EU to rule on Christian discrimination cases
In a significant legal development, the European Court of Human Rights has requested that the British Government state whether they believe that the rights of Christians have been infringed in recent cases where individuals have been penalised for expressing their faith in the workplace. The request has come because legal action is being taken by four Christians who argue that their rights have been infringed. The four Christians are: Gary McFarlane, a counsellor who was sacked by a counselling service for saying that he would not give sex therapy to homosexual couples (See PA5310); Shirley Chaplin, a nurse who was banned for wearing a cross around her neck (See PA1510); Nadia Eweida, a British Airways employee who was prevented from wearing a cross; and Lillian Ladele, who was disciplined by Islington council for refusing to conduct civil partnership ceremonies for homosexual couples. The cases have been viewed by the European Court as being of such importance that they merit further investigation. Pray: that this development will lead to the law being changed to protect those who wish to practice their faith. (Ps.5:11)
EU to rule on Christian discrimination cases
In a significant legal development, the European Court of Human Rights has requested that the British Government state whether they believe that the rights of Christians have been infringed in recent cases where individuals have been penalised for expressing their faith in the workplace. The request has come because legal action is being taken by four Christians who argue that their rights have been infringed. The four Christians are: Gary McFarlane, a counsellor who was sacked by a counselling service for saying that he would not give sex therapy to homosexual couples (See PA5310); Shirley Chaplin, a nurse who was banned for wearing a cross around her neck (See PA1510); Nadia Eweida, a British Airways employee who was prevented from wearing a cross; and Lillian Ladele, who was disciplined by Islington council for refusing to conduct civil partnership ceremonies for homosexual couples. The cases have been viewed by the European Court as being of such importance that they merit further investigation. Pray: that this development will lead to the law being changed to protect those who wish to practice their faith. (Ps.5:11)
European official says 105,000 Christians martyred yearly
This shocking figure was disclosed by Italian sociologist Massimo Introvigne, representative of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, at the ‘International Conference on Inter-religious dialogue between Christians, Jews and Muslims.’ The conference on peaceful coexistence between religions was hosted by the Hungarian government as a highlight of its EU presidency of the European Union. ‘Every five minutes’, Introvigne said in his speech, ‘a Christian is killed for his faith.’ The figure does not include the victims of civil wars, or wars between nations, but only the people put to death because they are Christians. ‘If these figures are not cried out to the world, if this massacre is not stopped,’ Introvigne continued; ‘if it is not recognized that the persecution against Christians is the first worldwide emergency with regard to religious discrimination and violence, dialogue between religions will only produce wonderful symposia but no concrete results.’
Pray: for Christians worldwide that God would protect and uphold them in times of persecution. (Ps.91:11)
More: http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=10555
European official says 105,000 Christians martyred yearly
This shocking figure was disclosed by Italian sociologist Massimo Introvigne, representative of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, at the ‘International Conference on Inter-religious dialogue between Christians, Jews and Muslims.’ The conference on peaceful coexistence between religions was hosted by the Hungarian government as a highlight of its EU presidency of the European Union. ‘Every five minutes’, Introvigne said in his speech, ‘a Christian is killed for his faith.’ The figure does not include the victims of civil wars, or wars between nations, but only the people put to death because they are Christians. ‘If these figures are not cried out to the world, if this massacre is not stopped,’ Introvigne continued; ‘if it is not recognized that the persecution against Christians is the first worldwide emergency with regard to religious discrimination and violence, dialogue between religions will only produce wonderful symposia but no concrete results.’
Pray: for Christians worldwide that God would protect and uphold them in times of persecution. (Ps.91:11)
More: http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=10555
