News Aggregator from Padiham C of E Parish

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:34:52 GMT

August has largely been a month of staying put in Birmingham, preparing for my church visits which begin the first weekend of September. Whilst in Karagwe I did not sort my photos into titled folders on my computer so I had a huge task to face even before thinking about preparing a Power Point presentation! It did make me feel sad on occasions, and certainly homesick for Karagwe...

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:57:52 +0200

Dean and Paula Finnie - South Africa. September

The HOPE home based care team receiving further practical training. It was such a joy to have both HOPE team members, prospective carers and spouses of some of our patients together in the same room for the first time receiving training together...

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:46:21 +0200

Dan and Rosie Button - Uganda. September

It has been a while since our last prayer news, as we took a two month "mini-home leave" from mid-June to mid-August. We managed to visit four of our link churches and were glad to make contact with many of you on those occasions...

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:40:56 +0200

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The Christian Institute » News

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Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:34:52 GMT

BBC attacked for biased mosque documentary

A national journalist has slammed the BBC for screening a pro-Islamic documentary about a controversial mosque which has previously been linked to Muslim supremacists. Andrew Gilligan, in a comment piece for The Daily Telegraph, accused the broadcaster of airing a “licence-fee-funded, half-hour advertorial” for the East London Mosque which has been linked to the Islamic [...]

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:13:35 +0000

Study claims lap-dancers find practice enjoyable

A controversial study has claimed that lap-dancers enjoy the practice, but an ex-lap-dancer has previously warned it is “degrading” and certainly more than just dancing. Dr Teela Sanders, who led the study, says the women spoken to in the research did not feel exploited. But Milly, an ex lap-dancer, in an interview with The Times [...]

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:55:22 +0000

Obama appeals against federal funds ban on embryo research

President Obama’s administration has formally challenged a court order which temporarily blocks federal funding of embryonic stem cell (ESC) research in the United States. Last week US District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that all ESC research violated a federal law prohibiting federal tax money from being used for research involving the destruction of human [...]

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:07:16 +0000

norm

The Christian Institute » Religious liberty

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Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:34:53 GMT

Govt taskforce aims to cut red tape in voluntary sector

Red tape and bureaucracy which “too often gets in the way” of charities and voluntary groups needs to be cut, the Government has said. Announcing a taskforce to tackle the issue Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd said the burden of regulation needs to be eased so that charities can get on with their work. [...]

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:40:26 +0000

Under-fire EU Directive mired in disagreement

A controversial EU Directive, which Christians fear will undermine free speech and freedom of religion, is being held up in negotiations between European member states. The Directive seeks to outlaw discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation and religion in the provision of goods and services, and includes a harassment provision which threatens free speech. The [...]

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:11:16 +0000

US activists demand RC doctors carry out abortions

A campaign group in America is attempting to force medical professionals, including Roman Catholic doctors and nurses, to go against their consciences and perform abortions. But a US organisation which battles for religious liberty says it will fight such an idea, and sue the US Government if it allows any such action to go ahead. [...]

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:14:26 +0000

C of E calls for BBC to appoint religion editor

The Church of England has called on the BBC to appoint a religion editor to bring more depth to the Corporation’s religious output. Bishop of Manchester Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, the Church’s senior communications spokesman, said that it made little sense for areas such as arts and science to have editors, but not religion. And [...]

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:30:39 +0000

Video: student who was told to change beliefs loses case

A student at a US University who was told to change her beliefs on sexual ethics or leave her course has lost a legal challenge against the University, although she is now set to appeal. Watch Jennifer Keeton talk about her story Jennifer Keeton, who is studying for a degree in counselling at Augusta State [...]

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:55:44 +0000

Council offices given to homosexual activist

West Sussex Council has become the first English authority outside London to host a Stonewall employee in its offices, according to local press reports. Dave Small, Stonewall’s Regional Workplace Associate for South East and South West England, will work in Chichester as part of a six-month trial. Last year in nearby Brighton a Sunday school [...]

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:22:28 +0000

Coalition eases up on onerous equality duty

Public bodies like the police and schools will not be forced to meet centralised targets for homosexual, transsexual and religious equality, the Government says. Instead, public sector organisations will be allowed to decide for themselves how best to implement the new equality duty rushed into law by the previous Government. The Government Equalities Office says [...]

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:30:26 +0000

Tory blog slams Labour’s attack on Christian liberty

Christians were subjected to discrimination and exclusion from public life by the former Labour Government, according to an influential Conservative website. Writing on the Conservative Home blog former aid worker Dr Martin Parsons also cautioned that the Conservative Party’s attitude towards Christianity may have cost them an overall majority in this year’s election. Dr Parsons [...]

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:38:21 +0000

Two registrars subjected to investigation over beliefs

Two registrars at Lambeth Council are under investigation because they swapped shifts in order to accommodate their religious beliefs over homosexual civil partnerships. The informal arrangement came to light when it was praised as an example of good practice during a diversity training seminar. But a homosexual colleague complained, and the pair are now being [...]

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:32:40 +0000

Sending Bibles to judges ‘puts Sharia law to shame’

Thousands of Bibles are being sent to Scottish law courts and judges as part of a campaign urging them to reflect on the Christian virtues of justice and mercy. But Terry Sanderson, head of the National Secular Society, blasted the scheme saying it “could put the Sharia laws of the Middle East to shame”. The [...]

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:44:13 +0000

Students hit out at Prof’s views about homosexuality

A distinguished British professor is facing a backlash from students at St Andrews University because of his stance on homosexuality. Prof Roger Scruton was appointed quarter-time professorial fellow in moral philosophy and is due to take up his new role in the spring. But the university’s students’ association has hit out at comments Prof Scruton [...]

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:15:44 +0000

‘Homosexual marriage’ is real goal for Irish Greens

Civil partnership legislation in Ireland is just a stepping stone to the Green Party’s real goal of full ‘homosexual marriage’, admitted John Gormley, the Minister for the Environment. The controversial Irish Civil Partnership Bill was signed into law by President Mary McAleese last month, exposing registrars to a fine and/or prison if they refused to [...]

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:40:18 +0000

Lib Dems to vote on ‘same sex marriage’ party policy

The Liberal Democrats will use their first party conference in Government to push a vote to make full ‘same-sex marriage’ official party policy. The motion also calls for the law to allow heterosexual couples to remain married if a transsexual spouse legally changes their sex by gaining a gender recognition certificate. Senior figures in the [...]

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:39:18 +0000

Church charity to receive £5 million grant from Govt

A prominent Christian charity is set to receive £5 million in Government funds, which will be the largest public grant allocated to a church group in recent years. The Tablet, a Roman Catholic newspaper, has revealed that the Church of England’s Church Urban Fund is expected to receive the money later this year. The news [...]

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:51:10 +0000

Tory teacher warned over homosexuality comments

A teacher and former Tory candidate who said homosexuality is not the norm and Christians shouldn’t be penalised for their views has been given a written warning by his employer. Philip Lardner, who was dumped by David Cameron because of his opinions, intends to appeal against the warning for the sake of other teachers. In [...]

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:58:39 +0000

British muslim children in danger of ‘Talibanisation’

Something must be done to stop the alarming ‘Talibanisation’ of young British muslims, warns the chair of the British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD). Yasmin Alibhai-Brown said: “Make no mistake, Taliban devotees are in our schools, playgrounds, homes, mosques, political parties, public service, private firms and universities. “And if we are to have any hope [...]

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:12:47 +0000

Moderate Muslim groups ‘share al-Qaeda’s goal’

Many mainstream Islamic groups who denounce violence and terrorism still want to bring Britain under Islamic control, a leaked security report warns. The report, called “Preventing terrorism, where next for Britain?”, was produced confidentially by think-tank Quilliam and given to the Government’s Office for Security and Counter Terrorism. The document says the ideology of non-violent [...]

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:55:12 +0000

Labour leadership contender criticises Christian registrar

A Labour leadership candidate has slammed Christian registrar Lillian Ladele – who was bullied at work and disciplined for her religious stance on homosexual civil partnerships. Diane Abbott also told homosexual news website, pinknews.co.uk, that she is “in favour of same-sex marriage” and removing the safeguards on homosexual men giving blood. Miss Abbott accused Miss [...]

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:33:30 +0000

Halal-only menu for London primary schools sparks row

Harrow Council in London has provoked a storm of protest after announcing plans to prefer Islamic halal-only menus in the borough’s state primary schools. Parents are outraged that meat prepared according to Islamic Sharia law is being pushed on non-Muslim children. Contracts signed with the council’s preferred catering company, Harrison’s, stipulate that only halal meat [...]

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:27:36 +0000

Video: Prof back to work after row over RC teaching

A popular professor who was barred from teaching at a US university after he explained Roman Catholic beliefs on homosexuality during a course on Catholicism has been reinstated. Watch a CBN news report on the story The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), a US-based religious liberty organisation, has supported the professor, Kenneth Howell. David Hacker, from [...]

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:20:56 +0000

Heretical BBC comedy is ‘rather good’ says Rowan Williams

An adult BBC Two comedy about an inner city liberal vicar is “really rather good”, according to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Watch a behind the scenes film on Rev Rowan Williams said the show, “Rev”, reveals “something about the continuing commitment of the church to run down and challenging areas” as well as depicting someone [...]

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:54:35 +0000

David Miliband in favour of full homosexual marriage

Labour leadership hopeful David Miliband has said he wants “to change the definition of marriage”. Mr Miliband, MP for South Shields, said he was in favour of same-sex marriage, commenting it was the “next step in our mission for equality”. But the move would impose the new definition on society and could cause a surge [...]

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:51:07 +0000

Scots police force to ramp up ‘hate crime’ work

A Scottish police force has launched a campaign to clamp down on ‘hate crimes’ and ‘hate incidents’. But critics are concerned that ‘hate crime’ initiatives are straying into issues of civil liberty by confusing disagreement with hatred. Earlier this month a report by the Civitas think-tank warned that Christians are being unfairly targeted for hate [...]

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:46:39 +0000

Video: slammed EastEnders storyline ‘not about religion’

An EastEnders storyline which portrays a Christian pastor as a murderer is not “demoting” the faith, the actor who plays the character has claimed. Watch Don Gilet talk about his EastEnders character Over 100 Christians have already complained to the BBC over the plot which shows Pentecostal preacher Lucas Johnson attacking his wife, failing to [...]

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:04:07 +0000

Royal Mail to celebrate King James Bible’s anniversary

The Royal Mail is planning to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible with a series of special stamps. The commemorative stamps, which are due to be produced next year, have been prompted by numerous requests from members of the general public. The move has been welcomed by Mervyn Storey, [...]

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:59:13 +0000

Video: US University tells Christian to change beliefs

A Christian student in the US has been told she will not be permitted to graduate unless she changes her beliefs. Jennifer Keeton, 24, is studying for a degree in counselling at Augusta State University in Georgia. But University chiefs say her beliefs about sexual ethics do not conform to the prevailing views of the [...]

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:36:21 +0000

Video: New BBC comedy stereotypes Christians

A new TV comedy about a liberal vicar struggling in an inner city parish looks set to further inflame accusations of anti-Christian bias at the BBC. Watch a behind the scenes film on Rev A BBC press pack claims the sitcom, “Rev”, is “contemporary”, “heavily researched” and it “lifts the lid on how the modern [...]

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:15:31 +0000

Tory MP: ‘Christians have had enough’

Christians have had enough of being treated as second class citizens, a Conservative MP has warned during a Parliamentary debate. The stark warning from Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe, is likely to be welcomed by many Christians who feel that their faith is often marginalised in the public sphere. During a debate on the Academies [...]

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:07:57 +0000

Muslim drivers barring guide dogs from vehicles

Some Muslim bus and taxi drivers are telling blind passengers that they can’t bring their ‘unclean’ dogs on board, it has emerged. One blind man, George Herridge, said he had twice been asked by bus drivers to leave their vehicles because of his black labrador guide dog. And Jill Allen-King, who speaks for the National [...]

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:00:44 +0000

Lords: Drop in religious radio a ‘disappointment’

The decline in religious broadcasting on the BBC World Service has been branded a “disappointment” by members of the House of Lords during a debate on the future of the radio station. The Bishop of Chester said that religious broadcasting has an important role to play by contributing to “religious understanding”. He therefore expressed “disappointment [...]

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:30:38 +0000

US University bars prof for teaching RC beliefs

A popular professor has been barred from teaching by an American university because he explained Roman Catholic beliefs on homosexuality to students studying Roman Catholicism. After the lecture to his “Introduction to Catholicism” class at the University of Illinois, Professor Kenneth Howell emailed his students and encouraged each of them to approach issues about homosexuality [...]

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:00:10 +0000

Irish civil partnership bill has become law

The controversial Irish civil partnership bill has been signed into law by President Mary McAleese, exposing registrars to a fine and/or prison if they refuse to participate. However the Bill’s passage through the Irish Parliament has been shrouded by controversy, and repeated calls for a conscience clause have been rejected. The new legislation goes even [...]

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:45:21 +0000

Minister says Govt will stop suppressing faith

The state will no longer try to clamp down on Christianity, the Government Minister for Communities has said. Eric Pickles, speaking at a meeting of faith leaders, declared: “The days of the state trying to suppress Christianity and other faiths are over.” Earlier this month Andy Burnham, a candidate for the Labour Party leadership, said [...]

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:35:43 +0000

Christians unfairly targeted for hate crime prosecutions

Christians in Britain are being unfairly targeted for hate crime prosecutions, according to a new report by the Civitas think-tank. The report, entitled A New Inquisition: Religious Persecution in Britain Today, also warns that existing hate crime legislation poses a danger to freedom of speech. Jon Gower Davies, the report’s author, said: “Some police forces [...]

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:45:24 +0000

Police stop pupils praying at US Supreme Court

A police officer in America has told a group of teachers and children praying outside the US Supreme Court that they should find somewhere else to go. American organisation the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) has warned that the police action breaches constitutional free speech rights. “Christians shouldn’t be silenced for exercising their beliefs through quiet [...]

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:57:44 +0000

Govt warns equality quango over taxpayer spending

The Government says it will not put up with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) continuing to misspend taxpayers’ money. Home Secretary Theresa May says the EHRC has a “track record” of misusing money and that further problems will not be “tolerated”. The EHRC has had its budget cut and staff numbers are set [...]

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:00:19 +0000

Labour needs to apologise for sidelining Christians

The Labour Party looked “ridiculous” for creating a culture which marginalised Christians, a candidate for the Party’s leadership has said. Andy Burnham said his party needed to apologise for the culture that saw nurses being attacked for wearing a cross. However he also criticised the Church for getting involved in moral issues, saying it had [...]

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:04:11 +0000

Ireland’s upper house passes civil partnership bill

Ireland’s upper house has passed a controversial civil partnership bill which will expose registrars to a fine and/or a prison sentence if they refuse to carry out same-sex unions. However, the Bill’s passage became shrouded in controversy when last week’s debate in the Irish Senate, the Seanad, was cut short by a guillotine motion after [...]

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:30:03 +0000

Christian foster carer wins legal case against Council

A foster carer with 10 years’ experience has won her legal battle this week after she was struck off when a Muslim girl in her care converted to Christianity. The woman had been banned from fostering by Gateshead Council in November 2008 for failing to prevent the teenager from getting baptised. The girl was aged [...]

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:21 +0000

Crown Commission says no to gay Bishop appointment

A homosexual Church of England Dean will not become the next Bishop of Southwark, according to media reports. At the weekend it was reported that Dr Jeffrey John was being considered for the post, but today it emerged that his name will not be put forward by the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) to the Prime [...]

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:01:53 +0000

NI Charity Commission puts proposals on hold

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) has been forced to delay its controversial proposals after concerns were raised over its legality. Last month church leaders in Northern Ireland warned that the Charity Commission’s plans could pose a threat to the charitable status of churches. The widely criticised guidance has been postponed in the wake [...]

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:56 +0000

Spanish Govt fines media group for family values ad

The Spanish Government has controversially fined a Roman Catholic media group for airing a commercial in defence of traditional family values. Spain’s Ministry of Industry fined Intereconomía 100,000 Euros (around £83,000) for airing the advert as part of a broader campaign to protect family values in the nation. However, the European Centre for Law and [...]

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:21:16 +0000

Homosexual C of E Dean ‘on shortlist’ for Bishop post

The Church of England (C of E) may be set for an openly-gay bishop after Dr Jeffrey John was put forward for the senior post of Bishop of Southwark, according to media reports. Evangelical Christians are concerned that Dr John’s teaching on sexual ethics goes against Scripture. Reform, an evangelical group within the C of [...]

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:37:12 +0000

Don’t sideline Christianity, says Govt Minister

Christians should not be “sidelined” for their faith, according to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles. In an interview with the Sunday Express newspaper Mr Pickles also vowed to put Christian values at the centre of the Government’s vision for the nation, and pledged to utilise the pastoral experience of the church. He said: “I am determined [...]

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:30:27 +0000

Scottish Parliament passes new ‘abusive speech’ law

MSPs have voted 92-29 in favour of a new Scottish law that criminalises ‘abusive speech’ in public or in private. The new law is seen by all sides as an improvement on what the Scottish Government originally proposed, but some concerns remain about civil liberties. To breach the new law, a person must have spoken [...]

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:22:08 +0000

Ireland’s Dáil passes civil partnership legislation

Last night Irish politicians in the Dáil passed a controversial civil partnership bill which will leave registrars open to a fine and prison sentence for refusing to carry out same-sex civil partnerships. The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill, as it is now called, was passed by TDs in the Dáil, [...]

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:09:10 +0000

Govt: no plans to allow Roman Catholic monarch

The coalition Government has shelved controversial plans to overhaul the monarchy which would have allowed Roman Catholics to ascend to the throne. Last year former Prime Minister Gordon Brown declared his intention to abolish the 309-year-old law that bans heirs to the throne from marrying Roman Catholics. But now the new Government has declared that [...]

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:38:07 +0000

Top Archbishops: ‘Don’t be nervous about sharing faith’

Christians shouldn’t feel nervous about sharing their beliefs in today’s multicultural society, according to the two most senior clerics of the Church of England. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York said that Christians shouldn’t be “embarrassed” about conversion. Their warning came in a foreword to a new official Church of England report called Sharing the [...]

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:45:07 +0000

Richard Dawkins wants to start ‘atheist’ school

Prominent atheist Prof Richard Dawkins wants to set up a school where children can “automatically” work out that “they are atheists”. Prof Dawkins has previously labelled the teaching of orthodox Christian beliefs about life after death as “child abuse”. But, speaking yesterday to parents via online forum Mumsnet, he said he liked the idea of [...]

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:15:43 +0000

Law to treat trans man as both sexes

A transsexual man has won the right to be treated as a man in the marriage system and a woman in the pension system. Christopher Timbrell, who has changed his name to Christine, yesterday won his case against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Three Appeal Court judges ruled he was being discriminated against [...]

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:30:09 +0000

Channel 4 launches two minute ethics slot

Channel 4 is to launch a two minute religion and ethics slot, opening its airwaves to commentators with a “plethora of beliefs and opinions”. The programme, which will air daily after Channel 4 News, has been compared to BBC Radio 4′s Thought for the Day. Channel 4′s slot is to be called 4thought.tv and will [...]

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:46:53 +0000

Revealed: 33 Scots public bodies have Stonewall link

Scottish taxpayer-funded organisations from across the country are partnering with ‘gay rights’ group Stonewall to become “diversity champions”. The revelations come in the wake of the news that the Crown Office, Scotland’s prosecution service, has also signed up to Stonewall’s diversity register, a move which prompted questions over its impartiality. Now it has emerged that [...]

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:06:33 +0000

Scots taxpayers funding Stonewall accreditation

Scotland’s prosecution service has had its impartiality called into question following the revelation that it has signed up to Stonewall’s “diversity champion” register. The Crown Office, which is funded by taxpayers, pays almost £1,800 a year to Stonewall Scotland to call itself a “diversity champion”, and use the group’s logo on stationery. Christian group CARE [...]

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:34:12 +0000

Council drops prayers for poetry readings

A London council is set to stop beginning its meetings with prayers, and replace them with poetry readings. Many councils choose to start their meetings with prayers, but Jayne Buckland, the Mayor of Enfield, has chosen to replace them in a bid to “support and encourage the arts”. However, the decision has been heavily criticised. [...]

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:47:30 +0000

Irish Senators criticise Civil Partnership Bill

Irish Senators have spoken out strongly against a Civil Partnership Bill which could see registrars sent to prison if they refuse to carry out same-sex civil partnerships. The Irish Bill goes even further than UK legislation on civil partnerships as it lays out fines of up to €2,000 and/or up to a six month jail [...]

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:59:46 +0000

Cameron supports civil partnerships in churches

Homosexual couples should be able to register civil partnerships in churches which wish to hold them, according to the Prime Minister. Mr Cameron revealed his stance on the controversial issue last night as he became the first Conservative Prime Minster to host a Gay Pride reception. And earlier in the day Home Secretary Theresa May, [...]

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:20:40 +0000

Canadian B&B owners on trial over same-sex stance

A retired Christian couple in Canada who refused to allow a same-sex couple to share a bed in their B&B are to appear before a human rights tribunal. Lee and Susan Molnar have been running the Riverbend B&B in Grand Forks, British Columbia, since 2002. The Molnars’ plight echoes similar disputes in the UK where [...]

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:14:00 +0000

Vogelenzangs not bitter towards Muslim accuser

Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang, the Christian couple who were put on trial for defending their faith, have said they hold no bitterness towards the Muslim woman who brought the case against them. Listen to the Vogelenzangs’ interview Ben and Sharon were speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside Speaking in a BBC radio interview the couple said [...]

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:00:08 +0000

Johnson blasts campaign to end council’s prayers

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has slammed a secular campaign to stop a local council praying before its meetings. Listen to the Mayor’s comments Boris Johnson was speaking to Premier Christian Radio The National Secular Society (NSS) is attempting to use the courts to stop Bideford Town Council in Devon from holding prayers before [...]

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:26:10 +0000

Govt affirms importance of NHS chaplains’ work

Hospital chaplains play an “important” role in the NHS, and the Government values their work, a Conservative Peer has said. Speaking in the House of Lords, Earl Howe, who is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, said the Government is committed to giving patients and staff in the NHS access to “spiritual care”. Chaplains [...]

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:22:28 +0000

Cameron: first Tory PM to host gay reception

David Cameron will become the first Conservative Prime Minister to host a Downing Street reception for prominent homosexual campaigners and celebrities. A national newspaper has branded the move part of a “concerted drive to woo the ‘pink vote’”. Next week’s reception will mark the start of the annual ‘Gay Pride’ events and Mr Cameron is [...]

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:19:13 +0000

NI Charity Commission under fire over guidance

Church leaders in Northern Ireland, in a series of open letters, have warned that the Charity Commission’s draft guidance could threaten the charitable status of churches. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) is due to publish its final ‘public benefit’ guidance soon, having consulted on a draft version of the text. The draft was [...]

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:35:04 +0000

Ofsted: Christianity is being marginalised in RE lessons

English schools are failing to teach pupils about basic Christian beliefs in religious education lessons, according to a new report by the education watchdog, Ofsted. The report warns that the teaching of Christianity in schools is often “superficial”, and that Jesus’s parables are often used to “explore personal feelings or to decide how people should [...]

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:36:55 +0000

Under-fire Civil Partnership Bill clears committee stage

The controversial Irish Civil Partnership Bill has passed its committee stage and could become law before October. Churchgoers are concerned about the Bill, which contains a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to €2,000 for those who fall foul of it. In a move which has been described as [...]

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:00:17 +0000

Freedom to pray at council meetings should continue

Councils should continue to have the freedom to hold prayers at meetings, the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has said. His comments come as a secular group attempts to use the courts to block a council from continuing its centuries-old tradition of praying before meetings. While making clear he was not commenting on a “specific court [...]

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:30:54 +0000

Irish Civil Partnership Bill adding to state secularism

Christians’ views on marriage are being disregarded by a heavy-handed Irish Civil Partnership Bill, a commentator says. Those who refuse to comply with the controversial legislation could be given a six month jail term and a fine of up to €2,000. Writing in response to an Irish politician’s call for a referendum on the issue, [...]

Thu, 27 May 2010 17:15:26 +0000

Street preacher suing Police over controversial arrest

The Christian street preacher who was arrested for expressing his religious belief about homosexuality is to take legal action over the incident. EXCLUSIVE: Arrest caught on camera Dale Mcalpine, who made no mention of homosexuality during his public sermon, was arrested last month after he described homosexual conduct as a “sin” during a conversation with [...]

Thu, 27 May 2010 09:10:35 +0000

BBC TV execs see faith coverage as ‘tiresome’

BBC television is in the hands of “secular and sceptical” executives who ignore religion, a Radio 4 presenter has said. Bosses at the Corporation’s TV channels “view religious coverage as a rather tiresome obligation to be minimised rather than a rich and promising area to explore”, Roger Bolton said. Mr Bolton is the latest BBC [...]

Wed, 26 May 2010 14:16:21 +0000

Faith schools boost under coalition Govt

More faith schools will be opened under sweeping education reforms by the coalition Government, but it could become increasingly difficult for new schools to select pupils based on religious grounds. The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat administration has pledged, in a new programme for Government, to allow religious organisations to run a new wave of state-funded primary [...]

Fri, 21 May 2010 14:44:46 +0000

Gay rights campaigner defends street preacher

Homosexual campaigner Peter Tatchell has come to the aid of a Christian street preacher who was arrested for expressing his beliefs about same-sex conduct. Street preacher Dale Mcalpine was arrested last month after he said that homosexual conduct was a “sin” during a conversation with a Police Community Support Officer, but last week it was [...]

Mon, 17 May 2010 15:06:10 +0000

Christian B&B owners set to be sued by gay couple

The Christian B&B owners who wouldn’t give a double bed to a homosexual couple are set to face legal action. Mike and Susanne Wilkinson, who run the Swiss B&B in Berkshire, turned the same-sex couple away because it is against their convictions to let them share a double room in their home. The Wilkinsons would [...]

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:42:42 +0000

Charges dropped against Christian street preacher

Prosecutors have dropped a criminal case against a Christian street preacher who was arrested by police for saying homosexual conduct was a “sin”. Dale Mcalpine speaks of his relief View more footage of the arrest Dale Mcalpine, of Workington in Cumbria, was arrested on 20 April after a conversation with a police community support officer [...]

Fri, 14 May 2010 18:43:09 +0000

Exclusive video: Preacher arrested by British police

Dramatic footage recorded with a hidden camera shows the moment that a Christian street preacher was arrested by police in Cumbria, England, for saying homosexual conduct is a “sin”. EXCLUSIVE: Arrest caught on camera The footage, which has only just been discovered, shows uniformed officers arresting Dale Mcalpine on 20 April this year – with [...]

Fri, 14 May 2010 13:32:14 +0000

Belfast marathon: no Sunday race in 2011

Churchgoers’ concerns about switching Belfast City marathon to a Sunday have been heeded by council officials as they confirmed next year’s event will be held on its usual Bank Holiday Monday date. Churchgoers had hit out at the proposed switch with some saying they would not be able to participate because of their views on [...]

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:05:48 +0000

Pupil labelled ‘truant’ for refusing visit to mosque

A 14-year-old Roman Catholic school girl has been branded a truant by teachers for refusing to dress like a Muslim and visit a mosque. Amy Owen, who attends Ellesmere Port Catholic High School in Cheshire, was told that she would have to cover her head and wear trousers or leggings for the visit to the [...]

Thu, 13 May 2010 10:25:24 +0000

Pagan police granted time off for festivals

Pagan police officers can now demand holiday to celebrate Pagan festivals, after the Home Office gave its official backing to a Pagan police support group yesterday. The move means police chiefs cannot refuse holiday requests from Pagan officers wishing to take time off during any of the eight main festivals, including Halloween and the summer [...]

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:16:56 +0000

Carey hits out at bid to ban town hall prayers

The former Archbishop of Canterbury has slammed a secular attack on the centuries-old tradition of saying prayers before town hall meetings. The National Secular Society (NSS) hopes to take legal action against Bideford Town Council, which has held prayers before meetings ever since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. But Lord Carey says: “The centuries-long [...]

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:00:17 +0000

Draft law paves way for women bishops by 2014

Women may be appointed as bishops by 2014 under proposed Church of England legislation unveiled at the weekend in a move which has caused alarm amongst traditionalists. The Church’s legislation will be debated by its Synod in July and the earliest it could be approved is 2012. But concerns have already been raised that the [...]

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:30:23 +0000

Cameron’s support for Christian Tory hopeful

A Christian Tory candidate who faced slurs over her church involvement has been backed by party leader, David Cameron. Philippa Stroud is standing for the Conservative Party in Sutton and Cheam, South London. At the weekend The Observer newspaper alleged that she helped establish a church 20 years ago that taught homosexual conduct could be [...]

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:22:07 +0000

Sunday marathon: Belfast churches will be consulted

The organisers of the Belfast Marathon are considering holding talks with churches over plans to move next year’s marathon to a Sunday. Churchgoers in Northern Ireland criticised proposals, announced last month, to move Belfast City Marathon to a Sunday from its traditional May Day bank holiday date. Changes The chairman of Belfast City Marathon, Danny [...]

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:18:07 +0000

Ban council’s Christian prayers, say secularists

A secular campaign group is trying to use the courts to ban a North Devon Council from starting its meetings with Christian prayers. Bideford Town Council has had prayers at its meetings since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, but now the National Secular Society (NSS) says the practice infringes the human rights of non-believers. [...]

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:00:06 +0000

Commentators speak out over street preacher arrest

The arrest of a Christian street preacher for expressing his religious belief about same-sex conduct has been slammed by media commentators. Dale Mcalpine, who made no mention of homosexuality during his public sermon, was arrested last month after he described same-sex conduct as a “sin” during a private conversation with two Police Community Support Officers. [...]

Tue, 04 May 2010 13:57:22 +0000

Cops arrest preacher over Christian beliefs

A Christian street preacher in Cumbria has been arrested and charged with a crime after he expressed his religious beliefs about homosexual conduct. Dale Mcalpine, of Workington in Cumbria, appeared before local magistrates on Friday and pleaded not guilty to breaching section 5 of the Public Order Act. Mr Mcalpine is being supported by The [...]

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:29 +0000

Christian counsellor appeal turned down

A Christian counsellor who was sacked because he did not want to give homosexual couples sex advice has been refused permission to have his case heard by the Court of Appeal. Gary McFarlane, who lost an earlier appeal last year, says that the relationship counselling service Relate sacked him after he said he could not [...]

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:50:30 +0000

BBC’s Evan Davis: Grayling comments not ‘homophobic’

It is not “homophobic” to say Christian B&Bs should be allowed to act upon their conscience over giving double beds to same-sex couples, a homosexual BBC presenter says. Evan Davis, a host on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and openly homosexual, says he is also “sceptical” about the “gay rights agenda”. He was being interviewed [...]

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:43:52 +0000

Cameron drops candidate over homosexual beliefs

The Conservative Party has today swiftly deselected a candidate who said homosexual conduct is not “normal” and he wouldn’t encourage children to indulge in it. Philip Lardner, a primary school teacher, was standing for the Tories in North Ayrshire and Arran. He said churches should not be forced to have practising homosexual clergy and Christians [...]

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:40:04 +0000

Video: Vatican outrage at Britain’s Pope memo

Foreign Office bureaucrats who drew up and distributed an official memo mocking the Pope’s moral beliefs on abortion and homosexual ‘marriage’ have all kept their jobs. Senior papal aides are said to be angry that the Foreign Office is treating the matter so lightly. The memo was drawn up by a team of four junior [...]

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:06:22 +0000

Labour plans to quash bishops’ say in Lords

Church of England bishops will have a voice but no vote in a reformed House of Lords, under leaked Government plans. In the plans the Government also sets out that it will cut the number of bishops sitting in the Lords by more than half. But the Church of England has defended the role of [...]

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:49:51 +0000

Church bell ringing threat after neighbours complain

A church which has rung out its bells since the 16th century is facing a fine after neighbours complained about the noise. St Mary the Virgin church in Leigh, Greater Manchester, has already been subjected to a noise abatement order. And now it faces calls from its local council to install costly sound proofing material. [...]

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Muslims given opt-out of NHS superbug guidance

Muslim doctors and nurses have been allowed to opt-out of NHS hygiene rules in a move that has been blasted by critics as double standards. Critics compared the opt-out given to Muslims to cases of Christians being marginalised by the NHS. Download The Christian Institute’s ‘Marginalising Christians’ report NHS guidance to curb the spread of [...]

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:27:30 +0000

RC Bishop cautions against Lib Dems’ faith school policy

Beware of the Liberal Democrats’ policy on faith schools, a senior Roman Catholic Bishop has warned. The Lib Dems want to remove faith schools’ ability to protect their ethos by selecting teachers who share a school’s faith position. The party also says in its manifesto that faith schools should take children from families who may [...]

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:53:51 +0000

BBC asks: Will Christians swing the General Election?

The ability of Christian voters to influence the upcoming General Election has been explored by the BBC. In an article, published on the broadcaster’s website, Justin Parkinson questions whether politicians’ traditionally hands-off approach to religion could be changing. In the run up to the election a number of Christian organisations have been urging believers to [...]

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:58:12 +0000

Belfast marathon may be held on a Sunday

Churchgoers in Northern Ireland have blasted a proposal to move Belfast City Marathon to a Sunday from its traditional May Day bank holiday date. Organisers say nothing has been decided yet, but they confirm that the idea is being considered. A Sunday event will lead to some Christian participants pulling out because of their beliefs [...]

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:28:03 +0000

Church hustings rising rapidly ahead of Election

One in three constituencies will now be holding church hustings ahead of the upcoming General Election. More than 220 churches have now signed up to hold hustings, meaning that hundreds of parliamentary candidates will be grilled over their stances on a variety of moral and religious issues. The hustings are being organised by Christian Action [...]

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:38:52 +0000

New Election Briefing launched by Institute

The Christian Institute’s highly anticipated Election Briefing 2010 has been launched today. Download a copy of the Election Briefing now The briefing provides an in-depth exploration of the policies of the main political parties, and will help voters reach an informed decision on how to cast their vote. The briefing also contains a set of [...]

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:45:36 +0000

1 in 4 constituencies set to hold pre-election hustings

Hundreds of parliamentary candidates are set to be quizzed about their stances on moral issues in a series of hustings being held by churches across the country. More than 170 churches have signed up to hold hustings, meaning that over a quarter of constituencies will now be involved. Attendees are likely to question the candidates [...]

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:12:03 +0000

Freedom of speech could be threatened by Scottish law

Scots are facing a massive threat to their freedom of speech and religious liberty in the form of a controversial amendment to the Scottish Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has brought an amendment which could make “threatening, alarming or distressing behaviour” a crime with a prison sentence of up to five [...]

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:24:34 +0000

School receptionist prayer case settled

A school receptionist who was suing her employers for religious discrimination following a dispute over a prayer email has secured an undisclosed payment and settled out of court. Listen to a report from Premier Christian radio Jennie Cain’s case was backed by The Christian Institute and they are pleased that the dispute has been resolved. [...]

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:18:36 +0000

Not a crime for Muslims to hurl shoes, says Met

Muslims who launch a shoe at another person may not be committing a crime because the practice is Islamic symbolism, guidance from the Metropolitan Police says. The rules are likely to be contrasted to police action taken against a Christian couple in Liverpool who were arrested and prosecuted because they verbally criticised Islam in a [...]

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:05:35 +0000

Draft charity guidance concerns NI churches

Churches and Christian charities across Northern Ireland could be plunged into worry and confusion unless draft guidance from the charity regulator is changed. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is due to publish its ‘public benefit’ guidance soon, having consulted on a draft version. Church leaders and politicians have today raised concerns that, in the [...]

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:00:49 +0000

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The Christian Institute » Medical ethics

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Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:34:54 GMT

Obama appeals against federal funds ban on embryo research

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:07:16 +0000

Two arrests over assisted suicide of disabled man

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a severely disabled man at the highly controversial Dignitas facility in Switzerland. Douglas Sinclair, who was suffering from a rare debilitating disorder, is believed to have travelled to the suicide facility in Zurich to end his life in July. And now Northumbria Police have [...]

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:45:31 +0000

Scots end-of-life Bill backed by humanists

A controversial attempt to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland is being supported by a humanist campaign group. The End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill, proposed by independent MSP Margo MacDonald, would allow terminally ill people and those who are “permanently physically incapacitated” to seek assistance in ending their lives. The Humanist Society of Scotland (HSS) [...]

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:38:13 +0000

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The Christian Institute » Marriage & family

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Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:34:54 GMT

BBC attacked for biased mosque documentary

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:13:35 +0000

BBC boss: left wing political bias is less prevalent now

The BBC’s content is less politically biased than it previously was, the Director General of the corporation has claimed. Mark Thompson also asserted, despite previous accusations that the corporation has been pushing for the legalisation of assisted suicide, that the BBC doesn’t campaign on political issues. Speaking to the New Statesman Mr Thompson admitted that [...]

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:53:33 +0000

Tatchell repeats call for lower age of consent

‘Homosexual rights’ campaigner Peter Tatchell has repeated his call for the age of consent to be lowered to just 14. His position has been strongly rebuffed in the past, with one commentator saying that sex is for people who can cope with the consequences, “In a word, adults.” Mr Tatchell’s latest comments echo those made [...]

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:58:12 +0000

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Preach The Word - Audio Sermons

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Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:34:54 GMT

Preach The Word - 10th Anniversary - 2000-2010

September 1st 2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the ministry of Preach The Word. Over the next 10 days we'll be featuring a sermon from each of our 10 years of ministry. Visit the site today to see the first featured sermon from the year 2000, and then take a stroll down memory lane to see what our site looked like at launch, in 2003, 2004 and 2006. Thank you to all our visitors for your encouragement and support throughout the last decade. We look forward, in the will of God, to another 10 years of preaching the Word online and sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:10:50 GMT

NEW SERIES - Life In The Spirit Pt1: Religion Or Relationship?

Join us for the first of our series of studies entitled 'Life In The Spirit'. David Legge takes us through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians, seeking to bring us helpful guidelines for living the Christian life. In this first study, we are asked whether our Christian life is a life of 'Religion Or Relationship?'. Many believers, particularly those who deeply desire to obey God, live their lives in a legalistic manner. Is your Christian experience one of a performance-based set of religious rules, which rob you of your joy? Or do you have a vibrant relationship with God? This sermon is available now in MP3, WMA, video and text formats...

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:10:02 GMT