Motion in Parliament: Supporting the Brethren Church

Yesterday, after being contacted by parishoners of the Brethren church from Harlow, I spoke up for them in Parliament. (VIDEO HERE.)

Today, I have also tabled a supportive Parliamentary motion, which other MPs can sign. This will be presented formally to the Charities Commission and the Government.

The motion reads:

"That this House notes the decision of the Charity Commission to revoke the charitable status of a trust that is part of the Brethren Christian Church, which does a lot of good work for charity and community groups; believes that this is an extremely important test case because it has widespread implications for all Christian charitable trusts; and therefore calls on the Government and all parliamentarians to express their belief to the Charities Commission that Christian groups who are serving the community have the right to charitable status and should not be subject to politically correct bias."

by Robert Halfon MP - Working Hard for Harlow.

To pray or not to pray

It is amazing that an unelected Judge has interpreted the law in such a way and banned prayers at Bideford Town Council - despite the wishes of the vast majority of elected Councillors.

I doubt this decision would have come about if there had been no prayers and just one Councillor had wanted to have them - and had then gone to the High Court.  The Councillor who objected to the prayers was under no obligation to attend, and - with the help of the Judge - has now imposed his world view on the wishes of the elected majority.

This judgement shows that there is an anti-religious bias infecting some of our establishment.  Faith individuals and faith groups are often discriminated against in favour of a 'secular' world-view.  This decision against faith at Bideford, could potentially represent an avalanche of claim after claim against faith activities in our institutions up and down the land - including Parliament.

What is needed is a Bill of Rights, which guarantees the rights of faith communities.

Above all we should respect local democracy and stop 'the establishment'  making decisions that are quite contrary to the will of the people.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com