Teachers 'face sack' for refusing to endorse gay marriage
Schools will be within their statutory rights to dismiss staff that wilfully fail to use stories or textbooks promoting same-sex weddings, it is claimed. Aidan O’Neill, a senior QC and expert on religious freedom and human rights, also warned that parents who object to gay marriage being taught to their children will have no right to withdraw their child from lessons. In a
report he said that any decision to redefine marriage would have far-reaching consequences for schools, hospitals, foster carers and public buildings. The most serious impact is likely to be felt in the church where vicars and priests conducting religious marriage ceremonies could be taken to court for refusing to carry out a gay wedding, he said. The conclusions - in legal advice commissioned by the Coalition for Marriage - come amid continuing fall-out over Government plans to tear up the centuries-old law on marriage.
Pray: for all those who are being challenged for their faith in the workplace. (Mt.10:20)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9531803/Teachers-face-sack-for-refusing-to-endorse-gay-marriage.html
Christian Green councillor’s disappointment with Party
A Christian councillor has spoken of her disappointment as she faces dismissal from the Green Party for opposing gay marriage. Christina Summers, a member of Brighton and Hove Council, was investigated by the Party after she spoke and voted against a motion in support of the Government’s plans to introduce same-sex marriage during a council meeting in July. She did so on grounds of her Christian belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. A disciplinary inquiry panel was set up by the Green Party to carry out the investigation. The panel recommended on Monday that Councillor Summers be expelled from the Party. Councillor Summers said that although she had still not been formally dismissed yet, it was unlikely that the Party would change its mind following the public announcement of the panel’s recommendation. The panel has no authority to enact the recommendation, which must instead be put to Green Party Councillors to vote on and ratify.
Pray: for those in public office that they will speak out their Christian beliefs boldly and not hold back. (Jn.7:18)
Plans for mega-mosque re-launched
An Islamic group has re-launched its proposals to build a 12,000 capacity mega-mosque at West Ham, close to the site of the Olympic Park. The proposed development includes a large mosque with 40 ft high minarets, a library and a visitor centre. Tablighi Jama'at, the Islamic sect behind the plans, continued to use the site after permission from Newham Council expired in 2006. The council issued an enforcement notice in 2010 but this was successfully appealed by the group. 5,000 people a week currently use the site for worship. A spokesman for Newham Council’s planning department said: ‘We are expecting another application by the end of this week and will then start a formal consultation process.’ But the plans have been opposed by campaigners who argue that Tablighi Jama’at is a ‘sect’ which preaches ‘separation and segregation.’ Two of the London 7/7 suicide bombers, Mohammad Sidique Khan and Shehzad Tanweer,reportedly prayed at a Tablighi mosque in West Yorkshire.
Pray: once again that those who have the authority to allow Tablighi Jama'at to build this mosque will be guided by God’s wisdom and not by those with extremist beliefs. (2Th.2:13-14)
Gay marriage: New Equalities minister backs redefinition
Maria Miller, the newly appointed Minister for Women and Equalities, has voiced her support for controversial plans to rewrite the definition of marriage. Mrs Miller was put in overall charge of the Government’s same-sex marriage plans by last week’s cabinet reshuffle. Gay campaigners expressed concern, fearing that she wouldn’t be supportive enough of same-sex marriage. But Mrs Miller, who was also appointed as the Culture Secretary, revealed her support for the controversial change yesterday. Speaking to the Sunday Times Mrs Miller said marriage needs to be redefined to make sure it ‘remains as a relevant and vibrant institution’. She added: ‘Look, I think everybody should be married. It’s something which creates strength in our society and whether it is two men, two women or a man and a woman it is something which is a way for us to strengthen our society further.’ Nearly 600,000 people, including a number of politicians, have signed a petition opposing any change to the current law. It is being run by the Coalition for Marriage.
Pray: for Maria Miller that she will be guided by the Holy Spirit into God’s definition of marriage and not be pressured to rewrite the definition. (Heb.13:4)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/gay-marriage-new-equalities-minister-backs-redefinition/
