The equality tyranny of the 'gay cake' judgment
"Equality as an aim in itself through government action is doomed not merely to defeat but to totalitarianism." So observed the Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this year at the…
Freedom of Religion
A British Bill of Rights is wholly contingent on the UK leaving the EU
Today's Queen's Speech is the first to be delivered on behalf of a majority Conservative government since 1996, when John Major was Prime Minister and 'Europe' was tearing his party asunder. The following year saw the rise of Sir…
The undue political interference of 'undue spiritual influence'
Giles Fraser (pictured centre) has written a perfectly-pitched (yes, indeed) piece, 'Is it one rule for the Hindus and another for the Muslims?', which relates to the judgment in…
Christians are the new lepers
Speaking at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University in Virginia last week, the next Republican nominee (if they have any sense) for President of the United States spoke of the increasing…
If Labour wins, Islamophobia will become a crime and truth stifled
This is a guest post by the Rev'd Canon Dr Gavin Ashenden – author, theologian and Chaplain to the Queen (one of c35) ___________________ I had never heard of the…
LibDems 'do God' by opposing faith schools
It’s now coming up to three-and-a-half years since I put fingers to keyboard and began blogging on the relationship between Christianity and politics. Along the way it’s brought me into…
Cameron: "As God's children, we are all one big family"
David Cameron did a lot of God yesterday. If you judge by the Daily Mail photo splash, it was mainly about Sikhs, gurdwaras and Vaisakhi. But he also addressed…
Scotland's Roman Catholic bishops condemn Jim Murphy's hypocrisy
Another Pastoral Letter on the General Election – this time from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Scotland to their 841,000 worshippers spread across 452 parishes (which is an awful…
‘Gay cake’ case comes to court
This is a guest post by Peter Lynas – Director of the Northern Ireland Evangelical Alliance and a former barrister. Peter tweets at @peterlynas. _______________________ Today and tomorrow (26-27th March 2015), the…
To preach Leviticus 20:13 now constitutes a public order offence
There is much to be mocked about street preachers. The world has become intolerant of compact megaphones in the market place, boorishly denouncing sin and declaring the coming judgment…
Green Party: Christians welcome, but only if you ignore your faith
Last Sunday I was invited on to BBC Radio Suffolk to discuss a poll they had carried out asking General Election candidates in Suffolk to state their faith. The…
Secularists must not be allowed to distort the argument for faith schools
Today a new book, The Ins and Outs of Selective Secondary Schools, by the think-tank Civitas is being launched in Parliament. I will be there alongside David Davis MP, Tristram Hunt MP…
Queen's chaplain agnostic on "good or evil" violence in the Qur'an
Apparently, young people are turning to Jihad because school's a drudge and mainstream religion is not sufficiently 'exciting'. That's the general headline summary of a speech given by Justin…
The £3.5 billion gift from the churches to our communities
This Friday will see Jake Berry MP's private member's Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Bill go to Committee stage in the House of Lords. Assuming this goes through (and the…
Welby: "The best decision anyone can ever make is to be a follower of Jesus Christ"
Back in January, Tim Montgomerie, writing in the Times, vented his frustration with the Archbishop of Canterbury: I remain hopeful that Justin Welby, a "graduate" of HTB and its famous…
Announcing @HolyVote – it's time to reclaim our religious liberty
Apparently, the 2010 General election was the first internet election. And if not that one, it is this one. And if not this one, then it is still to…
Prophet, Islamist, cartoon or bear: which Mohammed most offends?
Apparently we now know the identity of the Islamist butcher known as 'Jihadi John', who has an undoubted penchant for making snuff movies involving the decapitation of charitable and…
Charles confirms he will be anointed and crowned 'Defender of the Faith'
There has been considerable and worthwhile coverage of 'Building Bridges' - The Sunday Hour interview with The Prince of Wales on the subject of Islamic extremism, radicalisation and the…
Ukip ban on non-stun slaughter will affect Jews more than Muslims
When David Cameron spoke at the Knesset almost a year ago, he was unequivocal in his opposition to anti-Israel boycotts; his support for a two-state solution; and his denunciation…
Age UK: Christian stickers might invalidate car insurance policies
Admittedly, the Rev'd Wena Parry's mobile insignia is not of the same order of subtlety as your average 'Jesus ♥ You' bumper sticker. But who is to judge? If…