Every Friday Christian Concern will bring you stories of fundamental significance to Christians and our Nation. To equip you to pray and act. To put the hope of Christ at the centre of our Nation. In this edition
Please visit our website at: www.christianconcern.com
Christian Concern is pleased to be leading the Not Ashamed initiative.
Highlights, Religious Freedom, Sex Education, Church and Social, Abortion and Bioethics, End of Life, Sexual Orientation, Islam, International Persecution, Events 
Launch of Equalities and Conscience Petition
Last week’s judgment in the case of Owen and Eunice Johns provoked a huge national debate and wide scale media coverage. The Judgment highlighted once again the difficulties that Christians can encounter when attempting to participate in some parts of public life without compromising their beliefs.
The Johns are not alone. We know of several Christian couples who have been stopped from fostering due to their Christian views.
The difficulties that Christians face under UK equality laws are only likely to increase unless a remedy is provided. Any attempts to downplay the significance of the Johns ruling or the general situation for Christians under existing equality laws are likely to be undermined by real stories and empty bedrooms.
For a further analysis of the case by Christian Concern, please see here.
The Johns will not be appealing the decision, but will be considering the next steps with their legal team regarding their fostering application. Importnantly, along with Christian Concern, they have launched a major new petition, calling on the Prime Minister to respect Christian conscience and take urgent action to address the problems created by equalities legislation. We are calling on all Christians and Christian organisations to sign the petition.
You can read and sign the petition here >
You can download the petition here.
Please forward the petition to your friends and colleagues, and download the forms to gather signatures at your local church. It is vital to get as much support as possible. Read more about the petition here.Not Ashamed of Jesus Christ – the hope for our nation
The experience of the Johns is a vivid reminder of the value of the Not Ashamed campaign. To see the message of true hope and life brought to our nation then as Christians we must stand together and speak up, proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ.
The lead up to Easter provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can demonstrate the hope of Jesus Christ to our society. In conjunction with the Not Ashamed campaign and Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali we will be bringing you weekly updates prompting prayer and thought on the person of Jesus and how we can engage with society.
Please begin Lent by committing yourself to pray for our nation. This scripture provides a great basis for such prayer:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. (1 Timothy 2:1 – 6a)
To order church packs (new versions being shipped next week) and Not Ashamed materials please visit the online shop here.
Friday, 11 March 2011
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