VERY IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN CONCERN

Watch Sky News interview with
Dr Mike Davidson (2m 6s -
requires flash media player) >
http://news.sky.com/story/1058048/anti-gay-bus-ad-christian-group-in-court
Prayer Alert: Judgment in key freedom of expression case to be handed down on Friday

Please take a few moments to pray for Dr Mike Davidson of Core Issues Trust and the team at the Christian Legal Centre as they receive the High Court judgment and respond to media interest.
As you may remember, Core Issues Trust sought to display advertisements on London buses in response to a controversial advertising campaign run by homosexual lobby group, Stonewall, that placed the message "Some people are Gay. Get over it!” on 1,000 London buses.
The advertisements by Core Issues Trust were banned just before they were due to go public, following a decision that according to media reporting at the time was taken by Boris Johnson who is Mayor of London and Chair of Transport for London.
If you want to see freedom of expression protected in the UK, please prayerfully consider donating to this case.
Action Alert: It's Not Too Late - Show Your Support for Marriage This SundayThursday, March 21, 2013 12:45 PM
Action Alert from Christian Concern View in your browser.

'RALLY FOR MARRIAGE'
THIS SUNDAY (24th MARCH)
2PM - 5PM IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE

The French group, La Manif Pour Tous (March for All), is organising a special rally in Trafalgar Square this Sunday (24th March) from 2pm - 5pm. The event will coincide with a similar event in Paris.

A march organised by the group in Paris in January and led by French comedian Frigide Barjot attracted around 1 million people! This Sunday more than 1 million are expected in Paris and thousands in London.

Controversial legislation to re-define marriage and allow children to be adopted by same-sex couples has already been passed by the French National Assembly and is due to be debated by the Senate in April.

As you know, the Government's 'Same Sex Marriage' Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons in February despite significant opposition from back-bench Conservative MPs. If it passes at the third reading it will then be debated in the House of Lords.
It is not too late to express support for honest marriage. Let's do so together this Sunday.
French organisers of Sunday's march see it as a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate opposition to BOTH the French and UK Government's plans - that have come about with little warning and little consultation. It's a pan-European challenge. It needs a pan-European response.

Be part of something significant this Sunday! Can you join us on Sunday as we support this demonstration? Can you spare an hour - or even three - to stand up for 'honest marriage' - for the sake of children and future generations?

Sunday 24th March - Trafalgar Square - 2pm - 5pm
Nearest Underground: Charing Cross / Embankment / Piccadilly Circus / Leicester Square
Banners and placards will be provided - please DON'T bring your own!
There will be a variety of speakers. Families and children welcome.

For more information please visit: www.lamanifpourtousalondres.com

See you there!

High Court to hear key freedom of expression case following ban on bus poster
On Thursday (28 February) the High Court will hear the case of a Christian group which was denied the freedom to express its views on the legitimacy of therapy for those dealing with unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction.

Core Issues Trust, a non-profit Christian ministry, was prohibited by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, from running a bus advertising campaign calling for respect for individuals with homosexual issues who do not identify as "gay" but see themselves as "ex-gay" or "post-gay".

The Trust’s director, Dr Mike Davidson, had entered into a contract with TfL to run the advertisements on 24 buses across London reading “Not Gay. Ex Gay, Post Gay and Proud. Get over it!”.

Mr Johnson intervened to stop the advertisements just hours before they were due to become public, claiming they would cause “offence” to homosexuals. However, he had sanctioned an alternative bus campaign by homosexual activist group Stonewall stating “Some people are Gay. Get over it!” (see picture, right).

On Thursday, the Trust will ask Judges to reverse the ban on the basis that the Mayor had unlawfully restricted free speech, and had discriminated against the Trust by stifling one side of the debate on the issue.

Comment

Dr Davidson, who will be supported by the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This is all about being free to talk about these issues, and the right of individuals to take a sexual identity that is consistent with other values in their lives. Those individuals who are post gay or ex gay are a sexual minority suffering discrimination because they are outside the purportedly ‘normative’ homosexual paradigm.

“It was a mistake to assume these views we were expressing came from entrenched homophobia, and failed to recognise that people who want to walk away from their homosexual feelings are a group in their own right."

Andrea Williams, director of the Christian Legal Centre, said:

“In a truly democratic society people should be free to choose to change their behaviour and move away from homosexual behaviour if they wish.

“The possibility that a section of the public will take ‘offence’ to a particular viewpoint is not a legitimate ground for restricting freedom of expression. The concept is simply being used by the State to censor opposing views and obliterate debate in the public sphere.

“Boris Johnson needs to realise his mistake and ensure there is freedom for all in the marketplace of ideas. He cannot prefer one group over another.”
Please pray

This case has wide implications for Christian freedom of expression on sexual ethics in the public sphere. Please pray that the Judges' decision would set a new trend for protecting freedom of expression, particularly concerning sexual ethics.

Please donate
If you want to see freedom of expression protected in the UK, please prayerfully consider donating to this case.
http://www.christianconcern.com/donate

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Commons vote on same sex 'marriage' - still a long way to go
Watch Christian Concern's
special report on the vote
(4m 2s) >http://www.christianconcern.com/media/christian-concern-report-on-the-same-sex-marriage-vote

Watch a 'behind the scenes'
video from the Christian
Concern offices (5m 51s) >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/behind-the-scenes-at-christian-concern-during-same-sex-marriage-vote

Andrea Williams reacts to the
vote on Sky News (10m 37s)>
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/sky-news-andrea-williams-discusses-vote-on-same-sex-marriage-bill

Watch local Conservative
Chairman Geoffrey Vero on BBC
Daily Politics (12m 21s) >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/lbc-conservative-grassroots-spokesman-geoffrey-vero-comments-on-same-sex-marriage-vote

Bow Group Chairman Ben
Harris-Quinney outlines his
concerns over the Bill on Sky
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/sky-news-bow-group-chairman-ben-harris-quinney-discusses-same-sex-marriage

News (5m 8s) >Thank you for praying for the vote in the House of Commons on same sex marriage this week. Although the Bill passed (400 for and 175 against), there is still a long way to go before the Same Sex Marriage Bill becomes law.

There were more 'No' votes than expected, which is very encouraging for marriage supporters. Over half of Conservative MPs who voted on the Bill voted against it. A number of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs also voted against, despite pressure not to.

What you can do now...
See how your MP voted
to see the list (if you don't know who your MP is, click here to find out).
Please take a look to see how your MP voted. Click here http://c4m.org.uk/2013/02/list-of-how-mps-voted-on-marriage-bill-5-feb-2013/

BBC Panorama highlights abuse of Abortion Act's mental health provisions


Watch footage from
BBC Panorama (2m 18s) >
BBC Panorama (aired on Monday 4 February) focused on abortion in the UK.

The programme highlighted the questionable grounds for the vast majority of abortions. The reason given for 98 per cent of them is risk to the mother's mental health. But presenter Victoria Derbyshire revealed that there was “no evidence” that in all 98 per cent of cases there was a genuine risk to the mother’s mental health.

Dr Peter Saunders, CEO of Christian Medical Fellowship, appeared on the programme and raised the important point that when doctors sign off abortions on grounds for which there is no medical evidence they are in fact committing "a form of perjury." Peter has written a great blog post about the programme. Read it here >

Watch a clip from BBC Panorama >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/watch-bbc-panorama-highlight-abuse-of-abortion-laws-in-the-uk

Read a summary of the points raised in the documentary >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/bbc-panorama-highlights-ab
use-of-abortion-laws-in-the-uk

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
http://www.christianconcern.com/
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali addressed an audience in Parliament on the persecution of Christians.
Bishop Michael outlined the extent of persecution overseas and also warned of the increasing marginalisation of Christians in Britain.
Watch a short report featuring highlights of Bishop Michael's presentation: VIDEO
Now is the time to help us secure Christian freedoms in Britain
With your help, we hope to take a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to secure Christian freedoms in Britain.
We have just three months to appeal the cases of Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane. We aim to challenge the British Government in the Grand Chamber of the Council of Europe over its recent treatment of Christians.

Thank you so much to everyone who has given so far; you’ve helped us raise over £9,000 which is a great start. But we’re still some way off our initial target of £25,000.

4 Days left to contact your MP before crucial marriage debate
FIND yours @ http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/
That means you only have four days left to contact your MP before this crucial debate.
Please take the time to contact
Whatever way you choose to contact your MP:
Urge them to oppose the Bill. If they can’t do that then ask them to abstain or stay away.
Urge them to back motions that give maximum time for debate of this Bill by the full House of Commons. Given something as significant and controversial as this it’s only right to maximise full debate in the House of Commons.
Click here http://c4m.org.uk/downloads/secondreadingbriefing.pdf
to see a useful document with more points to make (the first page has a summary list).

Please can you also encourage your church to join our national day of prayer for marriage on Sunday 3 February?

Please pray:
That marriage will not be redefined, and that real marriage will be promoted in society for the good of all.
That as many MPs as possible will vote against the Bill to redefine marriage.
For David Burrowes MP and others, as they lead opposition to the Government’s plans in the House of Commons
For the news media, that they would report the issue widely, fairly, and accurately.
That the true consequences of redefining marriage would be publicly known and properly discussed.
Radio 4's Today Programme interviewed MP David Burrowes' constituents about their views on proposed legislation. Listen to the interviews here >

This week's marriage developments
MP Edward Leigh MPs have this week supported an amendment to the Equality Act to protect ‘conscientious beliefs on marriage’, voting 86 to 31 at the first reading of Edward Leigh’s Ten Minute Rule Bill.
The vote is a reminder that there remains widespread concern amongst MPs that the Government’s plans to redefine marriage do not make adequate protection for those who oppose the changes on conscience or religious grounds.
Find out More >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/bioethics
Meanwhile, Ministers are pushing for the introduction of tax breaks for married couples as a way of averting a Tory party split over same-sex ‘marriage’. The pressure comes as David Cameron faces the biggest potential split of his leadership when MPs vote on the Government's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill next week.
FIND OUT MORE
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/tax-break-for-married-couples-aims-to-avert-revolt-on-same-sex-marriage

Christian therapist faces expulsion for views on homosexuality
Dr Mike Davidson, a trainee with the British Psychodrama Association (BPA), was the subject of a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) Inquiry today in London.
Dr Davidson was reported to his professional body for comments he made on a BBC local radio show last January (2012). Mike supports therapy for those with unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction. However, some professional bodies like the BPA are trying to ban such therapies.
Along with the case of Lesley Pilkington, we are witnessing a worrying trend where the door to practising professional therapy is being closed to people with Christian sexual ethics.
Read more about the background to the Inquiry > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/christian-therapist-faces-expulsion-for-views-on-homosexuality

Revealed: UK Government's funding of abortion worldwide
Next week (4 February) BBC One's Panoroma will be airing a programme on the "great abortion divide" at 8:30pm .
Please watch the show and look out for signs of unbalanced reporting. You can send your comments to the BBC or Ofcom.

A parliamentary question recently posed MP David Amess MP has revealed that millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money continues to be used by the UK government to fund abortion groups around the world.
Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/british-government-spends-millions-of-pounds-to-fund-abortions-worldwide

Fiona Bruce MP will chair an inquiry into whether too many disabled babies in the UK are being aborted under current abortion laws. Figures reveal that more than 500 abortions were carried out after screening for Down's syndrome in England and Wales in 2011.
Find out More (Telegraph) >
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9838296/Inquiry-into-abortion-law-on-disabled-babies.html

Bishop Nazir-Ali on persecution of Christians
Watch footage of the talk
(3m 1s) >
On Wednesday (30th January) in the Houses of Parliament, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali gave a talk on freedom of belief and the persecution of Christians.

Our reporter, Peter Wooding, has produced a report featuring highlights of the talk and an exclusive interview with Bishop Nazir-Ali.
Watch the report here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/christian-concern-report-bishop-michael-nazir-ali-speaks-about-freedom-of-belief-and-the-perse

Telegraph journalist highlights increased sexualisation of children
Following MP Diane Abbott's warnings against Britain's increasingly "pornified" culture, Allison Pearson has written about the increasing sexualisation of our children in an article for The Telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/allison-pearson/9821275/Our-daughters-are-abused-by-a-culture-of-porn.html
Allison Pearson's Telegraph article
>
British culture is "increasingly pornified", warns shadow health minister
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/british-culture-is-%E2%80%9Cincreasingly-pornified%E2%80%9D-warns-shadow-health-minister

Fighting Sexual Exploitation
On 14 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: 14 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 here.

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

Girl Guides & Scouts - Respond to public consultations
Girlguiding UK is following the example of the UK Scouts by consulting the public on whether the Girl Guides promise should be changed.

As it stands, Girl Guides promise to "love my God." This reference to God could be removed depending on the responses to the consultation.

Please have your say by completing the online survey. It's a simple tick-box survey that only takes a few minutes and is open to all members of the public. The deadline is 3rd March.

Complete the survey >
The Air Cadet Organisation is also changing its promise following pressure from secularist campaign groups. Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/air-cadets-to-remove-god-from-promise
The founding principles of the Girl Guiding, Scouting and Air Cadets movements are based on a Christian outlook. Removing references to God will result in a loss of identity and a basis for the values promoted by these institutions.

Please pray for marriage on 3 Feb
as campaign reaches crucial period
Dear friend,

Please will you pray earnestly as we enter a crucial period in the campaign to defend the true meaning of marriage?

And can you encourage your church to join our national day of prayer for marriage on Sunday 3 February?

Any day now, we expect the Government to introduce its Bill which seeks to redefine marriage.

But the Bill can’t become law unless it is backed by Parliament – and that is by no means a foregone conclusion.

On the day that the bill is introduced the Government may very well go on a charm offensive, telling the media that people who believe in traditional marriage have nothing to worry about.

But we know that’s not the case. European judges have recently shown that people who believe in traditional marriage can be forced out of their jobs.

On Tuesday 5 Feb, we expect MPs to have the first opportunity to debate and vote on the Bill at what’s called the “Second Reading” stage.

That date may change but, whenever it comes, it may turn out to be a crucial moment in the whole campaign.

We don’t need an outright win at this stage – so don’t worry if the Bill passes this first hurdle – but it is important that as many MPs as possible vote “no”.

A healthy “no” vote, even if it’s not an outright majority, will put added pressure on the Government to drop its plans to redefine marriage.

So that’s why we are asking for your prayers. Please pray:

•That marriage will not be redefined, and that real marriage will be promoted in society for the good of all.
•That as many MPs as possible will vote against the Bill to redefine marriage.
•For David Burrowes MP and others, as they lead opposition to the Government’s plans in the House of Commons.
•For the Coalition for Marriage group as it campaigns to defend the true meaning of marriage.
•For politicians and others in public life to have the courage to stand up for what is right and true.
•For the news media, that they would report the issue widely, fairly, and accurately.
•That the true 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.
Open prayer is encouraged, but this written prayer may also be of help:

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the gift of marriage which you established at the dawn of time, to be a blessing for all generations throughout the earth, down through the ages.

We pray that you would fill each and every marriage with your love and grace, and that every husband and wife would know the joy that comes from sharing and giving.

We thank you for establishing marriage to be a secure and stable environment for raising children.

We pray for all those who do not enjoy those blessings, remembering that you are a father to the orphan and a husband to the widow.

We pray, as you have commanded us, for those in positions of civil authority.

We pray that our Government will act with wisdom and righteousness, upholding marriage as the voluntary union of one man to one woman for life, for the good of all people.

We pray for forgiveness for our nation, as our Government seeks to redefine marriage. We pray that these plans would fail.

And we pray for ourselves, that we would speak out in support of marriage with gentleness and kindness, but also with courage and confidence.

In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen.

Yours in Christ,
Nola Leach
CEO, CARE
Andrea Minichiello Williams
CEO, Christian Concern
Colin Hart
CEO, The Christian Institute
Dr Peter Saunders
CEO, Christian Medical Fellowship

Christian Concern
National day of prayer for marriage
The Government introduced its Bill today which seeks to redefine marriage. But the Bill can’t become law unless it's backed by Parliament – and that is by no means a foregone conclusion.

So, can you encourage your church to join our national day of prayer for marriage on Sunday 3 February?

On the day that the bill is introduced the Government may very well go on a charm offensive, telling the media that people who believe in traditional marriage have nothing to worry about.

But we know that’s not the case. European judges have recently shown that people who believe in traditional marriage can be forced out of their jobs.

On Tuesday 5 Feb, MPs will have the first opportunity to debate and vote on the Bill at what’s called the “Second Reading” stage.

We don’t need an outright win at this stage – so don’t worry if the Bill passes this first hurdle – but it is important that as many MPs as possible vote “no”.

So that’s why we are asking for your prayers. Please pray:

•That marriage will not be redefined, and that real marriage will be promoted in society for the good of all.
•That as many MPs as possible will vote against the Bill to redefine marriage.
•For David Burrowes MP and others, as they lead opposition to the Government’s plans in the House of Commons.
•For the news media, that they would report the issue widely, fairly, and accurately.
•That the true consequences of redefining marriage would be publicly known and properly discussed.

This week's marriage encouragements
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond

Former minister Edward Leigh
Even though the Government published its same-sex 'marriage' Bill today, there have been a lot of encouragements this week for supporters of authentic marriage:

•The Times reported today that half of the Conservative Party's 303 MPs are expected to vote against the bill. Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/david-camerons-countdown-to-win-over-mps-on-same-sex-%E2%80%98marriage%E2%80%99-bill

•Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has said that he won't vote for David Cameron’s fast-tracked same-sex ‘marriage’ bill. He is one of a number of cabinet ministers who has said he won't vote for the bill. Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/senior-cabinet-minister-highlights-same-sex-%E2%80%98marriage%E2%80%99-threat-to-reli

•Former minister Edward Leigh is seeking to change the law to protect workers who hold traditional views on marriage. Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/conservative-mp-seeks-protection-for-workers-who-back-current-marriag

•A leading human rights lawyer has advised David Cameron that churches could face legal challenges if they refuse to perform same-sex ‘marriages’. Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/same-sex-%E2%80%98marriage%E2%80%99-will-threaten-religious-freedom-human-rights-law

Crucial debate and conference on therapy for unwanted same-sex attraction
Please join us next Wednesday (30 January) at a debate in the Houses of Parliament on the legitimacy and freedom to offer therapy for those with unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction.

The debate is so important because at stake is the freedom of people to choose to have this kind of therapy if they want it.

The debate is being held ahead of an inquiry into a complaint against Dr Mike Davidson, a strong supporter of change therapy for people suffering with unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction. However, many professional bodies are banning such therapies.

The event runs from 10.30am to noon and will take place in Committee Room 11, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London.

Speakers:
Prof Michael King (Director of Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College London)
Mr Peter Tatchell (Human Rights Campaigner/Advocate)
Dr Joseph Berger (Consultant Psychiatrist, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Canada)
Dr Mike Davidson (Director, Core Issues Trust)

To register for this event, please email: peter.mcilvenna@christianconcern.com

Later that day (Wednesday 30 January), Core Issues Trust - of which Dr Mike Davidson is Director - will be holding a seminar on the misuse of science by UK professionals and mental health bodies to forbid change therapy. Please see the "Events" section below for more details

Progress after European Court Judgment
Watch Andrea talk about
meetings at the Council of
Europe this week >

Read J. John's article:
Strasbourg, God and
Caesar >
Chief executive Andrea Williams, Campaigns Director Andrew Marsh and standing counsel to the Christian Legal Centre Paul Diamond headed to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg this week.

Watch a short update from Andrea on their trip. They had a series of meetings in light of the European Court rulings last week on Shirley Chaplin, Gary McFarlane, Lillian Ladele and Nadia Eweida.
Watch the update >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/andreas-video-blog-on-european-court-ruling
Evangelist J. John wrote a great article in response to last week's judgment entitled: Strasbourg, God and Caesar. In it, he urges the church to stand firm and be encouraged. Have a read >
http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/life/Strasbourg_God_and_Caesar/50355/p1/

A further encouragement this week is that the UK's equality watchdog has argued for a change in the law to make it clear that Christians can wear a cross in the workplace. This is good, but attention also needs to be put on the need for more robust protections of Christian conscience. Read the story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/call-for-new-law-to-protect-workers-wearing-crosses

Important high level talks were also held this week in London about religious freedom. Representatives from the United States, Canada and the Vatican were hosted by Baroness Warsi, Minister of Faith and Communities. Read the story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/baroness-warsi-hosts-high-level-talks-on-religious-freedom

Air Cadets to remove 'God' from promise
The Air Cadet Organisation has announced its intention to provide an alternative ‘non-religious’ oath for new members that excludes any references to 'God'.

Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/air-cadets-to-remove-god-from-promise
Girguiding UK and the Scout’s Association are also considering similar changes to their respective promises following pressure from secularist campaign groups.

Organisations like the Cadets, Guides and Scouts were founded on Christian principles. Removing references to God will result in a loss of identity and a basis for the values promoted by these institutions.

Please oppose the proposals put forward by Girl Guiding UK by completing the online survey . It's a simple tick-box survey that only takes a few minutes and is open to all members of the public. The deadline is 3rd March.

Complete the survey >
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B82FN6S
You can still complete the Scouts Association survey here >
http://q.scouts.org.uk/s/kU4sBQY9KRfrkPe


Alliance of Pro-Life Students launch
Christian Concern's special
report on the launch (3m 21s) >
The Alliance of Pro Life Students (APS) held its London launch this week on Wednesday (16th January) at the Thistle Hotel in Marble Arch.

It was encouraging to see a number of young people attending the event to support APS which seeks to promote a culture of life and bring the pro-life message back onto university campuses.

Our reporter Peter Wooding captured the highlights of the launch and interviewed attendees about their thoughts on the initiative and the importance of standing up for pro-life issues.

Watch Christian Concern's special report here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/watch-christian-concerns-special-report-on-the-launch-of-the-alliance-of-pro-life-students

Find out more about the APS here >
http://allianceofprolifestudents.org.uk/

Abortion in Ireland
More than 25,000 people attended a pro-life rally in Dublin to oppose the Government’s plans to introduce new abortion laws in Ireland.

Currently, abortion in Ireland is illegal unless it occurs as the result of a medical intervention performed to save the life of the mother. Under the proposed changes, abortions would be permitted where there is a perceived risk of the mother committing suicide.

In anticipation of the changes, the UK’s largest abortion provider is offering Irish medical students one-week placements that will enable them to “gain experience of abortion care” and “witness how abortion procedures are carried out.”

Andrea Williams said: “The recent pro-life rally of 25,000 people in Dublin on Saturday shows how strongly Ireland feels about protecting the unborn child.

"BPAS has no business recruiting medical students to its cause in a country where the laws are wisely designed to protect the life of the unborn and the mother”.

Thousands attend pro-life rally in Dublin >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/thousands-attend-pro-life-rally-in-dublin
BPAS offers abortion internships to Irish medical students >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/bpas-offers-abortion-internships-to-irish-medical-students

Wilberforce Academy
Watch the Wilberforce Academy
2012 video >

Preparing the next generation of Christian leaders in public life

Please join us in March 2013 for the Wilberforce Academy, a unique and exciting opportunity for students and young professionals to gather together for a week to be equipped to serve Jesus in law, politics, education, media, the arts and business. The Academy will take place from 24th – 28th March 2012.

The deadline for applying has been extended to 31st January 2013.

Please help us find the best people for this year's Academy!

Have you told a friend about the Wilberforce Academy yet? Why not text or email someone now ? And tweet or post on Facebook.

Download an application form here >
http://www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk/downloads/wa_application_2013.pdf
Watch the video >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRYDt6DZ0No

Find out more >
http://www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk/#1

New BBC 'comedy' on assisted suicide
Watch the second episode of Way
toGo on iPlayer (28m 23s) >
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01pzncd/Way_to_Go_The_Beginning_of_the_End/
[WARNING: this programme
contains content that some
viewers may find offensive]
On Thursday (24 January), BBC 3 aired the second episode of a new comedy called Way to Go.

It has attracted controversy for its subject matter. In it, two brothers struggling financially decide to set up an 'assisted suicide' business. You may want to make a complaint to the BBC or Ofcom after viewing it (available here on iPlayer - WARNING: this programme contains content that some viewers may find offensive).

Care Not Killing has provided some questions to help you:

•The World Health Organisation clearly states that the media should not "glorify or sensationalize suicide", with concern that ill-conceived portrayals may lead to suicide contagion. How closely does the BBC follow such guidance?
•The BBC has a poor record when it comes to impartiality on the issue of assisted suicide. Is this series, starring popular actors on a channel primarily aimed at younger people, seeking to drive a political agenda?
•Assisted suicide is a sensitive issue, and all those who must deal with important end of life decisions- whatever conclusions they reach- deserve respect. Would you describe Way to Go's scripts, direction and acting as sensitive, respectful and balanced?


British culture is "increasingly pornified", warns shadow health minister
Shadow health minister Diane Abbott has warned that young people are being seriously damaged by an increasingly ‘pornified’ British culture.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/british-culture-is-%E2%80%9Cincreasingly-pornified%E2%80%9D-warns-shadow-health-minister

CASE UPDATE:
European Court Judgment:
Big Steps Forward But Further To Go
As you will probably have seen and heard, the European Court of Human Rights published its judgment on Tuesday in the cases of four UK Christians, including Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane.

Thank you for all your prayers and for getting involved in the discussion surrounding the judgment. Please help us to continue to stand for freedom.

Steps Forward
The Court held that Nadia Eweida's 'freedom of thought, conscience and religion' had been infringed by British Airways' decision to prevent her from wearing her cross visibly.

In the other cases, 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.

Further to Go
However, it was very disappointing that in Shirley, Lillian and Gary's case, the Court ruled that, although their religious freedom had been infringed, the circumstances had justified that interference.

In Shirley's case, 'Health and Safety' was given as the justification. The European Court said that it was not in a position to examine the application of the Health and Safety policy. It had to assume that it was justified, as the UK Courts had suggested. However, no credible Health and Safety risk was ever demonstrated by the hospital.

In the case of Lillian and Gary, the European Court said that it was necessary to restrict their freedom in order to protect the freedom of others.

However, in both cases, it would have been possible to accommodate Gary and Lillian's conscience, without there being any danger of anyone being denied a service. This important point will continue to be made.

Thanks
Please join us in giving thanks:
•Important legal points established that will help protect Christian freedoms in the future
•Enormous media interest in the cases providing opportunity to explain to the world how Shirley and Gary have been treated
•Extensive (including international) media reporting of the challenge to Christian freedoms in the UK
•Many opportunities to talk publicly about Jesus
Go to our media page for a selection of reports and videos
http://www.christianconcern.com/media

Prayer
Please pray for wisdom as we consider next steps. The judgment can be appealed to the Grand Chamber of the Court and we are currently considering this option.

Please help us to continue to stand for Christian freedoms.

Andrea's Comment
Reflecting on Tuesday's judgment Andrea writes:

"I am not disheartened by these cases. In fact quite the opposite. Our domestic courts were beginning to develop impossible tests on what constitutes manifestation of Christian faith. They did not even accept the cross as a Christian symbol or the belief in sexual purity as a conscience issue for Christians. The European Court of Human Rights has turned this jurisprudence on its head. The European Court has stated categorically that such beliefs flow from Christian faith and are worthy of protection.

"What we had hoped would happen was that the European Court would develop a test of ‘reasonable accommodation’. Had it done so, I think it would have been a lot more reasonable than anything we’re currently experiencing in our domestic courts. Instead, the European Court said there was a ‘wide margin of appreciation’ (meaning discretion) for employers to exercise the balancing act between competing rights. If Relate had accommodated Gary, Islington Council had accommodated Lillian and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital accommodated Shirley, the European Court would also have seen no reason to interfere.

"This means that at the Christian Legal Centre we will now go into our domestic courts on our current cases with fantastic legal argument on our side. In the UK these judgments have opened up numerous new legal arguments in our favour. We believe this is real legal success. I want to thank Paul Diamond, Standing Counsel to the Christian Legal Centre, who has been making these arguments for Christian freedoms for over a decade.

"The tide is turning. And we will not give up until justice is done for every one of our clients.

"It is time for Christians to find their voice; their faith. To not be ashamed of Jesus; to make their faith public."

Thank you for your support as we have stood with Shirley and Gary. Please help us to continue promoting Christian freedoms by making a donation today:

Christian Concern - Breaking News.
Follow us on Twitter
Become a fan
Donate Online
Landmark judgment on Christian freedom cases to be announced tomorrow!

Watch Andrea Williams talk with
Gary and Shirley ahead of
tomorrow's judgment (2m 5s)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcD8Reetx5M

Watch what people on the
streets are saying about Shirley's
case (1m 52s)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhs3DKzflFw&list=UUqnbu3dpuqx7O3KRgZQarnA&index=2
A landmark judgment in the cases of four UK Christians will be handed down at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg at 09:00 UK time tomorrow, Tuesday 15th January 2013.

Please pray that Christian freedoms would be upheld and please help us to continue to stand with Christians.

Watch out for the story in the media. There are lots of ways to make your voice heard next week:
•Call, text or tweet in to radio and TV programmes which report on the cases (e.g. Radio 5Live, BBC local radio stations, BBC Newsnight)
•Comment on the BBC News pages which run the story
•Comment on the facebook pages of News channels and programmes (e.g. BBC, Sky, ITV)
https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
https://www.facebook.com/skynews
https://www.facebook.com/itvnews

If you make your voice heard in these ways it makes it harder for the media to ignore Christians' views!

Andrea Williams said: "These are landmark cases and we have waited a long time to get to this point. At stake is not only the future shape of Christian involvement in community life but the protection of important personal freedoms in a diverse society."

The Christian Legal Centre is handling the cases of Shirley Chaplin and Gary McFarlane.

For comprehensive information on these cases, download our special briefing > http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/20130114_Media_Briefing_.pdf

Please help us to keep standing with Christians such as Gary and Shirley by donating to Christian Legal Centre:
http://www.christianconcern.com/donate

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
BREAKING NEWS: Landmark European Court judgment on Christian freedoms will be announced on Tuesday
A landmark judgment in the cases of four UK Christians will be handed down at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg at 09:00 UK time on Tuesday 15th January 2013.

Please pray that Christian freedoms would be upheld and please help us to continue to stand with Christians.
Andrea Williams said: "These are landmark cases and we have waited a long time to get to this point. At stake is not only the future shape of Christian involvement in community life but the protection of important personal freedoms in a diverse society."

The Christian Legal Centre is handling two of the cases:

Shirley Chaplin had worn her confirmation cross on a small chain around her neck, without incident, throughout her nearly thirty years in front-line nursing. Then, as part of a new uniform policy, she was told to remove it although allowances were made for the religious dress of others and no credible health and safety concern could be established. For a briefing sheet on Shirley's case, click here.
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35/files/The_Wearing_of_the_Cross.pdf
Gary McFarlane, a relationships counsellor, said during a training course that he might have a conscientious objection to providing sex therapy to same-sex couples because of his Christian faith. He was dismissed for gross misconduct for discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. For a briefing sheet on Gary's case, click here.
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35/files/The_Clash_of_Rights.pdf
It is your generous financial gifts that make it possible for us to stand with Christians such as Gary and Shirley. Please help us keep promoting Christian freedoms by making a donation today: http://www.christianconcern.com/donate

Christian Concern - Christian Weekly News
You can visit our website at: www.christianconcern.com
Follow us on Twitter
Become a fan
Donate Online

Christian Concern brings you cutting edge stories week by week, to equip the church to act and pray, to restore the hope of Christ to the centre of our nation.


Help us keep up the momentum in 2013...

We're excited about the opportunities God has prepared for us to speak of Jesus Christ in 2013.

At the beginning of this new year, will you help us have an even greater impact by telling others about our work? As we face upcoming battles such as the redefinition of marriage, high abortion rates and the push for euthanasia, we are stronger together.

We've created an easy to fill in box http://www.christianconcern.com/invite/invite-others.php
which lets you invite a friend. You fill in some basic details, and then we offer them a free information pack and a 'Not Ashamed' wristband - simple!

Invite a friend >

Taking this step will help us build on the momentum we've built up in 2012.

Please take a moment to invite a friend today.

Wilberforce Academy
Watch the Wilberforce Academy
2012 video >
Preparing the next generation of Christian leaders in public life
Please join us in March 2013 for the Wilberforce Academy, a unique and exciting opportunity for students and young professionals to gather together for a week to be equipped to serve Jesus in law, politics, education, media, the arts and business. The Academy will take place from 24th – 28th March 2012.

Application deadline: 14th January 2013.

Please help us find the best people for this year's Academy!

Have you told a friend about the Wilberforce Academy yet? Why not text or email someone now ? And tweet or post on Facebook.

Download an application form here > http://www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk/downloads/wa_application_2013.pdf

Watch the video > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRYDt6DZ0No

Find out more > http://www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk/#1

Girl Guides could also drop 'God' from promise


Girlguiding UK is following the example of the UK Scouts by consulting the public on whether the Girl Guides promise should be changed.

As it stands, Girl Guides promise to "love my God." This reference to God could be removed depending on the responses to the consultation.

Please have your say by completing the online survey. It's a simple tick-box survey that only takes a few minutes and is open to all members of the public. The deadline is 3rd March.

Complete the survey > https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B82FN6S

The founding principles of the Girl Guiding and Scouting movements are based on a Christian outlook. Removing any references to 'God' from its pledge will dilute its ethos and make the movement less distinctive.

You can still complete the Scouts Association survey here > http://q.scouts.org.uk/s/kU4sBQY9KRfrkPe

Please say 'No' to automatic organ donation

The Welsh Government is consulting the public on whether to introduce a new scheme whereby all citizens in Wales will be presumed to have consented to organ donation unless they file a formal refusal prior to their death.

These proposals raise serious ethical problems since presumed consent in effect equals no consent and organ donation should, in fact, be treated as a voluntary gift characterised by free will - not an obligation. It is vital therefore that as many people as possible respond to the consultation to say NO.

Please take a few minutes to notify the Health and Social Care Committee of your opposition by emailing: HSCCommittee@wales.gov.uk.

The Christian Medical Fellowship has produced a briefing paper which will help you in your response, and which you can access here. The deadline is 18th January.

Go to the Christian Medical Fellowship briefing paper > http://www.christianconcern.com/consultation-on-the-human-transplantation-wales-bill

Access the consultation here > http://www.senedd.assemblywales.org/documents/s12170/Consultation%20Letter.pdf

Christian doctors say: 'Stop financial rewards for using Liverpool Care Pathway'

Christian doctors have called for a ban on financial rewards that encourage hospitals to increase their use of a controversial end-of-life care plan.

Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/end-of-life/christian-doctors-say-%E2%80%9Cstop-financial-rewards-for-using-liverpool-care-path

IVF treatment in UK results in loss of over 3 million embryos

Official statistics show that almost 3 million embryos in the UK have been lost as a result of IVF treatment.

Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/bioethics/ivf-treatment-in-uk-results-in-loss-of-nearly-3-million-embryos


Tony Nicklinson's wife permitted to appeal right-to-die ruling

The wife of Tony Nicklinson, a man who died after losing his legal battle to end his life, has been given permission to appeal the High Court’s decision.

Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/end-of-life/tony-nicklinsons-wife-permitted-to-appeal-right-to-die-ruling

CofE to allow Bishops in civil partnerships

The Church of England’s House of Bishops has announced that it would permit clergy in same-sex civil partnerships to become bishops if they promised to be celibate.

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern and a member of the Church’s Synod, said: “Society now treats civil partnerships as same-sex marriages in all but name. It is disingenuous and deceptive for the Church’s leadership to endorse them against the teaching of the Bible.”

BBC news story > http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20914799

Humanist 'belief' marriages could be introduced in Scotland

Humanist weddings could be introduced in Scotland as an alternative to religious and civil ceremonies. Under these plans the Scottish government wants to create a third category of marriage, called “belief” marriages.

Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/humanist-belief-marriages-could-be-introduced-in-scotland


Court says keeping Sunday special not a 'core' belief, so not protected
Watch latest Christian Concern
special report on Celestina http://www.christianconcern.com/media/celestina-mba-talks-about-her-case

(2m 41s) > Christian children’s worker, Celestina Mba, has been told by a Judge that her employer was justified in requiring her to work on a Sunday.

Watch latest Christian Concern special report on Celestina >

At an Employment Appeals tribunal Mr Justice Langstaff said Sunday was not a ‘core’ component of the Christian faith because some Christians would be prepared to work on a Sunday; and therefore Christians as a whole do not need Sunday protected. This continues a trend where we are seeing secular Courts ruling on ‘core’ components of Christian practice.

Andrea Williams said: “As we reflect on Christmas, the Queen’s speech and a national census that continues to demonstrate our identity as a Christian nation, we may ask why our ruling elite seems ready to undermine all that most of us hold dear.

“The Court, in this case, created an unrealistic test which means that people like Celestina who wish to respect Sunday as a day of rest and worship will be forced out of the workplace. The Court seems to be requiring a significant number of adherents of the Christian faith to observe a particular practice before the Court is willing to accept and protect the practice".

Read the full story > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/court-says-christians-dont-keep-sunday-special-for-it-to-be-protected

Retailers give new meaning to Christmas shopping

Big retail companies have come under fire for beginning their sales on Christmas day.

Find out more > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/retailers-give-new-meaning-to-christmas-shopping
Radio & Video

Voice of Russia: Listen to Andrew
Marsh on teenage sex education > http://www.christianconcern.com/media/voice-of-russia-andrew-marsh-on-teenage-sex-education
Watch Celestina Mba talk about
her case > http://www.christianconcern.com/media/celestina-mba-talks-about-her-case
Links

We offer a full list of links from third party news sites on a range of diverse issues which may be of interest to Christians.

Links > http://www.christianconcern.com/christian-weekly-news-04-january-2013-0
Bishop Nazir-Ali to speak in House of Commons

Please join us at a talk on freedom of belief and the persecution of Christians by former Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali.

The event will take place on Wednesday 30th January 2013 from 6pm – 8pm in the Grand Committee Room, House of Commons, Westminster,

Please RSVP to Barry Watts at barry.watts@parliament.uk or on 0207 219 7075 by Wednesday 23rd January 2013

Alliance of Pro-Life Students Launch

The Alliance of Pro-Life Students will be launched in London on Wednesday 16th January 2013. Please come along if your free!

Date: Wed 16th January
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Central London - Venue provided on booking
Speaker: Lord David Alton
Price: £25, £15 concessions (students, OAPs), Group discount - £15 per person when 5 or more tickets are booked.
Dress: Cocktail

To book tickets visit www.allianceofprolifestudents.org.uk

BREAKING NEWS via Christian Legal Centre
A new ruling by a High Court judge - the first on the issue in nearly a decade - says that Christians have no right to decline working on Sunday as it is not a “core component” of their beliefs.
The judgment - which upholds an earlier decision - means that individual Christians do not have any protection from being fired for not working on Sundays.
Campaigners said the decision puts Christians at a disadvantage to other religions and means the judiciary are deciding what the core beliefs of Christians can be, which they say is an interference in the right to practise religion.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9770825/Christians-have-no-right-to-refuse-to-work-on-Sundays-rules-judge.html

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS LEGAL CENTRE
SPEAKING OF JESUS IN PUBLIC LIFE
Thank you for helping us speak of Jesus Christ in public life in 2012!
As the year draws to a close, I thank God for all that He, by his Grace, has enabled us to do with your support.
It's been an amazing twelve months, both in what we have been called to do and in what we have achieved. Christian Concern is having a real impact for God on society as we speak of Jesus Christ in our nation's public life, speaking for life, for family and for freedom.
That's why we won't let up during 2013 when we will face one of our biggest battles ever; the battle for marriage itself.


Nohad Halawi
In 2012 we stood up for people like Shirley Chaplin, who was told she couldn't wear a cross. We stood up for people like Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Attwood, who were arrested for showing the truth about abortion outside an abortion clinic. We stood up for people like Nohad Halawi, targeted because she shared the truth of Jesus Christ with her Muslim co-workers . We stood up for the sanctity of life, at its beginning and at its end. We could not have done it without you, our faithful supporters. With your help and by God's grace, we have taken a stand for Jesus Christ.
In the coming year we know that we will be called on to stand for the sake of the gospel even more. That's why we need your support right now. We need your support to continue to speak of Jesus Christ in public life. Jesus is the only Hope for our nation; please stand with us in that Hope.
Please consider sharing our work with your friends. Free copies of our newsletter are available for you to give away. The more people involved, the greater impact we can have together. Christian Concern supporters have already made an enormous impact in 2012 by writing to government and other public bodies, highlighting injustice and campaigning for truth. The more people involved, the more we can do.

Please would you prayerfully consider giving a special gift this Christmas? Such a gift will not just keep us going but will help us to be even more effective in 2013.

Yours in Christ,
Andrea Minichiello Williams,
CEO, Christian Concern & Christian Legal Centre

CHRISTIAN WEEKLY NEWS
Not Ashamed: '12 at 12' Prayer Initiative on Wednesday

Our nation faces many challenges as 2012 draws to a close (e.g. Government plans to redefine marriage, the economic crisis across Europe, the prospect of legalised assisted suicide, a younger generation facing an uncertain future). Yet there is also much for which to give thanks. The LORD continues to reign and His kingdom is growing.

This Wednesday (the 12th of the 12th of 2012) at 12 noon Christians across the UK will be praying for the future of our nation.

Why not join in and take 12 minutes to give thanks to God – and to pray for repentance, revival and reformation in our land?

You could meet with others or pray alone. If you can’t pray at 12, then why not find 12 minutes at another point of the day?

In London, there will be a special prayer meeting at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster (SW1H 9NH) at 12 noon (during Prime Minister’s Questions) hosted by ‘Together for the Nation’.

Download our ’12 at 12’ prayer resource sheet (pdf file) – and take copies to church.
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/docs/12-12-12.pdf

Not Ashamed: Wear a cross to work in December
Visit the Not Ashamed shop
Watch an interview with
school governor Nina Fry
Not Ashamed of the Cross
As we enter the Christmas season, why not wear something that will remind people who Christmas is all about?

Wear a cross to work in December and be visible and vocal for Jesus.

Buy 'Not Ashamed of the Cross' items at the Not Ashamed shop >
http://notashamed.org.uk/shop.php
Why not also buy copies of Lord Carey's Christmas leaflet 'I'm Not Ashamed' to give to friends, colleagues and family members in the run up to Christmas? http://notashamed.org.uk/shopleaflets.php

Nina Fry is one Christian who is not ashamed of the cross. She is a school governor at Fetcham Village Infant Shcool.

Watch an interview with her here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-O3i6J744o

Scouts consider removing 'God' from promise
BBC London: Listen to Peter
Norris discuss the
proposals >

The UK Scouts Association has launched a public consultation on whether an alternative non-religious pledge should be introduced for atheists.

The founding principles of the Scouting movement are based on a Christian outlook. Removing any references to 'God' from its pledge will dilute its ethos and make the movement less distinctive.

Please notify the Scouts Association of your opposition by completing the online survey here. It will take less than 5 minutes! Questions 6 & 7 are the most relevant but you need to complete all nine questions to submit your response. It's a tick-box survey, so you don't need to write anything.

Complete the online survey here > http://q.scouts.org.uk/s/kU4sBQY9KRfrkPe

Read the story: Scouts consider removing 'God' from promise >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/scouts-consider-removing-god-from-promise


Top news agency bans use of term 'homophobia'
Associated Press (AP) has prohibited its journalists from using the word “homophobia”, saying it is inaccurate to use the term to describe someone who does not agree
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/top-news-agency-bans-use-of-term-homophobia

South African Provincial MP accused of hate for views on homosexuality
Attempts to silence the free speech rights of a Christian provincial member of parliament in South Africa have been condemned by the Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA), a Christian democratic political party in Britain.
Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/south-african-provincial-mp-accused-of-%E2%80%98hate-speech%E2%80%99-for-views-on-hom

Christian Concern - Christian Weekly News.


Not Ashamed: Wear a cross to work in December
Visit the Not Ashamed shop
Buy 'Not Ashamed of the Cross' items at the Not Ashamed shop >
http://notashamed.org.uk/shop.php
Watch an interview with Shirley Chaplin Not Ashamed of the Cross
As we enter the Christmas season, why not wear something that will remind people who Christmas is all about?Wear a cross to work in December and be visible and vocal for Jesus. Shirley Chaplin is one Christian who is not ashamed of the cross. Yet, she was told to remove it at work.
Watch an interview with her here >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6sesSXqDMY
Why not also buy copies of Lord Carey's Christmas leaflet 'I'm Not Ashamed' to give to friends, colleagues and family members in the run up to Christmas? http://notashamed.org.uk/shopleaflets.php

Support for teaching Christianity in schools
Watch the Christian Concern video report:
Teaching Christianity in schools
(4 mins 29 secs) >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/video-report-teaching-christianity-in-schools
There is widespread support in England for teaching Christianity in schools, according to a new poll released by Oxford University.
Please email Michael Gove MP, the Education Minister, to prompt him to ensure that Christianity is taught properly in schools. To save you time, we’ve written a draft letter which you can download here >
http://www.christianconcern.com/resources/downloads
Email Michael Gove MP
Download draft letter > (don’t forget to insert the date)
Thank you if you contacted Mr Gove last week about Islam in schools. If you would still like to contact him about this, you can download the draft letter.

From Christian Concern:
Poll reveals widespread support for teaching children Christianity
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/education/poll-reveals-widespread-support-for-teaching-children-christianity

The British public is not ashamed of marriage
Iain Duncan Smith

A new poll shows that a majority see the importance of marriage for society. 89 per cent of people believe better parenting and stronger families are the key to fixing our broken society.

The poll was released by the Centre for Social Justice, a think-tank set up by Iain Duncan Smith MP, the Work and Pensions Secretary.

Please email Mr Duncan Smith, urging him to keep promoting marriage. Save yourself some time and click to download our draft letter.

The Prime Minister seems determined to introduce same-sex “marriage” as soon as possible. This is even though most of the public don't want it and over 100 Tory MPs oppose redefining marriage. Moreover, if the Government proposes a change, the majority of the public think that the issue should be decided by a national referendum. Please ask Mr Duncan Smith to declare his support for authentic marriage.
Email Iain Duncan Smith MP
Download draft letter > (don’t forget to insert the date)
From Christian Concern:
Marriage breakdown is ‘key cause of social decline’
Majority in favour of referendum on same-sex ‘marriage’
Over 100 Tory MPs oppose a redefinition of marriage

Council recommends that application for Mega Mosque is rejected
Watch Sheikh Haitham's call for 15,000 Muslims to demonstrate in support of the Mosque
(5 mins 24 secs) > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37aOxsJoI0w
This week, Newham Council officers recommended that the Council reject an application to build the proposed Mega Mosque in West Ham. This is a very positive development.
The planning application, lodged by fundamentalist group Tablighi Jamaat, will be considered at a Council meeting next week.
This week, Sheikh Haitham Al Haddad called for 15,000 Muslims to demonstrate outside the venue to support the Mosque proposal - you can watch this video to see the nature of his message.
Please pray that planning permission will not be granted for the Mega Mosque to go ahead.

Your support at the meeting will be very much valued if you are able to attend. It will take place next Wednesday 5th December at 7.00pm in the Old Town Hall, 29 The Broadway, Stratford, E15 4BQ.
Alan Craig, Campaign Director of the MegaMosque No Thanks campaign, said:
“Now it’s up to the planning committee to follow the recommendation to reject. The building would be ugly, it would add nothing to the area and we have huge concerns about the group behind it.”
Read the rest of the report in the Evening Standard >
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/protesters-scent-victory-in-fight-to-halt-newham-megamosque-8367634.html?origin=internalSearch

Find out more about the MegaMosque No Thanks campaign >
http://www.megamosquenothanks.com/

Please say 'No' to the creation of genetically modified babies with 3+ parents
There is just one week left to respond to the public consultation on whether scientists should be permitted to create genetically modified babies with three or four parents.
If you want to give a fuller response, we've prepared a set of guidelines to help you in your answers which you can find here.http://www.christianconcern.com/consultation-on-mitochondria-replacement-guidelines-for-completing-the-consultation The deadline for responding is 7th December.

These proposals will completely alter the way in which life is created and any genetic problems will be passed down to future generations. It's therefore vital for as many people as possible to say 'NO'.

To save time, you can simply notify the HFEA of your opposition by clicking here.https://mitochondria.dialoguebydesign.net/reg/reg_nopwd.asp
You will need to register with the HFEA, then go directly to question 6 of the consultation (please don't be put off by this, the whole process will take no longer than a few minutes!).

Commission calls for word 'insulting' to be removed from Public Order Act
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has backed calls for the reform of legislation criminalising “insulting” words and behaviour.
Baroness Onora O'Neill, Chair of the EHRC, said that the word “insulting” should be removed from section 5 of the Public Order Act to protect freedom of speech.

HIV diagnoses in homosexual men "highest ever"
Figures released by the Health Protection Agency show that the number of homosexual and bisexual men who were diagnosed with HIV reached an "all time high" in 2011.

Nearly half of the 6,280 men diagnosed with the condition last year were men who had sex with other men (MSM).

Dr Valerie Delpech, the organisation's head of HIV surveillance, told the BBC: "Obviously this is a serious illness and it is worrying that we're still seeing a lot in men who have sex with men and this is a record year."

The total number of people with HIV in the UK increased to 96,000, up from 91,500 the previous year.
Read the BBC report >http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20526380

Links
We offer a full list of links from third party news sites on a range of diverse issues which may be of interest to Christians.
Links http://www.christianconcern.com/christian-weekly-news-links-30-november-2012-0

Wilberforce Academy.
Would you or someone you know benefit from this
unique opportunity to develop a biblical framework
for engagement in public life?

Visit www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk, watch the video, http://wilberforceacademy.org.uk/#4
spread the word.
Equipping the next generation of Christian leaders in public life

We're looking for students and young professionals with a passion to serve Jesus Christ in a variety of vocations including law, politics, education, media, arts and business. Please visit the website for more information.

24th-28th March 2013

www.wilberforceacademy.org.uk

Deadline for applications: 14th January 2013
Christian Concern
70 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8AX
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7935 1488
www.christianconcern.com

Christian Weekly News Highlights.

Thank you for your prayer and action this week. We have seen encouraging signs of what can happen when, together, we stand and speak of Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God for progress this week.

Take Action: Government U-turn on abortion consultation
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP
Health Minister Anna Soubry announced this week that the Government has cancelled a public consultation on independent pregnancy counselling and will not now bring forward legislation – despite promises to MPs last Autumn to do so.

The consultation was due to consider how to ensure that all women facing unexpected pregnancy were given access to non-compulsory, independent counselling.

Ms Soubry offered little explanation as to why the government has decided not to proceed.

Please contact Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, asking how and why this happened'

To make it quicker and easier, use this pre-prepared form > http://action.christianconcern.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1751&ea.campaign.id=17325

Read full story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/government-makes-u-turn-on-abortion-consultation
Read a report on the debate >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/abortion-debate-held-at-westminster

Barclays and Coutts tell Stonewall to drop ‘Bigot’ Award
This week Barclays and Coutts announced that they would withdraw their support for Stonewall's Awards event unless the homosexual campaign group dropped the 'Bigot of the Year' category.

It was great to see big businesses responding to the concerns of Christians. Thank you if you wrote to any of the companies supporting the event.

At the awards ceremony last night, Ruth Davidson MSP, lesbian leader of the Conservatives in Scotland won the Politician of the Year Award but was booed off the stage when she expressed oppostion to the 'Bigot of the Year' Award. Such behaviour illustrates the intolerance of those present for any view different from their own.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/barclays-and-coutts-tell-stonewall-remove-%E2%80%9Cbigot-award%E2%80%9D

Contact your local Police Crime Commissioner candidates
On Thursday, 15 November many voters in England and Wales will have the chance to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for your local area. The job of a PCC will be to “ensure the policing needs of their communities are met as effectively as possible”.This is a great opportunity for Christians to ask whether the candidates support Christian presence and work in the community.

Two big issues are:
1.Whether they support the freedom of Christians to speak openly and publicly about Jesus, biblical sexual ethics and abortion, and whether they will educate police so that some mistakes from recent years don’t happen again (e.g. abortion educators being arrested, Christians prohibited from handing out leaflets);
2.Whether they support the presence and work of Christians in the community (e.g. Street Pastors and Street Angels groups, work with homeless people) and recognise the need for them to do it whilst clearly and publically maintaining their Christian ethos.
There are no PCC elections in Scotland, Northern Ireland or London.

We’ve made it very easy for you to contact your candidates; Just fill in your details on this pre-prepared form >
http://action.christianconcern.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1751&ea.campaign.id=17280
For more information about the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, take a look at our brief PCC election guide.
http://www.christianconcern.com/PCC-elections

Council says 'No' to second lap dancing application
On Tuesday (30 October) Maidstone Council threw out an application for lap dancing to take place at a venue located near a large shopping mall in the Gabriels Hill area. A similar application was rejected by the Council last Monday (22 October).
Earlier this week we asked you to pray for a favourable outcome in the case. Thank you for doing so and we Praise God for yet another victory in just over one week!

The Christian Legal Centre supported a local resident who voiced the concerns of many others that such a venue was inappropriate in an area surrounded by churches, a large shopping centre and a number of family-friendly restaurants.
We are pleased that the Council took these concerns into account in preventing lap dancing to take place at that location.
Read full story http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/council-says-no-to-second-lap-dancing-application

13 year olds given contraceptive implants at school
Girls as young as 13 are receiving birth control implants at school without the knowledge or consent of their parents, a survey by The Daily Telegraph has revealed.
The survey found that school nurses have provided contraceptive implants or injections to girls between the ages of 13 and 16 on more than 900 occasions over the last two years.
Read full story http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/13-year-olds-given-contraceptive-implants-at-school
This comes on news last week of a new NHS Sex Education website for children as young as 13.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/explicit-nhs-website-promotes-under-age-sex

Disclosed: Counsellors in Ireland give potentially life threatening advice on abortion
An undercover investigation has revealed that leading pregnancy advice services in Ireland are offering illegal advice on abortion that is placing women’s lives at risk.
Read full story http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/disclosed-counsellors-in-ireland-give-potentially-life-threatening-advice-on-a

Andrea to run Nice-Cannes marathon this weekend
Chief Executive of Christian Concern Andrea Williams will be running her third marathon this weekend. She will be tackling the Nice-Cannes marathon after having run the London marathon in April and the New York marathon in November 2011.

"A few years ago I would never have thought I could run a marathon but here I am about to run my third," said Andrea. "I give the Lord all the glory for sustaining me through my battle with cancer and for restoring me to full health.

"Marathon running has become a very meaningful metaphor to me for our work at Christian Concern. We have covered great distances but there is still a long way to go. But we press on and know God's provision and sustaining hand the whole way".

Please pray for Andrea as she runs this weekend.

If you would like to sponsor Andrea, please make a donation here
http://www.christianconcern.com/donate

Action: Ask your MP to attend abortion debate
Nadine Dorries on why you
should contact your MP >
Next Wednesday (31st Oct), MPs will debate whether to reduce the upper time limit for abortion from 24 weeks.
It’s important that as many MPs as possible attend the debate and speak in favour of reducing the upper limit.
Please contact your MP, http://action.christianconcern.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1751&ea.campaign.id=17095
asking them to attend and speak in favour.
We’ve made it very easy for you. Just fill in this quick pre-prepared form >
You can make a real difference by asking your MP to be there.
The debate follows indications from several Cabinet ministers in recent weeks that they would support a lowering of the limit. It is very encouraging that the tide seems to be turning on this issue.
Let’s use this important opportunity to speak up for the vulnerable, to our MPs.

Students block Abort67 display
Watch footage of students
blocking protest >
Students blocked a display by Abort67 at the University of Sussex on Monday (22 Oct).
The students held up signs and stood in front of the images of aborted babies that the Abort67 team had set up.

Some of the students remonstrated with members of the pro-life group, who seek to educate people about the harmful effects of abortion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fEvXvuPtKI&feature=youtu.be
There is a real need for the truth about abortion to be uncovered. Please pray that it would be and please contact your MP about the abortion debate in Parliament next week.

Boris Johnson pledges £650,000 for London gay pride
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced his intention to give £650,000 in sponsorship to London’s Gay Pride event.

If you live in London, please contact Mr Johnson to express your concern that he plans to use public money in this way. Email Boris Johnson >
Nearly £100,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on the Pride event this year.
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:
“The Mayor of London is throwing public money at an event which does not have the backing of a large section of the public.

“I hope those Londoners who disagree with Mr Johnson will let him know.”
Email the Mayor of London >
Read the full story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/boris-johnson-pledges-%C2%A3650000-for-london-gay-pride

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali launches latest book
Watch a report of the launch and interview with Bishop Nazir-Ali >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruAC9UL43zY&feature=youtu.be
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali launched his new book yesterday at All Souls church, Langham Place in central London.

In Triple Jeopardy for the West: Aggressive Secularism, Radical Islamism and Multiculturalism, Bishop Michael argues that these three seemingly diverse pressures are a profound threat to British life.

He makes the case for Christianity as the foundation which can provide the equality, justice and freedom currently sought by our society.

Triple Jeopardy for the West is published by Bloomsbury and is available from all major book sellers.

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Christian Legal Centre
Breaking Case News: Victory in Maidstone lap dancing case!
Yesterday (22 October) Maidstone Council threw out an application for lap dancing to take place at a venue located seconds away from Maidstone town centre in Kent.

Last week we asked you to pray for the hearing. Thank you for doing so and we praise God for such a great result!

The Christian Legal Centre supported local residents who argued that such a venue was not suitable in an area being regenerated by the council where there are already schools, churches and shops nearby.

Maidstone Council received more than 100 letters of objection in advance of the hearing and the council heard from a member of the town’s street pastor scheme.

Michael Phillips, the solicitor representing many of the objectors, said that granting the application would be wholly inappropriate and would effectively be turning Bank Street, where the premises are located, into a sex street.

His arguments persuaded the council, who rejected the application on the basis that a licence for lap dancing would be inappropriate in that location.

Please join us in thanking God for this outcome…

Judge rules against B&B owner
ITV Daybreak: Andrea Williams
discusses B&B judgment >
BBC London: Alan Craig
comments on B&B case >
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/bbc-news-alan-craig-on-ruling-against-bb-owner
A Judge sitting in Reading has ruled that a Berkshire B&B owner acted unlawfully by following a rooming policy based on her Christian beliefs about marriage.

Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/judge-rules-against-christian-bb-owner

Andrea Williams of Christian Concern said:
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/itv-day-break-andrea-williams-on-ruling-against-christian-bb-owner
“This is not the first time in the British courts that the rights of same-sex couples have trumped the rights of Christians to live out their faith.

“As a result we are witnessing a narrowing of Christians’ freedom to live in line with their beliefs.
“Should marriage be re-defined, such cases are likely to become commonplace, with the freedom to express dissenting opinions on the issue being supressed even further.”

Demoted Christian in court over same-sex 'marriage' comments
This week Manchester County Court heard the case of a housing manager who was demoted after commenting on Facebook that permitting same-sex ‘marriages’ to take place in churches was “an equality too far”.

Find out more >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/demoted-christian-in-court-over-same-sex-%E2%80%98marriage%E2%80%99-comments

Bishop Nazir-Ali challenges Times columnist over same-sex ‘marriage’
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali had a letter published in The Times newspaper this week, written in response to a column by Matthew Parris.

Referring to a debate at the Conservative Party conference in which he and Bishop Nazir-Ali took part, Mr Parris criticised the use of arguments based on religion in public debate.

Responding in his letter, Bishop Nazir-Ali said:

Parris wants to put me...into a "God slot" where we can safely be ignored, while his oh-so progressive project marches on. But what we are talking about is public truth in the public space. It is to do with how we are and how the world is and what is important for society. To this he needs to find some answers and quickly.

Times online subscribers can see the letter here >
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/letters/article3568996.ece

Please pray for lap dancing club hearing on Monday
This Monday (22nd October), Christian Legal Centre lawyers will argue that a licence to run a lap dancing club in Maidstone town centre should not be granted.

Please pray for Michael Phillips as he presents the arguments against the application to the Licensing Committee. Also pray for objectors who have an opportunity to speak and for members of the Committee as they make their decision.

You can also go along to the hearing. It will take place at Maidstone Town Hall at 10am and is open to members of the public. You can find directions and further information on the Maidstone Borough Council website.
http://meetings.maidstone.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=131&MId=1824&Ver=4

British counselling association wilts before homosexual agenda
Listen to Lesley Pilkington on BBC World
Service discussing BACP restrictions
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has written to its members warning them of its opposition to ‘reparative’ therapies.

Such therapies are intended for those who experience same sex attraction but want help to change. The BACP misrepresents the nature of this therapy in its letter.

This move from the BACP will make it difficult for those counsellors who want to offer this kind of therapy and also remain members of the association. The BACP told members: “you must incorporate these statements into your practice at the earliest opportunity”.
Read the full story
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/counselling-association-denies-clients-right-to-change
Lesley Pilkington, a Christian counsellor who is trained in reparative therapy, has pointed out that it is the client’s choice to receive such therapy and as such it is a human right.

Listen to Lesley on BBC World Service discussing BACP restrictions.
http://www.christianconcern.com/media/bbc-world-service-lesley-pilkington-discusses-bacp-clampdown
You can also read the documents that the BACP sent out:

BACP letter to members (jpeg)
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/docs/20121005_bacp_letter.jpg
BACP 'Statement of ethical practice' (jpeg)
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/docs/20121005%20BACP%20Statement.jpg

Europe: Positive developments for Christians

Praise God that there have been encouraging developments in Europe this week regarding Christian freedoms.

Read all about it
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=a2afdce8b0&e=c837b07e98
Christian Concern staff briefed European parliamentarians in Brussels and Strasbourg on the marginalisation of Christians.

A Committee of the Council of Europe has requested a report on 'Tackling Intolerance and Discrimination in Europe with a Special View to Christianity'. This is a significant step forward and has been prompted in large part by the situation in the UK.

Please continue to pray for the cases that were heard recently at the European Court of Human Rights.
We are still waiting for the judgment on the right of Christians to wear a cross and follow biblical teaching in the workplace.

Same sex 'marriage': Latest news
Front page of the French newspaper
Le Figaro this week ('Homosexual marriage:
Psychologists warn against adopting')

Download booklet on same sex 'marriage'
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/same%20sex%20marriage%20final%20version.pdf
The battle over God’s good gift of marriage is taking place on a global scale.
Please pray that marriage is not legally redefined in the UK and in other countries where it is under attack.
You can send this booklet to your MP to tell them the impact that redefining marriage will have. (If you would like a hard copy, please contact the Christian Concern office.)

New Women’s Minister in favour of lowering abortion limit
Maria Miller
Maria Miller, the new Minister for Women, has backed calls to reduce the upper limit of abortion from 24 weeks to 20. This is very positive.

Read the full story
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/new-women%E2%80%99s-minister-in-favour-of-lowering-abortion-limit
Less positively, the Sunday Times uncovered the illegal supply of abortion drugs that currently goes on.

Read the full report
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/women%E2%80%99s-lives-at-risk-after-illegal-supply-of-abortion-pills-exposed
Please take part in the National Day of Prayer on 27 October organised by Christian pro-life group Image.

The event calls on Christians across the country to pray with their church groups, friends and family to mark the 45th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act.

Find out more
http://www.imagenet.org.uk/day_of_prayer.html
Michael Nazir-Ali at the Conservative Party conference
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali will be speaking at two events during the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham next week.

He will speak on the topic 'Is there a moral future for Britain?' on Tuesday 9th October. This event is organised by the Cornerstone group of MPs and will take place between 1.45 and 3.15pm at the Birmingham Christian Centre.

Bishop Michael will also be speaking at an event from 10.30 to 11.45am on 10th October hosted by think tank Respublica.

This one will take place in the ResPublica Marquee, Centenary Square entrance, ICC Conference Centre, Birmingham (secure zone).

For further details, check the Respublica website
http://www.respublica.org.uk/item/Marriage-Changing-the-terms-of-debate

Christian concerns weekly NEWS

Victory for pro-lifers in key freedom of expression case



Brighton Magistrates Court has this week struck out all charges against Christian pro-life campaigner Andrew Stephenson. The case against his fellow campaigner, Kathryn Sloane, was dismissed last week (13 September) during the same trial.

Andy and Kathryn were arrested in June 2011 for showing pictures of aborted babies outside the Wistons BPAS abortion clinic in Brighton. They belong to campaign group Abort67, which has held peaceful demonstrations outside the clinic for the past five years.

The decision is a great victory for the freedom to raise awareness about the true nature and reality of abortion of which many are unaware.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership in this case.

Read full story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/victory-for-pro-lifers-in-key-freedom-of-expression-case
SEE ALSO
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/abort67-and-christian-concern-defeat-abortion-industry-attempts-to-criminalize

Call to a National Day of Prayer on abortion
Please participate in the National Day of Prayer on 27 October organised by Christian pro-life group Image.

The event calls on Christians across the country to pray with their church groups, friends and family to mark the 45th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act.

Find out more >http://www.imagenet.org.uk/day_of_prayer.html
Download a prayer pack by clicking on this link >
http://www.imagenet.org.uk/ndop%202012%20guidelines.pdf

BBC criticised for running 'disturbing' abortion poll
The BBC has been criticised for running a poll asking listeners of its Radio 4 drama, The Archers, to vote on whether two of its characters should opt for an abortion.
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/bbc-criticised-for-running-disturbing-abortion-poll

Christian expelled from Green Group of Councillors


Watch BBC South East News
report on dismissal >
Christina Summers, a member of Brighton and Hove City Council, has been dismissed from the Green Group for expressing her views on same-sex marriage in a free vote.

Ms Summers has decided to appeal against the decision and will be supported by the Christian Legal Centre.

Read full story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/christian-expelled-from-green-group-of-councillors

Consultation on "three-parent babies' launched

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has this week launched a public consultation on whether a new IVF technique should be used to create ‘three-parent babies’.

Christian Concern will shortly be issuing guidelines to help you to respond to this.

Read full story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/bioethics/consultation-on-three-parent-babies-launched

Devout Christians encourage adoption of thousands of spare embryos
Pro-life Christian adoption agencies in the United States are encouraging couples to adopt thousands of frozen embryos left over from IVF treatments to prevent them from being discarded.

Read full story > http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/bioethics/devout-christians-encourage-adoption-of-thousands-of-spare-embryos

Australian Parliament votes against same-sex 'marriage'
The Australian Parliament this week overwhelmingly rejected a bill that proposed to legalise same-sex 'marriage' in a 98 to 42 vote against it.

Read full story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/australian-parliament-votes-against-same-sex-marriage

New Equalities Minister backs same-sex 'marriage'

Maria Miller, the new Equalities Minister, has put her weight behind the Government’s proposals to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’ in an exclusive article written for The Independent this week.

Read full story >

Please continue to work with us to resist the introduction of same-sex 'marriage' with these action points:

SEND

Please send a copy of our booklet on same-sex 'marriage' to your local MP. You can download it for free or contact the office for hard copies.

Booklet >
http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/same%20sex%20marriage%20final%20version.pdf
PRAY

Please pray that same-sex 'marriage' will not be introduced and that God's design for marriage and the family will be upheld in our laws.

New assisted dying bill awaits Scottish Parliament
Independent MSP Margo MacDonald is set to introduce a new bill to legalise assisted suicide after her previous attempt to change the law was rejected by the Scottish Parliament in 2010.

Read full story (BBC) >http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19646868

Charity Commission: Ruling against Catholic Care should not be overturned
The Charity Commission has stated that permitting Catholic Care to restrict its services to heterosexual couples would set a dangerous precedent for other adoption agencies.

Read full story >http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/charity-commission-ruling-against-catholic-care-should-not-be-overtur

New Booklets - Download for free
Please download free copies of our new booklets, a range that we will continue to expand.

All booklets >http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/same%20sex%20marriage%20final%20version.pdf
Christian Concern Booklets:
Christian Legal Centre Booklets:

Sex Establishments - How to stop them

Guide to the Equality Act 2010 - Religious organisations and the provision of services

Guide to the Equality Act 2010 - Employing Christians under the Equality Act

BREAKING NEWS!

Victory for pro-lifers in key freedom of expression case

A District Judge sitting in Brighton has today struck out all charges against Christian pro-life campaigner Andrew Stephenson. The case against his fellow campaigner, Kathryn Sloane, was dismissed last week during the same trial.

Andy and Kathryn were arrested in June 2011 for showing pictures of aborted babies outside the Wistons BPAS abortion clinic in Brighton.

They belong to campaign group Abort67, which has held peaceful demonstrations outside the clinic for the past five years.

The decision is a great victory for the freedom to raise awareness about the true nature and reality of abortion of which many are unaware.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership in this case.

CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
Charges against one pro-life campaigner dropped but case continues
Watch BBC South East report on
the trial >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7mzR750pg4&feature=youtu.be
A District Judge has struck out the charges against Kathryn Sloane who stood trial this week for peacefully demonstrating outside a BPAS abortion clinic in Brighton.

Read full story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/all-charges-against-pro-life-campaigner-dropped

Please keep praying for Andy Stephenson who continues to face charges under the Public Order Act. His trial continues next week.

Andy and Kathryn were arrested last year for showing pictures of aborted babies near the Wistons BPAS abortion clinic.

The images are accurate depictions of the results of abortion. As such, they present a reality of which many people are unaware.

Read what happened on the first day of the trial >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/witness-for-prosecution-offended-by-abortion-images-says-in-court-that-abortio

Andrea speaks up for the freedom to tell the truth about abortion

View footage from the debate > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1nmUoRg4N8&feature=youtu.be
Andrea Williams defended the right to life of the unborn child at a debate in London on Tuesday (11 September). It was organised by BPAS, one of Britain’s biggest abortion providers.

Under scrutiny in the debate, entitled "Freedom of Speech, anti-abortion protestors and women: Rights and Limits", was the use of graphic images showing the reality of the effects of abortion on the unborn.

In her speech, Andrea said: “Abortion is an act of terminating an innocent life. It has deep social and personal consequences… There is massive collusion covering up the horror of abortion in the U.K.”

The debate was well attended by pro-life supporters. Thank you if you were one of them or if you prayed for the event.

Please continue to pray that we would see awareness raised of the humanity of the unborn child and the true nature of abortion.

View images of the effects of abortion > [WARNING: photographs of aborted foetuses] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1nmUoRg4N8&feature=youtu.be

See also Guardian blog by one of the speakers: Can anti-abortion and pro-choice campaigners agree on anything? >
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/sep/14/can-anti-abortion-pro-choice-campaigners-agree?newsfeed=true

Abortion giant threatens pro-life group with legal action
Abortion provider Marie Stopes International (MSI) has threatened to take legal action against a pro-life pregnancy centre for distributing a leaflet on the adverse effects of abortion on mental health.
Full story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/abortion-giant-threatens-pro-life-group-with-legal-action

Andrew Marsh speaks to the BBC about the marginalisation of Christians
Watch footage > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piVZaYW6sJc&feature=youtu.be
In light of the Christian freedom cases heard by the European Court of Human Rights last week, Christian Concern Campaigns Director Andrew Marsh debated some of the wider issues on the BBC's main religious and ethical discussion programme, Sunday Morning Live.

Christian faces expulsion from Green Party Group of Councillors


Listen to Christina Summers on
BBC Radio Sussex >
Christina Summers, a member of Brighton and Hove City Council, is set to be dismissed from the Green Group over expressing her views on same-sex marriage in a free vote.
Full story >
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/christian-faces-expulsion-from-green-party-group-of-councillors



Nick Clegg attempts to cover up ‘bigots’ insult

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has attempted to retract his remarks in a speech due to be given this week describing opponents of same-sex ‘marriage’ as “bigots”.

A revised version of the speech was sent out shortly after its release with the word "bigot" changed to "some people". But his original comments are indicative of what Mr Clegg and his aides really think about those who support traditional marriage.

Please contact your MP to express your disappointment by clicking on this link >
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/


Read the full story (Daily Mail) >
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2201746/Nick-Clegg-Fury-bigot-slur-gay-marriage-opponents-Church-leaders-attack-offensive-remark.html?printingPage=true
Meanwhile Labour MP Chris Bryant has announced on Twitter his intention to introduce a 10 minute Rule Bill next month pushing for "marriage equality" for same-sex couples.

Please continue to work with us to resist the introduction of same-sex 'marriage' with these action points:

SEND
Please send a copy of our booklet on same-sex 'marriage' to your local MP. You can download it for free or contact the office for hard copies.

Booklet > http://www.christianconcern.com/sites/default/files/same%20sex%20marriage%20final%20version.pdf

PRAY
Please pray that same-sex 'marriage' will not be introduced and that God's design for marriage and the family will be upheld in our laws.


New Health Minister attacks existing legislation on assisted suicide

Anna Soubry MP used an interview with The Times last weekend to call for renewed debate on assisted suicide law. Ms Soubry had only been appointed as a junior health minister in the reshuffle a few days before. Her comments appeared to find support with another newly appointed health minister, the Liberal Democrat MP, Norman Lamb. However other MPs, including Mark Pritchard, indicated that any attempt to change the law would be fiercely resisted.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2200462/Assisted-suicide-row-Minister-resign-backs-changing-law.html?printingPage=true


Meanwhile, the first European Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide was taking place in Edinburgh. The event, organised by the Care Not Killing group and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition sought to bring together representatives from groups from across Europe united in their support for palliative care and their opposition to assisted suicide. Dr Peter Saunders, Campaign Director, for the Care Not Killing Coalition interrupted his involvement at the conference to respond to Ms Soubry's calls on Sky News and the BBC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pbO4bpse2Y&feature=youtu.be
Watch Peter Saunders of Care Not Killing >

Channel 4 cancels screening of 'origins of Islam' documentary citing security concerns
Channel 4 has cancelled a screening party of 'Islam: The Untold Story' attributing the decision to security concerns. The broadcaster received hundreds of complaints following the airing of the documentary. Tom Holland, the historian who presented the programme, has also been subject to attack on the social network Twitter. The episode has raised serious concerns about the freedom to investigate and evaluate critically the history of Islam.
http://www.lapidomedia.com/tom-hollands-islam-film-scholar-versus-booby


NEW BOOKLETS TO DOWNLOAD FREE
http://www.christianconcern.com/resources

Religious Freedom

Abortion

The truth about same-sex 'marriage'

Freedom of speech - Street evangelism

Christian Bioethics - An introduction to reproductive technologies

Christian Legal Centre Booklets:

Sex Establishments - How to stop them

Guide to the Equality Act 2010 - Religious organisations and the provision of services

Guide to the Equality Act 2010 - Employing Christians under the Equality Act

Brighton Christians on trial for pro-life demonstration

Please pray for Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Sloane as they face criminal charges for peacefully demonstrating outside a Brighton abortion clinic.

Their trial began yesterday (12th September) and continues until next week.

Please could you pray:


•for their legal team, Michael Phillips and Paul Diamond, that they would present the evidence clearly and persuasively
•for wisdom for District Judge Nicholson, the magistrate hearing the evidence
•for protection and comfort for Andy and Kathryn as they go through the trial
Andy and Kathryn were arrested last year for showing pictures of aborted babies near the Wistons BPAS abortion clinic. They are being charged under the Public Order Act.

The images are accurate depictions of the results of abortion. As such, they present a reality which many people are unaware of.

View the images [WARNING: photographs of aborted foetuses]
http://www.christianconcern.com/abort67-images-that-caused-offence-warning-contains-graphic-content

Read what happened in Court yesterday
http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/abortion/witness-for-prosecution-offended-by-abortion-images-says-in-court-that-abortio