It is inconceivable that in a modern democracy with a democratically elected government that those placed over a people to rule the people on behalf of the people would then persecute the very people that put them in power. We would consider a country’s elected government mistreating the electorate in this way as outrageous.
The country I refer to is our very own United Kingdom. In the last census (2001) 72% of our nation said they were Christian. Yet the practice of this majority belief is being systematically attacked, eroded and outlawed.
In recent days and weeks we have seen a nurse suspended, not for trying to convert others to faith, but simply offering to pray (Caroline Petrie). Yesterday, Jennie Cain was suspended from being a receptionist because she sent an email to her friends asking them to pray for her daughter. Neither of these people was being “fundamental” in pressing their views on others but simply offering to pray. Personally I fail to see how praying to a god that presumably these people think is a figment of our imagination, is so offensive. Why are they getting so agitated? If these people were just talking to themselves we would consider them either eccentric or mentally ill. So, why so offended? Surly if there is no God then these people are simply offering to “talk to themselves” about whatever situation. Where is the harm in that? If however God is real and prayer is effective then I can see why prayer to that God would be such a concern!
I do believe that as Christians we must protest about this wherever possible. I believe that unless we stand up as Christians and make a stand as John Sentamu calls us to in today Daily Mail. I do not believe that as Christians we must take tolerance to the point of simply rolling over on every issue, even when we are asked to stop doing what the bible clearly asks us to do … such as pray!
I congratulate Caroline Petrie, Jennie Cain, the foster mum who was struck off, Nadia Eweida, Lydia Playfoot and many others who are taking a firm stand for their faith and refuse to be bullied.
I would call upon you to make a stand, however small, on issues like this. Complete the poll on today’s Daily Mail web site as a start and look for opportunities to speak up. Write to your MP, respond to the Web Documents on the News Papers web sites, whatever it is we must make a stand.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
(Mat 10:32-33 ESV)
