All cases
Update: School Chaplain Reported to Terrorist Watchdogs Hearing Delayed
July 2, 2021, United KingdomSchool chaplain, Rev Dr Bernard Randall, who was reported to the government's terrorist watchdogs for encouraging children to form their own opinions about their school's new LGBT+ rules while accepting contradicting views had his employment tribunal hearing postponed for over a year. Rev Randall 48, will now have to wait until September 2022 since the Boarding School with an Anglican ethos he was ordained Chaplain of, Trent college, failed to serve their evidence.
Update: Relationship and Sexuality Education in Welsh Schools Sparks Debate around Parent's Rights
July 2, 2021, United KingdomIn Wales the adoption of a new Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is being discussed. While the Welsh government is considering its adoption, some parents, like Izzy Montague, are raising serious concerns about the protection of children. If accepted RSE will start with the next academic year. Parents and education specialists are raising serious concerns about what its adoption would mean for our society as it is known.
Singing in Churches still Under Restrictions in UK
July 1, 2021, United KingdomOngoing singing restrictions in churches are causing debate in the UK. While the singing ban has been lifted, new restrictions have been implemented. Members of the House of Lords are now getting increasingly frustrated with the seemingly inconsistencies implemented by the Government regarding indoor singing. Gloucester Bishop, Rt Rev Rachel Treweek has now asked the Government for a timetable to be able to return to normal life.
13-Year-Old Boy Hospitalized After Beating Because of Cross Necklace
July 1, 2021, SerbiaNikola P., a thirteen-year-old boy, was attacked and beaten by a group of hooligans on his way home and had to receive treatment. The incident happened on the night of July 1st. After his football training, Nikola was on his way home when he was knocked to the ground, beaten, and his neckless with a cross was torn. His father reported the incident to the police office in Kosovo and Metohija. Nikola was hospitalized and had to recover from that gruesome attack.
Street Preacher Takes Up Legal Action Against Police After Arrest and Fine
July 1, 2021, United Kingdom46-year-old street preacher, Andrew Sathiyavan, got arrested on Easter Sunday 2020 for publicly preaching on the street. Three police officers told him that he was "not allowed" to preach the gospel because he is causing anti-social behaviour and is in breach of current COVID regulations. Mr. Sathiyavan was then arrested and received a fine of £400. Since this is not the first time Mr Sathiyavan has been arrested by the police for street preaching he is now lodging an appeal and will be seeking legal action against the police, who arrested him for preaching, fined him and strip-searched him in Solihull in November of 2020.
Church of San Pedro Vandalized with Satanic Phrases
June 30, 2021, SpainOn the morning of June 30, two churches in the town of Daimiel were tagged with anti-Christian phrases, such as "Long Live Satan" and the "666". The church of San Pedro had several graffiti in the access areas to the sacristies. Other windows, doorways and facades on the premises, near the Plaza de España, were also vandalized, as well as the Church of Santa Maria. The case was reported to the Local Police which started an investigation to identify those responsible for these acts.
Satanic Graffiti Appears on Church of Santa Maria and Other Places
June 30, 2021, SpainOn the morning of June 30, two churches in the town of Daimiel were tagged with anti-Christian phrases, such as "Long Live Satan", the "666" and "Sect of Shit". The church of Santa Maria was target of the tags. But also other doorways and facades near the Plaza de España were vandalized, as well as the Church of San Pedro. The case has been reported to the Local Police which started an investigation.
Christian Fostercare and Adoption Agency Sues UK
June 29, 2021, United KingdomCornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service is appealing a court decision. After the High Court decided the evangelical Christian fostering agency had to change its policy regarding the placement of children with exclusively heterosexual married couples. QC lawyer Aiden O'Neill is now supporting the adoption agency and stated the ruling to be "incoherent". QC lawyer Sir James Eadie, who is representing Ofsted, cannot find such inconsistencies in the Judge's ruling.
Spain: New Transgender Law Passed Council of Ministers
June 29, 2021, SpainOn 29 June, the Spanish government voted to approve a draft law about gender self-determination. The approval of the drafted law received opposition since it blurs the concept of biological sex. Another aspect highly criticised in the draft law is the interference with "parental guardianship". Although it passed the Council of Ministers the draft law has yet to pass the parliament to be added to the already existing law surrounding LGBT+. Changes to the draft law could happen.
Christian Arrested For 'Importing' Bibles to Norther Cyprus
June 27, 2021, CyprusIn January 2021, police raided the home of Christian worker Ryan Keating in Northern Cyprus. He is accused of illegally importing more than 20 books related to Christianity, including the Bible. He is expected to appear in court for the first hearing in July. The US Embassy fears for Keating's wellbeing, who pleads not guilty to the charges raised against him.