Commissioner and Representatives and Ambassadors in the Human Rights Council of the UN asking for the report to be rejected.

Please register your support for the aims of the letter by sending a pre-prepared email to members of the Human Rights Council, which you can find here. You do not need to write anything - the email will be sent automatically once you enter your details. It will only take a few moments!

Read the full report here > http://www.profesionalesetica.org/alertaedsexen.php
You do not need to write anything - the email will be sent automatically once you enter your details. It will only take a few moments!

Read the full report here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/Report%20NU%20High%20Commissioner%20v%204%2015032013%20(2).pdf

It's a great opportunity to save lives, lead post-abortive women into healing programs and make the sanctity of life a crucial issue for your community!
http://www.profesionalesetica.org/alertaedsexen.php

Lord Carey criticises PM for "feeding anxieties" of Christians

Lord Carey has expressed his concern that the Prime Minister’s actions are having the effect of increasing feelings of persecution amongst Christians in the UK.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury claimed in an article for the Daily Mail that David Cameron is “driving law-abiding Christians into the ranks of the malcontents and alienated”.

Read more >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/lord-carey-criticises-pm-for-%E2%80%9Cfeeding-anxieties%E2%80%9D-of-christians

Leading lawyer says coalition is "faffing around with same sex marriage"

One of Britain’s most influential family lawyers has attacked the Coalition’s same-sex ‘marriage’ plans, saying they go against principles established for thousands of years.

Baroness Butler-Sloss said plans to redefine marriage would lead to the destruction of the meaning of marriage without giving same sex couples any significant new rights.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/leading-lawyer-says-coalition-is-faffing-around-with-same-sex-marriage%E2%80%99

Opposition continues against same sex 'marriage' in France

The French Senate began debating the government's same sex 'marriage' bill yesterday (4th April) amidst strong public demonstrations against it.

Protesters gathered near the Senate building bearing flags with the words "Jobs, not gay marriage" and were surrounded by riot police trucks.

There has been strong public opposition to introducing same sex 'marriage' in France. Two weeks ago French citizens living in Britain protested against the proposals in Trafalgar square, joined by like-minded Britons.

The National Assembly voted for the bill back in February but it is not expected to pass so easily in the Senate.

The Senate will conclude debating the bill on 13th April.

Read more (Reuters) > http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/04/04/uk-france-gaymarriage-idUKBRE9330UK20130404
Please keep praying for God's good design for marriage and family to be preserved in France.

Uruguay on brink of introducing same sex 'marriage'

Uruguayan senators have voted in favour of a same sex 'marriage' law this week. Lawmakers in the lower house are expected to vote on it next week. The President, Jose Mujica, has indicated that he supports the measure.

It is reported that the legislation removes the words "man" and "woman" and replaces them with the word "spouse."

Find out more (CNN) > http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/02/world/americas/uruguay-same-sex-marriage/
Fighting Sexual Exploitation

On 13th April, Voice for Justice UK will be hosting a conference to raise awareness about the increasing number of children and women being trafficked into the UK to service the sex industry.

Date: 13th April 2013
Time: 9:30am - 4.15pm
Location: St Aldate's Church, 40 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP
Speakers include: Jim Dobbin MP, Revd Lynda Rose (Voice for Justice CEO., member of House of Lords & House of Commons Family & Child Protection Group), Lisa Nolland (Voice for Justice, Anglican Mainstream) and Miranda Suit.

To book your place please fill out the online form available
http://www.vfjuk.org/#!registration/c1t8z

FInd out more about the event (Voice for Justice UK website)
Voice for Justice UK is a Christian organisation campaigning for the full exposure and eradication of
human trafficking, and provision for help and support for victims.
http://www.vfjuk.org/#!eventfse/c8ui

Push for Babies - Every One Special

Join Voice for Justice UK in a march to remember the 7,500,000 lost lives since 1967 and to celebrate the unborn today!

Date: 27th April 2013
Time: 12pm to 2pm
Place: London. Gathering in Parliament Square

In the last 45 years, since abortion was legalised, we’ve destroyed more "inconvenient" babies than the sum total of victims who went to the Death Camps in Nazi Germany. Voice for Justice UK and Christian Concern believe every child is special! Come and join our Push for Babies – Every One Special​.
​
As well as people joining a peaceful Walk of Witness, we want 500 volunteers to push empty prams round Parliament Square - as homage to those 500+ lives lost every day. If you could supply a pram as well, that would be great, though we’ll happily try and supply all willing walkers!

We’ll be gathering at the Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, from 10.30 am for coffee and worship, then in Parliament Square at noon for a brief Rally, followed by the Walk.
http://www.vfjuk.org/#!push-for-babies/c1fcf

"Being Wise Shepherds" conference in Sussex

Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, will be speaking at the "Being Wise Shepherds" conference hosted by the Emmaus Group on Friday 21st June.

The conference is aimed at equipping leaders to prepare and protect congregation members experiencing opposition to their Christian faith in the public sphere .

Date & Time: 21st June 2013, 10am-5pm
Venue: The event is being held in a 4 star venue in Crawley (full details will be issued upon booking)
Speakers: Andrea Williams (Christian Legal Centre) Dr Patrick Sookhdeo (Barnabus Fund), Sami Hussein (Ex-Islamic Militant, Emmaus Group), Howard Stern (Christian Mediator & Negotiator), Christy & Natalie (Palestinian Arab Christians)

For more details see the flyer here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/BWS%20Conference%20Flier%20.pdf

Please note that tickets must be booked in advance and are £85 each (including lunch and refreshments). Photo ID will also be required on entry.

To book your place online go to the Emmaus Group website here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/BWS%20Conference%20Flier%20.pdf

Christian Concern
The time is now…
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14)

At this time of year we remember Jesus' victory as he died for our sins on the cross and rose again. But it’s becoming more and more difficult for people to hear of Jesus Christ in public life. I believe this is why Christian Concern is being called to walk alongside the champions of religious freedom across the world. Since the beginning of this year, as well as tackling the many challenges we face here in the UK, we’ve been encouraging like-minded Christians in Australia, the United States and Europe – yet we’re barely into Spring!
This is why we urgently need your help.
There is a window of opportunity for us to take action, not just to share our experiences with other nations, but to bring the UK government to recognise that its continued marginalisation of Christian faith is unravelling the social fabric of our nation. The door is being closed on our ability to freely share the gospel – what a loss for our nation!
A few weeks ago I was in Strasbourg, preparing for the defence of a number of Christian religious freedom cases before the European Court of Human Rights. Some of the people I spoke to were astonished at how the United Kingdom, once the shining example of religious freedom and tolerance, had become so aggressive towards the exercise of simple Christian freedoms. We were able to gain some legal ground during these cases which is wonderfully encouraging as we appeal to the Grand Chamber, the outcome of which will have implications not just for the UK but for the whole of Europe.

Simple freedoms we have taken for granted are now under threat. Freedoms such as the right to wear a cross at work…to speak of one’s faith when invited to do so…to hold to the Christian definition of marriage…to stand for the rights of the unborn child…to foster children…to share the gospel on the streets…to practise as a Christian counsellor.
I have just returned from Australia where I had the privilege of sharing with MPs a little of what is tragically happening in our Country. Many, who have a heart for the UK, were visibly shocked by what they heard.

We must stand for gospel freedom – for God’s glory and the good of our nation. Help us keep the door open for the gospel this Easter by making a donation today. Every penny you give will count towards proclaiming Jesus in our nation’s public life.

Thank you so much for all your support so far, we could not do this without you.
Andrea Minichiello Williams
CEO, Christian Concern, Christian Legal Centre

Christian Concern
http://www.christianconcern.com/
High Court: Humanist, Stonewall and 'Ex-Gay' Bus Adverts should all have been banned
Watch Christian Concern's
special report on the judgment
(3m 18s) > http://www.christianconcern.com/media/watch-christian-concerns-special-report-on-judgment-in-bus-adverts-case
Listen to Dr Mike Davidson
speak about the decision on
BBC Radio 5 Live (6m48s>
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/bbc-5-live-mike-davidson-on-bus-advert-decision
Thank you for your prayers and support for Mike Davidson, Core Issues Trust and the Christian Legal Centre team as we received judgment in the 'London Bus Ads' case today.

In a significant High Court judgment, Mrs Justice Lang has labelled bus adverts from the British Humanist Association and prominent homosexual lobby group Stonewall as ‘highly offensive’ and ruled that they breached Transport for London’s advertising policy.

But she also ruled that an advert placed by the Core Issues Trust, in response to Stonewall’s controversial campaign, fell foul of the policy too and for that reason was legitimately barred by Transport for London (TfL).

However, recognising the seriousness of the issues raised, the Judge gave leave for appeal, on the basis that the claim brought by Core Issues Trust concerned "an interference with the right to freedom of expression by a public body, which is a matter of such fundamental importance that it merits consideration by an appellate court."

The judgment provokes serious questions about the involvement of London Mayor, Boris Johnson, who was seeking re-election at the time. It also contains extensive criticism of the handling of the matter by Transport for London, which is Chaired by Mr Johnson.
Read the full story here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/high-court-rules-that-humanist-stonewall-and-ex-gay-bus-adverts-should-all-have-been-ba

Commenting on the case, Andrea said:
“According to the judgment, adverts placed by Stonewall and the British Humanist Association were in breach of TfL’s own guidelines. Yet they were allowed to run, even though they proved to be highly controversial at the time. Then, as soon as a Christian group responded to Stonewall’s provocation and dared to challenge the reigning political orthodoxy, the message was banned by the Mayor's Transport Authority.

"This case vividly exposes the huge asymmetry and censorship that characterises public debate at the moment, especially around sexual ethics.

“The message that some people are ‘Ex-Gay’ should not be considered offensive or controversial. Some people choose not to act on same-sex attraction and don't want to embrace a same-sex 'identity'. They should not be ostracised for doing so but helped. Mike Davidson and Core Issues Trust simply want to offer that help.

"This judgment at least underlines that Christian groups should be ensured access to a level playing field. As I commented on the European cases, I feel the tide is turning. And we continue to stand for Biblical truths, to be share the good news of the Gospel, to not be ashamed of Jesus and to enable Christians to make their faith know. Thank you for standing with us."
Conference to address Sex trafficking challenges in the UK

In light of its forthcoming conference, Voice for Justice UK (VfJUK) has highlighted the plight of sex trafficking victims in the UK.

Nine men were on trial at the Old Bailey earlier this month for grooming and raping over 50 young girls in a child trafficking ring based in Oxford. Some of the girls were as young as 11 or 12 when they were forced into being sex slaves.

One recounted how she was branded with hot metal twisted into the shape of an M for Mohammed, as sign of ‘ownership’. Another said that she was forced to have an illegal abortion at the age of 12 in a back room in Reading.

Read the latest VfJUK blog >
http://www.vfjuk.org/#!news/c1s5c

MP Diane Abbott calls for removal of "sexualised imagery" from High Streets
Shadow Health Minister Diane Abbott has called for sexualised imagery to be removed from High Streets in a bid to make Britain "a family-friendly country again."

Find out more (BBC) >
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21878027