Post by rapha777 on Jul 14, 2005 10:47:31 GMT -5
July12, 2005
URGENT MEMO
The terrorist attacks in London last Thursday were a horrific reminder of the raw evil that hate can perpetrate.
I know you will have joined us in mourning and prayer for all those affected by these wicked acts. May the Lord's grace be evident in the midst of this violence and Christians be a light of faith, hope and love in a world that often doesn't seem to make sense.
I think we would all agree that hate is sinful and destructive and that we must overcome it with the love of Christ.
We simultaneously affirm the freedom of speech and religion that we are blessed to have as fundamental rights here in the UK.
That is why I believe it important to call your attention to a dangerous Bill being debated in parliament right now. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill threatens these freedoms of speech and religion that are the core fibres in the fabric of our society.
This dangerous piece of legislation. . . while admirable in its intent. . . is muddled in its language and could put at jeopardy our ability to proclaim the Gospel. For instance, it states it would be a crime to use, 'threatening, abusive or insulting' words or behaviour that could be 'likely' to 'stir up' religious hatred--even if there is no intention to do so.
Such 'insulting' words could be the proclamation of the Gospel itself. Imagine being taken to court for proclaiming that Jesus is 'the Way, the Truth, the Life'. . . and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
You can see how hazardous such a bill is to the Christian voice throughout the UK. And it is especially dangerous to Premier as it could limit clear proclamation of the Gospel message.
I could give you many more examples of the danger of this legislation, but The Times said it best in its 10 June edition, ". . . it is extremely difficult to create an adequate distinction between what would constitute legitimate criticism of faiths and what would constitute a 'stirring up' of 'religious hatred', without diminishing free speech."
This is why we must act. . . and act now. So here is what I am asking you to do.
Click here to email your MP with a statement of objection to this bill. Feel free to add your own thoughts to the statement or make any changes you feel appropriate.
Our goal is to present tens of thousands of these Statements to our Members of Parliament.
But such a campaign is very expensive. So when you respond, please remember to click here or visit www.premier.org.uk/support to give the most generous gift you can to help us fund this campaign. Every gift is important.
For the sake of the Gospel, I pray you will stand with us, unified, with one voice. Please send your signed Statement today along with whatever gift you can give.
Thank you and God bless you!
Peter Kerridge
Chief Executive
URGENT MEMO
The terrorist attacks in London last Thursday were a horrific reminder of the raw evil that hate can perpetrate.
I know you will have joined us in mourning and prayer for all those affected by these wicked acts. May the Lord's grace be evident in the midst of this violence and Christians be a light of faith, hope and love in a world that often doesn't seem to make sense.
I think we would all agree that hate is sinful and destructive and that we must overcome it with the love of Christ.
We simultaneously affirm the freedom of speech and religion that we are blessed to have as fundamental rights here in the UK.
That is why I believe it important to call your attention to a dangerous Bill being debated in parliament right now. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill threatens these freedoms of speech and religion that are the core fibres in the fabric of our society.
This dangerous piece of legislation. . . while admirable in its intent. . . is muddled in its language and could put at jeopardy our ability to proclaim the Gospel. For instance, it states it would be a crime to use, 'threatening, abusive or insulting' words or behaviour that could be 'likely' to 'stir up' religious hatred--even if there is no intention to do so.
Such 'insulting' words could be the proclamation of the Gospel itself. Imagine being taken to court for proclaiming that Jesus is 'the Way, the Truth, the Life'. . . and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
You can see how hazardous such a bill is to the Christian voice throughout the UK. And it is especially dangerous to Premier as it could limit clear proclamation of the Gospel message.
I could give you many more examples of the danger of this legislation, but The Times said it best in its 10 June edition, ". . . it is extremely difficult to create an adequate distinction between what would constitute legitimate criticism of faiths and what would constitute a 'stirring up' of 'religious hatred', without diminishing free speech."
This is why we must act. . . and act now. So here is what I am asking you to do.
Click here to email your MP with a statement of objection to this bill. Feel free to add your own thoughts to the statement or make any changes you feel appropriate.
Our goal is to present tens of thousands of these Statements to our Members of Parliament.
But such a campaign is very expensive. So when you respond, please remember to click here or visit www.premier.org.uk/support to give the most generous gift you can to help us fund this campaign. Every gift is important.
For the sake of the Gospel, I pray you will stand with us, unified, with one voice. Please send your signed Statement today along with whatever gift you can give.
Thank you and God bless you!
Peter Kerridge
Chief Executive