Marginalisation of Christians in Europe
A new report has voiced concern over the ability of Christians in Europe to publicly express their faith. It warned that discriminatory laws were preventing the equal exercise of freedom in the areas of speech, conscience and religion, while the introduction of equality legislation was leading to ‘side-effect discrimination’ against Christians. The report raised concern over recent threats to freedom of conscience. They included the UK Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an appeal to a Christian registrar who was disciplined because she refused to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples. The report pointed to the arrest of Christian street preachers in the UK and an ongoing case against Christians in Turkey for supposedly slandering Islam as evidence that freedom of expression is coming under threat in Europe. Many of the incidents of discrimination highlighted by the report related to the experiences of Christians in the UK.
Pray: that this report will be widely read and seriously considered. (Ps.37:18)
Marginalisation of Christians in Europe
A new report has voiced concern over the ability of Christians in Europe to publicly express their faith. It warned that discriminatory laws were preventing the equal exercise of freedom in the areas of speech, conscience and religion, while the introduction of equality legislation was leading to ‘side-effect discrimination’ against Christians. The report raised concern over recent threats to freedom of conscience. They included the UK Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an appeal to a Christian registrar who was disciplined because she refused to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples. The report pointed to the arrest of Christian street preachers in the UK and an ongoing case against Christians in Turkey for supposedly slandering Islam as evidence that freedom of expression is coming under threat in Europe. Many of the incidents of discrimination highlighted by the report related to the experiences of Christians in the UK.
Pray: that this report will be widely read and seriously considered. (Ps.37:18)
B&B owners sued
The Christian owners of a seaside Bed & Breakfast are being sued for refusing to allow two homosexuals to share a double bed because it would be contrary to their Christian faith. The B&B they own operates a policy which allows only married heterosexual couples to share a double bed. The homosexual couple are claiming that the refusal to allow them to share a bed was a ‘direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation’. They are relying on Equality Act regulations and are claiming up to £5,000 in damages against the hotel owners. At Bristol County Court Bernie Quinn, who works at the hotel, hinted that Mr Preddy and Mr Hall's booking was a set-up. He told the court that hours before Mr Preddy had made a telephone booking he spoke to a ‘Mrs Preddy’ regarding a double room. ‘We were very surprised when the two gentlemen turned up the next day’, said Mrs Bull, the owner.
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/christian-bb-owners-sued
Secularists attack day of Bible readings
The BBC will devote nearly a whole day of Radio 4 to readings from the King James Bible to mark the 400th anniversary of its publication. (See Prayer Alert 5010) While the move has been welcomed by the Church, it has prompted secularists to complain to the BBC at what they believe is ‘excessive’ coverage. The 28 Bible passages, each 15-minutes long, will be introduced by the Archbishop Rowan Williams, Simon Schama and Will Self, and recorded by actors including Samuel West, Emilia Fox and Hugh Bonneville. The Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, said the BBC's coverage was an encouraging sign that it recognised the significance of the King James Bible. ‘The BBC is not being kind to Christians, but recognising the place of the Bible in the nation. It has had an impact on our culture, our history and our language and it has helped to create our sense of who we are as a people.’
Pray: that this event will go ahead and will be heard by as wide an audience as possible. (1Ti.4:13)
