National Trust in ‘Rainbow Row’
The National Trust required staff and volunteers at Felbrigg Hall, in Norfolk, to wear rainbow badges and lanyards in support of their ‘Prejudice and Pride’ programme marking 50 years of homosexuality freedom. By 4 August over 30 (possibly 75, depending where you read) of 350 volunteers refused to wear the rainbow slogan or be part of the activity. National Trust management told those who refused to wear pride memorabilia they were free to step back from the volunteer role or take a behind the scenes role. By 7 August 240 National Trust members had revoked their membership and the volunteers went to the newspapers accusing the Trust of encroaching on their political freedoms. The trusts response was, ‘We are therefore making it clear to volunteers that the wearing of the badge is optional and a personal decision.’ But they will continue with the Pride programme and exhibition. see also http://www.christianvoice.org.uk/index.php/hurtful-national-trust-rainbow-row/
Law enforcement response to modern slavery
Modern slavery and human trafficking are more prevalent than previously thought. A growing body of evidence points to growing numbers of victims. There are currently over 300 live policing operations targeting slavery in the UK. More than a dozen of the highest risk operations targeting organised crime groups are being led by the National Crime Agency. One recent result was the arrest of three men in North England with links to a Romanian group using the internet to advertise the services of victims trafficked for sexual exploitation, then forcing victims to launder the proceeds through criminally controlled bank accounts. Ten women were safeguarded. The group and its wider network are suspected to have made around €5 million in criminal profits. A surge in operational activity focusing on labour and sexual exploitation through May and June led to 111 arrests in the UK and 130 victims being rescued.
Damian Green urges Trump to use UN in current crisis
Damian Green, the UK’s first secretary of state, urged the Trump administration to use the UN processes to resolve the crisis between the United States of America and North Korea. He said, ‘It’s obviously in all our interests to make sure that nothing escalates,’ and, ‘we are very strongly in support of the UN process, which has put, and continues to put, pressure on North Korea to stop acting in an irresponsible way.’
Gypsy church rejects criticism of festival
‘I got saved behind the glue factory at an open-air meeting, around a fire.’ said a softly-spoken Romany gypsy from the Gypsy Light and Life, evangelical Pentecostal church that has been spreading Christianity among UK gypsies since the 1980s. They are facing criticism after setting up their annual conference at Thame Showground in Oxfordshire. Local residents are complaining that their town has been 'taken over' while the showground owners are now claiming the booking was deceitfully made. It has claimed that lawyers and police are now involved. A festival organiser said they have done nothing wrong. ‘We've paid for it, signed a contract, we have insurance we have everything covered. As far as I know we have no problems.’ Festival organisers say many people without faith will attend the event and they hope many will come to know Jesus. A Town Councillor said, ‘it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction. Local opinions expressed outright support and outright indignation.’ See also http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38016090
