All cases
U.K. Foreign Office Agency says Evangelical Christians in the Global South Should “Reinterpret” the Bible
July 17, 2017, United KingdomThe Barnabas Fund has highlighted a Wilton Park (an executive agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) report from 2016 in which it describes biblical sexual morality as 'hateful' and evangelical Christians in prejudicial terms. A key recommendation of the report is "challenging the interpretation of sacred texts."
Iraqi Man Threatened to Kill Church Members
July 9, 2017, United KingdomZana Hassan interrupted a Sunday afternoon church service in Barnard Castle, County Durham on July 9, 2017 “shouting and swearing.” After being arrested by police, he threatened to “kill all the English,” making references to the war in Iraq. He was later convicted of a racially aggravated offense.
Church in Tamworth Vandalized
June 14, 2017, United KingdomAnti-Christian messages were scrawled on three different areas of St. Edythe’s Church, the oldest church in Tamworth by unknown vandals. The ancient doors and walls were tagged with statements such as “Lucifer runs this capitalist ruin,” “God has failed,” and “deliver us to evil.” Reverend Alan Gordon and the church community were devastated that the church was targeted by this vandalism.
ISIS Supporter Jailed
April 29, 2017, United KingdomThe ISIS supporter Akeem Samuels has been sentenced to jail for four years by a court in the United Kingdom. Akeem Samuels posted videos on Instagram where he encouraged terror attacks on Christians.
Christian Prison Preacher to Appeal Tribunal Ruling
April 27, 2017, United KingdomA Christian prison worker who felt he had no option but to resign after being disciplined for quoting from the Bible during a prison chapel service, will challenge an Employment Tribunal's ruling that the prison was right to discipline him. In March 2016, the Employment Tribunal ruled that Barry Trayhorn spoke of God's forgiveness in an "insensitive" way which "failed to have regard for the special nature of the congregation in the prison".
Expelled Christian Student Wins Right to Face High Court
April 26, 2017, United KingdomFelix Ngole was expelled from the University of Sheffield in 2016 for writing a post on his private Facebook page in which he quoted Leviticus stating that homosexuality was sinful. Deputy High Court Judge James Lewis has allowed Ngole to take his case to the High Court in London and a ruling is expected after a trial this fall.
Longford Church Broken into and Tabernacle Stolen
April 16, 2017, United KingdomSt Michael’s Church outside Longford was due to open its doors for Easter Sunday Mass when the break-in was discovered. The church window was broken and the altar was severely damaged. Several items were stolen, including the tabernacle.
Social Worker Discouraged Parents from Christening Son
April 13, 2017, United KingdomA social worker from Kent met with parents who were considering placing their child for adoption and told them the chances of their son being adopted would be hindered if he were “christened into the Christian faith,” after they expressed their wish to have their son baptized.
Church Leaders and Prime Minister Criticized National Trust
April 4, 2017, United KingdomThe Church of England accused the National Trust of “airbrushing” Christianity out of Easter festivities, after it renamed “Easter Egg Trail” as the “Great British Egg Hunt.” Cadbury, which sponsors the event, said it wanted the event to appeal to non-Christians, saying: “We invite people from all faiths and none to enjoy our seasonal treats.” The Prime Minister said “[Easter is] a very important festival for the Christian faith for millions across the world. So I think what the National Trust is doing is frankly just ridiculous.”
Anti-Christian Crimes Recorded as "Islamophobia"
March 18, 2017, United KingdomFreedom of Information inquiries made by the Network of Sikh Organisations revealed that the London Metropolitan Police recorded 1,227 incidents of Islamophobic hate crime in 2016, but in 57 of these incidents the victim was not contacted, in 86 the religion of the victim was unknown, and 85 of the reported cases were ‘blank’. 19 Hindus, 11 atheists, 43 Christians and four Sikhs were victims.
University Students Want Pro-Life Posters Removed
March 16, 2017, United KingdomAberdeen University students petitioned to have a pro-life poster removed from campus, claiming it was “actively harmful” to women. The Catholic chaplaincy on the campus displayed posters for a 40 Days of Life event, featuring people holding signs and prayer vigils outside the city’s maternity hospital during Lent.
Two Street Preachers Convicted of Public Order Offenses
February 28, 2017, United KingdomMichael Overd and Michael Stockwell were convicted on February 28, 2017 after a public prosecutor claimed that quoting parts of the King James Bible in the context of modern British society "must be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter". After a four-day trial, the men were found guilty under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, for using "threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, thereby, and the offence was religiously aggravated."
Government Announces Compulsory Sex Education
February 28, 2017, United KingdomThe government announced that sex and relationships education will become compulsory in all of England's schools. Relationships education will be compulsory for all pupils from the age of four years, but parents will have the right to withdraw their children from sexual education program. Critics view the law as weakening the influence of parents' right to educate their children about sex and relationships.
Oxford Lecturer Refused to take Christian Convert's Questions about Islam
February 27, 2017, United KingdomA trainee Church of England priest at Oxford University, an Iranian-born convert from Islam, claimed he wasn’t allowed to ask critical questions about Islam during a seminar and has accused the university of discrimination and bias and made a formal complaint.
General Pharmaceutical Council Launches Guidance on "Religion, Personal Values and Beliefs in Pharmacy Practice"
February 22, 2017, United KingdomIn May 2017, the British Pharmaceutical Council published new professional standards, stating that pharmacists would have to “take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs.” The previous conscience "opt-out" provisions were removed. Previously, a pharmacist who did not wish to issue an abortifacient drug could refer the patient to another colleague. In June 2017, the Council developed new guidance called “In practice: Guidance on religion, personal values and beliefs.” This guidance made clear that in some circumstances, pharmacists were expected to dispense a drug against his or her conscience.
National Secular Society Proposes Removal of Bishops' Bench from House of Lords
February 21, 2017, United KingdomThe group made the recommendation to a parliamentary inquiry to examine how to reduce the size of the Upper House. The House of Lords currently has more than 850 members, and the Bishops' Bench contains two archbishops and 24 bishops who can vote on legislation.
Humanists Demand Religious Radio Program include Non-Religious Perspectives
February 14, 2017, United KingdomThe British Humanist Association sent a letter to the BBC demanding that its publicly-funded "Thought for the Day" Radio 4 program, which includes reflections from Christians and other faiths, also include non-religious speakers.
Historic Church the Victim of Arson
February 12, 2017, United KingdomThe Church of the Ascension in Salford was completely destroyed by a fire which was described as arson by police. It was built in 1869 and had recently undergone a £250,000 restoration with funds raised over three years. CCTV footage reportedly shows a young man running from the church at the time the fire broke out.
NHS does not Record Religious Discrimination
February 2, 2017, United KingdomThe National Health Service has confirmed, in response to a question from a Member of Parliament, that it does not collect information on instances of discrimination against NHS staff on the basis of their faith.
Magistrate Disciplined for Refusing to Hear Same Sex Parenting Case
January 30, 2017, United KingdomThe Judicial Conduct Investigations Office ordered Susan Preston to stand down from hearing future family cases, after she declined to sit on a case involving same-sex parenting due to her personal views.
Gender-Abortion Whistleblower Ordered to Pay Costs
January 20, 2017, United KingdomAisling Hubert, who began criminal proceedings against two doctors who were filmed offering 'gender-abortion', went to court to challenge £36,000 of the costs that were awarded against her after she tried to bring two 'gender-abortion' doctors to justice. The judge said he could not amend or reduce the costs. Instead a settlement was reached for the amount Aisling has to pay. She now has until 18 August to pay the agreed amount.
Policing and Crime Bill Proposes to Raise Penalty for "Religiously Aggravated Offense"
January 18, 2017, United KingdomDuring the debate in the House of Lords, the Government was asked what would qualify for a "religiously motivated offense" and whether it could include a Christian preaching the "supreme divinity of Christ." The Government responded that this would be up to prosecutors and courts.
Goverment Still Supports Plan to Register & Inspect Sunday Schools
January 11, 2017, United KingdomEducation minister confirmed that the program to regulate "out of school" settings, which could include Sunday school and youth group meetings, remains a government priority. Opponents say that this would leave churches open to complaints if they teach religious principles relating to traditional marriage.
UK Considering Secularist Oath of Allegiance to British Values
December 21, 2016, United KingdomThe UK government has proposed that all office holders and employees of the State swear an Oath of Allegiance to British Values that conflicts with traditional Christian teaching about sexuality.
Hindu UKIP Member Racially Harassed for Calling Britain a "Christian Country"
December 7, 2016, United KingdomAnish Patel, a UKIP member and practising Hindu took to Twitter with a message defending Britain’s Christian identity. In response, Twitter users responded with racist epithets.
Student Union Bans Pro-Life Group
December 5, 2016, United KingdomPro-life supporters have been banned from setting up an official campus group by the University of Strathclyde Student Union on the grounds that such a group would violate "safe space."
Equalities Watchdog Calls for Review of Catholic Schools Hiring Rules
December 5, 2016, United KingdomThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has told the Scottish government that the Scottish Catholic schools’ legal right to examine teaching staff for religious suitability should be reviewed.
Christian Archbishops from Iraq and Syria Denied Visas to UK
December 4, 2016, United KingdomDespite a formal invitation from Prince Charles to attend a consecration ceremony of Britain's first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, the Home Office denied the visa applications of Archbishops Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf of Mosul, Timothius Mousa Shamani of St Matthew's in Nineveh valley of northern Iraq, and Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh of Homs and Hama in Syria because they "did not have enough money to support themselves and might not leave the UK."
Christian Couple Blocked from Adopting Foster Children
November 9, 2016, United KingdomA Christian couple has been blocked from adopting their foster children, after expressing views based on their belief that children should have a mother and a father wherever possible.
Christian Family Forced to Flee their Home
November 9, 2016, United KingdomA family have been forced to flee their home under armed police guard amid fears for their safety after suffering what they say is eight years of persecution for converting from Islam to Christianity.
Christian Bakers Lose Appeal
October 24, 2016, United KingdomThe owners of Ashers Baking in Belfast lost their appeal of 2015 discrimination conviction for refusing to bake a cake ordered by homosexual activist Gareth Lee showing two Sesame Street characters and the message: “Support Gay Marriage.” The case was heard by the Supreme Court in May 2018.
Christian parents fear 'gender-confused' daughter will be taken away
October 23, 2016, United KingdomChristian parents fear their 14-year-old daughter will be taken into foster care unless they allow her to change her female name to a male one.
Armed Police Patrol Canterbury Cathedral
September 29, 2016, United KingdomPolice with guns patrol Canterbury Cathedral due to concerns about terror attacks. The extra security is in response to a series of jihadist attacks across Europe, including the murder of French priest, Father Jacques Hamel.
Humanist Society Scotland Challenges Parental Opt-Out for Religious Observance in Schools; wants Children to Decide
September 12, 2016, United KingdomThe Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) is seeking judicial review after the Scottish Government rejected calls for a change to the current rules which permit only parents to opt out on their children’s behalf.
Security Guidance Sent to UK Churches after Murder of French Priest
August 31, 2016, United KingdomThe organization National Churchwatch issued a new security guidance to every church in the UK in the wake of the murder of French priest Jacques Hamel by Islamist terrorists.
Nurse Fired for Talking about Faith with Patients
August 31, 2016, United KingdomA Christian nurse was fired for "gross misconduct" by the NHS for talking to her patients about her faith and occasionally offering prayer to help them prepare for surgery. Part of her job was to help patients complete a questionnaire, which included a question about religion.
Parliamentary Inquiry Finds UK Doctors Risk Losing Jobs For Refusing To Perform Abortion
July 21, 2016, United KingdomBritish pro-life doctors and nurses face hostility, loss of advancement, and pressure to perform or refer for abortions despite legislation guaranteeing their right to conscientiously object, according to a parliamentary inquiry.
Street Preacher Arrested for Hate Crime for Quoting Bible to Gay Teenager
July 17, 2016, United KingdomGordon Larmour, a Christian evangelist, was charged with behaving in a "threatening or abusive manner aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation" and "assault", after he referred to the Book of Genesis and stated that God created Adam and Eve to produce children in response to a 19-year-old's question about God's views on homosexuality. He spent one night in prison. Six months later, a court in Kilmarnock, Scotland acquitted him of all charges.
Co-Workers Found Not Guilty of Religiously Aggravated Offense
June 24, 2016, United KingdomA York jury heard evidence about sustained bullying of a teenage apprentice, a Catholic, by tying him to a cross in a mock crucifixion, among other acts, during a trial. They found the accused guilty of assault, but not guilty of religiously aggravated assault.
Large Pentagram and 666 Painted on Church Graveyard
June 19, 2016, United KingdomA vandal sprayed satanic symbols, a large pentagram, and the number 666 onto the lawn of the graveyard at All Saints Church in Hull, Yorkshire.
Church of England Accused of Discrimination
June 16, 2016, United KingdomThe Church of England has been accused of discriminating against a lesbian couple by refusing to conduct their wedding.
Parliamentary Report Finds Inadequate Assessment of Religion-Based Asylum Claims
June 7, 2016, United KingdomThe All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief released a 35-page report in which it said the questions used to assess conversion asylum claims demonstrated a "lack of understanding and misperceptions of religion."
Christian Union Banned From Holding Meetings on College Premises
June 7, 2016, United KingdomA Christian union has been banned from holding meetings on college premises, as a result of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy "Prevent".
Television Presenter Calls Christian a "Homophobe"; Receives No Sanctions
April 12, 2016, United KingdomPiers Morgan will not face sanctions after asking a Christian who opposed same-sex marriage whether he was a "homophobe".
Magistrate Removed from Office, Suspended from NHS Trust, for Christian Belief in Traditional Family
March 29, 2016, United KingdomA Christian magistrate Richard Page has been removed from office by the Lord Chancellor after sharing his personal conviction in a media interview that there is not enough evidence to show that placing children in the care of same-sex couples is in their best interest.
Christian Postgraduate Student Expelled for Opposing Gay Marriage
February 27, 2016, United KingdomA Sheffield University social work postgraduate student, Felix Ngole, was expelled from his course for posting on his Facebook page that homosexual activity is against the teaching of the Bible.
Image of St. John the Evangelist Banned from Rochester Train Station
December 27, 2015, United KingdomNetwork Rail, partly funded by taxpayer money, argued it was "overtly Christian" and that it would offend "multi-cultural values".
Proposed UK School Regulations May Put Christian Sunday Schools and Summer Camps at Risk
December 13, 2015, United KingdomPlans for Ofsted to regulate out-of-school settings could burden churches, discourage volunteers and cause unnecessary distress to children, a Conservative MP has warned.
Lord's Prayer Advertisement Produced by JustPray.uk Banned in Cinemas
November 23, 2015, United KingdomThe advertisement shows the Lord’s Prayer being recited by a members of the public ranging from bodybuilders to children.
Christian Convert Violently Attacked Outside His Home
November 17, 2015, United KingdomNissar Hussain, who has helped to promote Christian Concern's Safe Haven initiative to help protect Christians who have converted from Islam, was beaten with a pickaxe handle by two men while on the way to his car in Bradford (United Kingdom).