Government votes on Gagging Law to Silence Freedom of Speech!

I received this unfortunate email from 38 degrees about yet another way in which our freedom of speech and democracy is being eroded!

Please share & join in the debate!

Blessings!

Ronell x

Dear Ronell,

I wanted to let you know straight away. I'm afraid we lost the gagging law vote in the House of Lords this evening. That's it - it's going to become law.

It couldn't have been closer. On the final vote, 245 Lords voted in favour and 245 against. Unfortunately the rules mean that in the case of a tie, the government gets its way.

Personally I feel pretty devastated about this. I'm worried about what it means for the future of 38 Degrees. More importantly, I'm worried about what it means for the future of democracy, and what it tells us about the state of British politics.

But I also feel proud of everything 38 Degrees members did together to fight this. I hope you do too.

There will be a lot of thinking and discussion to be done in the coming days. 38 Degrees members will need to pull together to think about how to fight this terrible law. And we'll need to work out how we can keep standing up for all we believe in - despite the restrictions the government is trying to impose.

But right now, I feel sure of one thing. We won't give up.

Sorry I'm not emailing with better news, and thank you for everything you've done,

David

PS: 38 Degrees members are discussing the outcome on Facebook. You can join in at https://www.facebook.com/peoplepowerchange

Not Ashamed

More and more people are being asked not to share or overtly display symbols (such as wearing a cross) that indicate their faith or religious preferences. This is a troubling trend of taking away people’s freedom of speech and expression of beliefs! It is an issue that Not Ashamed aims to tackle head on.

More than any other person, Jesus Christ has shaped our society, for the good of all. The values and freedoms that flow from Him have been embedded in our culture and laws, bringing great benefit to our nation. Our literature, our art and our architecture have all been influenced by Him whilst the Christian framework has given rise to scientific endeavour, economic enterprise and social institutions such as schools, hospitals and welfare organisations. Today Christians remain heavily involved in society, fuelled by their faith in Jesus Christ and knowing that only He can provide a solid foundation for our communities and nation.

Yet the truths, values and behaviour consistent with that foundation are under attack, to the detriment of the whole of society. There is mounting pressure to exclude Jesus Christ from public life, consigning Him instead to the realm of the ‘private and personal’. Increasingly, Christians are encountering attempts to restrict their freedom to speak and live in accordance with biblical teaching in the workplace and in public life (you can read more about some of those affected here).

The Not Ashamed campaign is about standing together and speaking up for the value of that Christian framework and the place of Jesus Christ in the face of apathy, attack and uncertainty about the Christian message. In the midst of the big challenges that our country currently faces, 'Not Ashamed' provides an opportunity to be visible and vocal for Jesus Christ in public life, explaining how He is good news for our communities and how He is the only one who can provide a robust framework for our life together.

Watch Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali explain the need for Not Ashamed here. Watch other Christians speak about Not Ashamed here.

To support the Not Ashamed campaign, you can WEAR, DECLARE, SHARE. You can also shop in their online shop, or sign a declaration of your commitment to and faith in Christ.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” {Romans 1v16}