Wednesday 27 January, 2010

UK
Politics

By Charles Gardner

The British Parliament has won a victory for freedom by passing amendments designed to protect churches from being forced to employ homosexuals to key positions.

Three amendments to the Equality Bill tabled by Baroness O’Cathain in the House of Lords were successfully passed (one by just 177 votes to 172).

But the Government also tried to pass an amendment which would have further restricted the freedom of churches. Thankfully this was defeated by 195 votes to 174.

Unfortunately this is only round 1 in what looks like being a long fight, with the gay lobby not happy until all Christian freedoms and aspirations are blocked.

This case is obviously not seen as a victory for homosexuals and comes at the same time as a report on our changing social attitudes, revealing (hardly surprisingly) that as a nation we have become far more ‘liberal’ – regarding homosexuality as much more the norm with ‘living in sin’ rarely mentioned.

Sadly, the broadcasting media in particular seem to think this kind of liberalism is something to celebrate – giving us the freedom to ‘do what we like’.

But for some reason this doesn’t apply to churches with ‘liberals’ wishing to deny them the freedom to teach the Word of God – what the Bible says about morality and life in general.

Churches are being accused of intolerance – but it is the gay community who are intolerant. Their perverted sex was illegal only a generation ago but, not content with having it legalised, it seems they will not be satisfied until they make sodomy compulsory for all!

But sodomy is sin – gross sin in fact which brought down the judgment of God on an ancient civilisation; something that will be repeated if we don’t repent.

The tragic irony is that our current ‘liberal’ democracy is verging on atheistic Communism, demanding that we put on a mental straitjacket blocking any ideas about God and his ways. For Big Brother is watching you – don’t dare criticise lifestyles of which you disapprove… unless of course you are talking of Christians.

Christian Concern For Our Nation, dedicated to fighting the undermining of our faith in Parliament and in the courts, said of the House of Lords vote: “We are delighted with the result and are thankful to all of you for your prayers and action in writing to peers and signing the petition. We are also thankful for the many peers who supported Baroness O’Cathain’s amendments and spoke in favour of religious freedom throughout the debate.

“Although the Government has consistently maintained that the effect of their provisions would not alter the current situation, it is the opinion of CCFON and many other Christian organisations that the proposed governmental provisions contained within the Equality Bill would have further reduced the freedom of churches. We are therefore grateful that the status quo has been maintained and the law has not been narrowed any further.”

CCFON director Andrea Minichiello Williams added: “This is a great day for religious liberty in the UK. We are thankful that the law has not been changed and the freedom of churches to control their own affairs has not been restricted any further. The results show what can happen when Christians pray and take action. Let us be encouraged that even in an increasingly secular society, the voice of the church can still be heard. Most of all, we are thankful to God for answering our prayers. We serve a mighty God!”

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