Founded on the rock 30 years of Christian influence - The Christian Institute
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Founded on the rock 30 years of Christian influence The Christian Institute Annual Review 2021
Contents Welcome 2 Welcome BY JOHN BURN 4 Founded on the rock 6 30 years of Christian influence 8 Religious liberty 11 Marriage and the family 12 Education 13 Sanctity of life 14 Teaching and meetings 16 Meet the team 18 2020: Engaging... ...equipping 20 How we are managed 21 Finance summary 22 What we believe 30 Thanks 31 Basis of faith The Christian Institute is a registered charity whose main object is “the furtherance and promotion of the Christian religion in the United Kingdom and elsewhere”. Registered in England as a charity. Charity No. 100 4774. Company No. 263 4440. A charity registered in Scotland. Charity No. SC039220 Copyright © The Christian Institute 2021 Published in September 2021 The Christian Institute, Wilberforce House, 4 Park Road Gosforth Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8DG 0191 281 5664 | info@christian.org.uk | www.christian.org.uk
3
Founded on
the rock
BY COLIN HART
“ The rain came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that
house; yet it did not fall, because it had its
foundation on the rock.” MATTHEW 7:25 NIV
At the end of the Sermon on the The historic Christian faith sees
Mount, Jesus says there are two marriage as crucial to a healthy
responses to his teaching: those society. It sees our identity as male or
who put it into practice and those female as something given by God. It
who don’t. The first group build their sees people as made in the image of
house upon the rock. The second on God, whose lives should be protected
the sand. by the law and not be taken in the
womb or when weak or vulnerable.
No house built upon sand will survive All these things are strongly attacked
the storms of life and scrutiny of in our society today.
Jesus when he comes again. But
those who hear and put into practice The Christian believer is in the
what Jesus says are the ones with a midst of conflict. Running away
secure foundation. can seem an attractive option.
But Jesus prayed to his Father,
Putting your faith into practice often “My prayer is not that you take
requires courage and careful thought. them out of the world but that
Christians are confronted all the you protect them from the evil
time by enforced secularism in their one” (John 17:15). Jesus wants us
children’s schools, in the community to follow him in the world, not to
and at work. retreat from it or even limit our
involvement solely to evangelism.
4
William Tyndale catapulted the vital to them being progressively
word “Gospel” into common English changed to be like Christ – the
use. The Gospel means good news. ultimate goal of God’s salvation
In the words of Tyndale: “Euāgelion plan. This glorifies God.
(that we call the gospel) is a greke
worde & sygnifyeth good mery glad & We are in the world, but must
ioyfull tidynges that maketh a mannes avoid worldliness. The salt must
herte glad & maketh him synge not lose its saltiness, the light
daunce & leape for ioye.” must not be hidden. Retreat or
compromise are not options open
Indeed we can sing, dance and leap to us if we follow Christ.
for joy if we believe in Christ! He
died in our place on the cross. A We often need to remind ourselves
holy God cannot overlook sin, but that our obedience is not about
Christ bore the penalty we deserve. earning our salvation. We are only
This glorious gospel is to be obeyed saved through Christ’s death in our
(2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter place on the cross. By grace through
4:17) and lived out (John 14:15; faith. It’s not Christ plus our own
1 Timothy 1:10). works. It’s Christ’s work alone. Yet,
as the Reformers insisted, although
Some say, “let’s just stick to sharing we are saved by faith alone, faith
the Gospel”, meaning Christ’s that saves is never alone. True faith
mighty work on the cross. But always results in works. And for
that fulfils only a part of the Great Jesus that’s the test of true faith:
Commission, where Jesus’ gospel “by their fruit you will recognise
command is about “teaching them” (Matthew 7:20). You can see
them to obey everything I have their houses, standing on the rock,
commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). the only firm foundation.
You can’t trade off obedience
against evangelism. Both are
necessary. And they are completely
intertwined. Teaching people
obedience in the Christian life is Colin Hart, Director
5
30 years of
Christian
1996 Challenges legislation to introduce
influence
no-fault divorce.
The Christian Institute exists for “the furtherance
and promotion of the Christian religion in the
United Kingdom” and “the advancement of
education”. It is non-denominational and we have
more than 60,000 supporters throughout the UK,
including more than 5,200 churches. 1997 Helps secure amendments to the
Human Rights Bill, preventing
churches being unjustly sued for their beliefs.
When not in lockdown, we spend a lot of time travelling
around the UK to meet those supporters, make them
aware of issues affecting Christians, and equip them to
respond. But we also campaign to improve legislation
and defend Christians who are in difficulty because
of their faith. Here are few of the many memorable
moments from the last 30 years:
1988 £20,000 gift enables Colin Hart to give
up his teaching job to campaign for
Christian influence in schools and set up the Institute.
2000 Helps ensure the freedom of
churches to require staff to be
Christians, in an EU directive on employment.
“The need is for
robust Christians to
think Christianly in all
areas of life.”
1991 Becomes a registered charity with John Burn
as Chairman and Colin Hart as Director.
2006 Helps to win a historic victory to protect
religious liberty against a religious hatred law.
Launches Legal Defence Fund and wins its first case.
6
2008 Google changes its worldwide policy and
stops blocking pro-life ads from religious
2016 In the case of The Christian Institute and
others v The Lord Advocate (Scotland), five UK
Supreme Court judges unanimously strike down the central
organisations after we issue legal proceedings. provisions of the Scottish Government’s Named Person scheme.
2010 Helps protect church employment freedoms
threatened by the Equality Bill.
2018 The Institute-backed Ashers Baking
Co wins the famous ‘gay cake’ case at
the Supreme Court with a unanimous verdict.
2012 Adrian Smith wins his case against his employer
at the High Court. Our most cited case, it has
helped protect employees’ freedom of expression ever since.
2019 Releases the Living Christianity
Bible study series to help Christians
understand the importance of a biblical worldview.
2013 Successfully campaigns to protect free
speech by repealing “insulting” words or
behaviour from Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.
2021 John Burn steps down as
Chairman of the Institute and is
succeeded by Revd Dr Richard Turnbull.
7
Religious liberty
‘CONVERSION THERAPY’ FREEDOM TO WORSHIP
From the start of lockdown we had said that
churches should not be at the back of the
queue to reopen.
The Institute challenged government ministers
in all parts of the UK over unfair treatment
of churches during the pandemic. At various
times we opposed the inconsistency of forcing
churches to close – a decision not based on
In the second half of 2020, the Institute began to scientific evidence – whilst allowing other
ready itself for a major new campaign: protecting sectors such as universities and garden centres
the core work of churches from a broad ban on so- to remain open.
called conversion therapy.
We also highlighted how churches were
This vague term covers dangerous pseudo-medical saddled with more restrictions than pubs and
practices and the abuses of charlatan preachers, cinemas. Across the UK we sought assurances
but these are largely illegal already. LGBT activists that churches would be swiftly reopened and
are putting pressure on governments across the UK then stay open.
to go much further. They want the law to endorse
LGBT theology and decide what kind of preaching, We were also able to help scores of
prayer and pastoral care is acceptable. They are church leaders looking for help in
seeking to exploit legitimate concerns as a cover to keeping their doors open for public
pursue their anti-religious agenda. worship during the pandemic.
With frequently changing
We have helped supporters to understand the risk guidance for each of the
to gospel freedom and equipped them to raise UK’s four nations, this was
concerns with their elected representatives. We highly complex work.
also obtained legal advice from leading human
rights QC Jason Coppel. He confirmed that the
definitions of conversion therapy proposed
by activists would criminalise the legitimate
expression of religious beliefs. We will take legal
action if a ban breaches the rights of Christians.
8
LEGAL CASES Cornerstone Fostering and
Adoption agency
Our work assisting
Stirling Free Church Christian fostering and
adoption support agency
We have been assisting Stirling Cornerstone continues.
Free Church and the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association in their cases In July 2020, the High Court rejected
against a multimillion-pound trust Ofsted’s claim that Cornerstone was not
fund. The Robertson Trust stopped them using one entitled to recruit only those who share its
of its properties because of their Christian beliefs. If Christian faith. This was very good news.
these groups can be banned from hiring public venues The judgment confirms the freedom of
for Christian meetings, so could any church. These Christian organisations to operate in line
are examples of how we use our legal expertise to with their statement of beliefs.
fight strategic cases to set precedents which uphold
Christian religious liberty. But it also ruled that Cornerstone cannot
require its carers to abide by its Christian
The Trust also took disciplinary action against its CEO, beliefs on sexual conduct. At the end
Kenneth Ferguson, because of his association with of June 2021, we went to the Court of
Stirling Free Church. The case centred around the Appeal to argue that this interpretation
church’s beliefs about marriage. We helped Kenneth of the law is flawed. The courts
bring a claim for unfair dismissal and discrimination. cannot decide that “evangelical”
In July 2021, the Employment Tribunal ruled in his includes those who reject biblical
favour, affirming that employers cannot discriminate teaching on sexual ethics.
against Christian staff for believing that marriage is
between one man and one woman.
Pam Birtle, Cornerstone CEO
David McConnell Harry Coulter
The Institute helped Christian street preacher David Our legal action on behalf of Christian
McConnell pursue a claim for being wrongfully minister Revd Harry Coulter succeeded.
arrested and detained for six hours. A Belfast hotel had ended his
David received £3,250 plus costs public meeting prematurely
from West Yorkshire Police. This because it expressed biblical
is another positive outcome for beliefs about marriage.
Christians in the UK. It reminds In September, the hotel
everyone that the law protects the apologised unreservedly and
preaching of the Gospel. refunded his booking fees
and legal costs.
9
HATE CRIME
Our ‘Free to Disagree’ campaign helped
secure a series of important changes to
the draconian Hate Crime and Public
Order (Scotland) Bill.
The original Bill was drawn so widely 15 YEARS OF THE
that it threatened free speech, including LEGAL DEFENCE FUND
evangelism and Christian comment on
sexual ethics. It was argued that even With over 300 people helped
possessing a Bible could have been held in 2020 alone, The Christian
to breach it. Institute’s Legal Defence Fund is
needed just as much today as it
It remains deeply controversial, but the was 15 years ago.
law passed in March 2021 is far better as We fight cases of national
a result of our work. The level of public importance for gospel freedom
engagement was tremendous. One and defend
series of regional webinars was attended Christians
by over 200 church leaders. discriminated
against because
The Law Commission for England of their faith.
has proposed similar restrictions. In
Northern Ireland Judge Desmond
Read more in
Marrinan has gone even further. He our leaflet:
recommends scrapping the protections the.ci/LDF15years
for those who disagree with same-sex
marriage and wants to exclude free
speech defences relating to religion and
sexual orientation.
The freedom to disagree on contentious
issues is crucial in a democratic society.
Yet some activists use hate crime laws
to punish those who disagree with them
through false allegations and malicious
reports to the police. We will continue
to oppose the expansion of hate crime
law in the UK.
10Marriage and the family
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Following a demand from the Institute, the General Register Office withdrew its
threat to stop churches conducting any weddings if they failed to explicitly opt out
of taking same-sex ceremonies. The law only requires places of worship to opt in.
GENDER RECOGNITION ACT DIGNITY OF MARRIAGE
In September, the Government finally We helped supporters in England and Wales to
announced that it had scrapped plans to make it respond to a Law Commission consultation on
possible to change legal sex by ‘self-declaration’. proposed changes to wedding law which risk
undermining the dignity of marriage. Under the
This is a major success. Christians, including CI plans, ceremonies could take place more or less
supporters, were at the forefront of those calling anywhere – in a casino, underwater or even
for the safeguards to remain in place. But it was skydiving. ‘Prescribed words’ would be ditched.
encouraging to see opposition from all sectors Couples would be able to marry saying
of society. any words they choose or none at all.
The Gender Recognition Act already creates the
legal fiction that a man can become a woman STATE INTRUSION
and vice-versa. But if a person’s legal sex
could be changed by self-declaration it would We continued to make representations to the
cause a swathe of new problems, including for Governments in Edinburgh and Cardiff over the
religious liberty and women’s safety. Instead, dangers of their decisions to introduce criminal
following the Government's U-turn, the existing bans on mild smacking.
requirements – to have lived as though a
member of the opposite sex for at least two We were also successful in urging members of
years and for two doctors to agree – will remain. the House of Lords to oppose an amendment
to ban smacking in England. Through the
Be Reasonable campaign we continue
to be the most prominent voice in the
media on behalf of parents.
11Education
The level of work for the Education team remains high.
In 2020 we helped over 170 parents, teachers and
school governors with tailored, practical advice.
WALES
The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill
became law in March 2021. We set out the
RSE problems with the Bill in our ‘Compulsory
atheism lessons’ and ‘Relationships and
New laws on the teaching of Relationships and Sexuality Education’ briefings. Sadly, the
Sex Education came into force in September. strong opposition from Institute supporters
They affected all schools in England: state- and the wider public was not reflected in
funded and fee-paying, primary and secondary. the Welsh Parliament.
We were able to assist many parents who The new law scraps Religious Education and
were apprehensive about the impact on their introduces mandatory lessons on atheism.
children. In particular, we created a new A plan to give atheists a veto over any
booklet, Relationships and Sex Education, to religious teaching in schools was dropped,
explain what the law does and does not require. but the law does allow for disproportionate
time to be spent studying Humanism or
We pointed out that good things can be taught atheism. It also puts children at greater
under the new arrangements, risk of being exposed to inappropriate sex
notably marriage. Sadly, LGBT education materials. In
campaign groups are relentlessly both cases, the right
seeking to use the new law to of parents to withdraw
promote controversial materials that their children has been
are hostile to our Christian faith. removed.
12Sanctity of life
ABORTION
The first duty of the state
is to protect the lives of
its citizens. Instead, the
governments in England,
Scotland and Wales
proposed to further
normalise the killing of the
ASSISTED SUICIDE unborn through permanent
DIY home abortion
Residents of Northern Ireland would have been able to travel to the schemes.
Irish Republic for assisted suicide and euthanasia under proposals
to legalise the procedures there. Thankfully, the plans have been We provided supporters
dropped. But fresh attempts to axe end of life protections for the with country-specific
terminally ill and infirm are underway at Westminster and Holyrood. briefings to help them
respond on behalf of the
The Institute, along with other pro-life groups, has mobilised its most vulnerable in society.
supporters to oppose any weakening of the law. It is vital we uphold
the principle that all human life is precious and should be protected,
regardless of how old, disabled or frail that life might be.
The Care Quality Commission uncovered routine and blanket use
of Do Not Resuscitate orders during
the coronavirus outbreak. The elderly,
the disabled and those with learning
disabilities were all impacted. This is a
scandal and has rightly been condemned.
13Teaching and meetings
THE CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE EXISTS FOR THE FURTHERANCE AND
PROMOTION OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION.
HELPING CHRISTIANS ENGAGE WITH CRUCIAL ISSUES
The Institute seeks to Our meetings include
equip Christians to apply biblical teaching on
their faith to the issues all people being made
of our day. Our public in the image of God,
meetings are an important Jesus’ command for his
way to achieve this. followers to live as salt
and light, and the vital
Because of Covid, from importance of marriage
March last year we had and family life. We also
to stop most in-person give presentations about
meetings, but quickly current ethical issues from
transitioned to offering a biblical perspective.
online meetings for In 2020, we launched Zoom webinars, enabling us to continue
churches. Despite The Institute has four to equip Christians to apply their faith.
the disruptions of full-time members of staff
coronavirus, our staff devoted to holding church Many more are routinely We are grateful to those
were still able to speak meetings. involved in planning, who open their doors to
to more than 11,250 publicity, and writing or us, although sadly it is not
people at 88 online and giving presentations. possible to accept every
119 in-person events. invitation. If you would like
We are always delighted us to speak to your church,
We quickly to be asked to speak email development@
transitioned in churches. christian.org.uk
to offering
online
meetings
1415
Meet the team
Back Row:
Front Row:
As at August 2021
16‹ TURN OVER
172020: Engaging...
5.4 million 750
OVER
VISITS TO OUR WEBSITE NEWS ARTICLES
AND FEATURES
CHRISTIAN.ORG.UK PUBLISHED ON OUR
WEBSITE
7.8m 870k
OVER OVER
TIMES OUR LEADING TO OVER VIEWS OF MORE THAN
760k 360
POSTS
APPEARED
ON SOCIAL
MEDIA INTERACTIONS VIDEOS POSTED ONLINE
68
60k
IN TOUCH SUPPORTERS
64k PRINT AND BROADCAST
SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS MEDIA REQUESTS
18...equipping PUBLICATIONS
christian.org.uk/publications
We sent 16 specialised publications to
supporters around the UK in the last year, as
79,000
OVER well as our regular newsletters and week of
prayer leaflets. That’s more than any other year.
AUDIO
DOWNLOADS
11,250
OVER
PEOPLE AT
207
AUDIOBOOKS
AND ONLINE
christian.org.uk/audiobooks
IN PERSON
PRESENTATIONS
INTERVIEWS
christian.org.uk/videos
19How we are managed 20
Finance summary
This summary is provided to Expenditure 2020 2019
indicate to supporters how funds
were obtained and spent during General Fund
the years 2019 and 2020. Staff 52% £1,565,600 £1,483,338
The summary for 2020 is based Printing and stationery 7% £194,131 £208,561
on draft and unaudited figures. Postage and telephone 9% £260,297 £292,080
Travel 2% £50,710 £144,349
The summary for 2019 is based
on the audited accounts for Research materials 2% £63,868 £63,358
that year but does not form
Rent and building running costs 4% £104,668 £121,446
part of the Trustees’ Report and
Financial Statements of The Equipment and depreciation 6% £169,024 £136,690
Christian Institute. Conference and meetings costsWhat we believe
1. GOVERNMENTS EXIST TO RESTRAIN EVIL
Governments are vital for civilisation. It is right and proper for the state works in this life, and is not to be
The rule of law is the basis of order when deciding on appropriate confused with justification which is
and civilisation. Authorities are punishments to consider deterrence solely obtained through the merits
instituted by God for the good and reformation. But desirable of Jesus Christ’s atoning death on
of everyone to restrain evil. The though these aims may be, the cross.
Bible teaches that governments punishment cannot be separated
are ordained by God to punish the from the concept of just desert or In a democracy Christians can seek
wrongdoer and to commend those retribution. Justice demands that to be salt and light and use their
who do right (Romans 13:3-4; the guilty are punished as their democratic rights for the good of the
1 Peter 2:14). deeds deserve. For this reason it Gospel. It is often said today that the
is detestable in God’s sight for the law should not be used to enforce
The Bible plainly teaches that it is the guilty to be acquitted or the innocent morality. This is quoted against
duty of every Christian to submit to condemned (Proverbs 17:15). Christians, as if we are the only
authority. This includes the payment ones who believe the law should be
of taxes: “Everyone must submit The New Testament teaching on based on a moral position. In reality,
himself to the governing authorities, submission to authorities was given everyone has a ‘moral’ position upon
for there is no authority except that to the Church in the context of which their view of the law is based.
which God has established… This corrupt authorities. There may be
is also why you pay taxes, for the circumstances where the Christian Secularists passionately believe that
authorities are God’s servants, who cannot obey the state: if the state their assumptions should be the
give their full time to governing.” should command what God forbids basis of our law and policy. However,
(Romans 13:1,6). “Submit yourselves or forbid what God commands then Christians have always recognised
for the Lord’s sake to every authority the duty of the Christian must be that the purpose of national laws is
instituted among men: whether to to obey God rather than man (Acts to restrain evil. So morality cannot
the king, as the supreme authority, 4:19; 5:29). The supreme example of be divorced from the law.
or to governors, who are sent by Jesus Christ teaches that Christians
him to punish those who do wrong will experience persecution and God knows how we are made.
and commend those who do right” injustice in this life. He knows what is best for us.
(1 Peter 2:13-14). We believe the Bible contains
All judgment dispensed on earth the ‘Maker’s instructions’. Only
It is the duty of those in authority is provisional. One day God will God’s moral law can truly protect
to punish those who do wrong. The dispense perfect justice “so that people and promote what is good.
punishment envisaged in the Bible every mouth may be silenced and Christians want to see God’s moral
clearly includes physical force. The the whole world held accountable law obeyed. This brings glory to
Apostle Paul notes that a ruler “does to God” (Romans 3:19). The Bible God and it is also what is truly best
not bear the sword for nothing. He is teaches that “man is destined to for people. Christians want to see
God’s servant, an agent of wrath to die once, and after that to face public policy which is consistent
bring punishment on the wrongdoer” judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This with the teaching of Christ and the
(Romans 13:4). judgment will be on the basis of Ten Commandments.
22In a democracy Christians have 2. MARRIAGE IS SACRED
the freedom to argue their
case like everyone else. Our It is now being argued that marriage is no better than any other type of
responsibility is to speak out relationship and should not have a special status in law. It is said that
for what is right. We are not marriage is just a piece of paper. But this is not how God sees it. At the
responsible if men and women beginning of creation God spelled out the importance of marriage to
reject what they have heard. mankind when, after Eve was created for Adam, the Bible records: “For
this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to
It is because we love our his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Marriage is a
neighbour and want what is best creation ordinance and therefore God’s teaching on marriage and sex is
for them that Christians should relevant to the world as well as to the church. Marriage is meant for the
speak up for what is right. good of all people – not just Christians.
And when Christians speak up, Marriage clearly is different from other types of relationship. Marriage
very often they will find that non- is part of God’s ‘common grace’. The Bible clearly teaches that the only
Christians agree with them. Man context for sexual activity is within lifelong monogamous marriage (1
is fallen, but God’s image has not Corinthians 6:9). Marriage is the proper context for raising children.
been entirely eradicated. Men and Even secular research shows that marriage is head-and-shoulders
women still have a conscience above other types of human relationships in terms of the benefits it
which can agree with God’s gives to adults and children. In the past marriage was protected in the
standards (Romans 2:14-15). Western legal tradition because of the unique social benefits it offers.
Today marriage has lost much of its unique status in public policy. The
Christians believe that there is Christian Institute is concerned about any legislation, public policy,
not only special revelation found benefit or tax requirement that undermines marriage and Christian
in the Bible; there is also general family patterns. The family is a fundamental carrier of values and is
revelation which comes through at present being undermined. This is evident not least in the area of
nature and conscience. Thus there divorce. Jesus emphasised that marriage was for life, but successive
is a higher universal moral law as reforms of the divorce law have fostered a rampant divorce culture. God
distinct from the specific laws of hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and Jesus clearly aligned himself against
individual states. Because these easy divorce (Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:11-12). Successive reforms of
specific laws can be in defiance of the divorce law in Britain have increased both the divorce rate and the
the moral law and what is right, number of children born outside marriage. The Institute believes that
governments and individuals can be the legal framework should be reformed so that divorce is discouraged
held accountable. This happened and reconciliation encouraged. Divorce law should not acquit the guilty
with the Nazis in the mid-twentieth and condemn the innocent.
century, where laws were held
to be immoral. This and similar When Paul went to Athens he found it “was full of idols”. Paul attacked
tyrannies resulted in the Universal the rampant idolatry (Acts 17:16-34). In our own day there may not be
Declaration of Human Rights idols on every street corner, but there is the all-pervasive worship of sex.
which are based on the moral law. Christians must continue to argue for marriage. We also have to be firm
If governments, ignoring the moral that all sex outside marriage is wrong.
law, enact immoral legislation giving This means that fornication, adultery
rise to so-called ‘rights’, Christians, and homosexual practice are wrong.
people of other faiths and people Jesus said to the woman caught in
of no faith, seeking to uphold the adultery, “Go, and sin no more”
moral law, have a duty to protest. (John 8:11).
233. PARENTS HAVE 4. DRUG TAKING IS WRONG
A GOD-GIVEN
The Bible bluntly teaches that drunkenness is wrong: “Do not get drunk
AUTHORITY OVER on wine” (Ephesians 5:18). Intoxication and loss of control are intrinsic
THEIR CHILDREN to taking drugs. Intoxication is also wrong because of escapism. People
cannot solve their problems by running away from them. Down the ages
In the Bible it is parents who Christians have been at the forefront of battling against the epidemic
have the responsibility for of public drunkenness and the personal tragedy of alcoholism. Now
raising children. Parents have a Christians must take a stand as it becomes ever more fashionable to argue
God-given authority over their for the legalisation of all drugs.
children. The fifth commandment
requires a child to honour its
father and mother (Exodus 5. ‘HARM REDUCTION’ APPROACHES ARE
20:12). This was quoted by Jesus UN-CHRISTIAN
and by the Apostle Paul.
Teenage pregnancy and drug of harm. Many people have been
Parents are expected to taking are recognised as two taken in by this profoundly naïve
exercise loving discipline over of the major social problems philosophy. But by opposing
their children. As part of this affecting this country. restraint, harm reduction actually
most parents use physical increases the number of people
chastisement such as smacking. Telling young people to steer clear involved in a harmful activity rather
Discipline must not be harsh. of drugs and to abstain from sex than reducing it.
Fathers are told to instruct until marriage is now viewed as
children according to what is ‘indoctrination’ and a waste of Harm reduction was originally
good and not to exasperate time. Such approaches have been introduced to help drug addicts
their children (Ephesians ridiculed as a simplistic ‘just say who were hooked on a chemical
6:4). That discipline can be no’ message. For the past 25 years substance. As part of a programme
painful is clearly accepted in the argument has been made that to end their addiction, addicts in
Scripture (e.g. Hebrews 12:7- preventative approaches which danger of killing themselves were
11). Attempts to make the give strong moral guidance to given advice on how to take their
administration of reasonable young people do not work. drugs more safely. The important
chastisement a criminal offence point was that the aim in view was
should be strongly resisted Instead, ‘harm reduction’ to end the addiction. This original
as should other moves which approaches have been advocated approach has now largely been
usurp the authority of parents. with the justification that telling abandoned. Heroin addicts are
young people not to take drugs or now being given methadone on a
Christians ought particularly engage in underage sex will not long-term basis.
to be concerned by any stop them doing it, therefore it’s
proposals which weaken the better to allow them to do it and Of even wider significance is
moral protections for children. ensure they do it safely. This harm the fact that harm reduction
Jesus gave a serious warning reduction philosophy has led to approaches have been extended
of judgment against those who young people being told how to to cover the whole population of
cause children to sin (Matthew have ‘safer sex’ and how to take young people rather than just those
18:6). This is an apt warning in drugs ‘safely’. This philosophy is who are addicts. From a Christian
these days when children have superficially appealing because it perspective, harm reduction
their innocence stolen from them. has a desirable goal – the reduction greases the tracks of sin. Instead
24of telling young people that actions want to wait until they are married embarked on a tough anti-smoking
inevitably have consequences, harm before having sex. Harm reduction campaign that tells people in no
reduction presents as a paradise has increased harm, not reduced it. uncertain terms: don’t smoke. It has
what is inherently dangerous. launched hard-hitting advertising
Harm reduction undermines the rule campaigns with heart-rending
Harm reduction creates an of law and parental authority. It leads stories of people suffering from lung
atmosphere of acceptability that young people into wrongdoing. It cancer. Smoking is now banned in
encourages more people to engage sends out the message that taking almost all workplaces and public
in harmful activity and stigmatises drugs or engaging in underage sex buildings. Instead, we see smokers
those young people who remain is acceptable. Increasing use of the huddled outside because smoking
opposed to it. This will result in harm reduction philosophy is leading is not allowed inside. The result of
increased harm, not reduced harm. to increasing failure. The only answer the public education programme has
This is clearly seen in the field of that the gurus of harm reduction can been a decline in smoking amongst
sex education. Since ‘safer sex’ give to this is to say that there must men aged over 35. This led to a 43%
education was introduced the be more use of harm reduction at reduction in the lung cancer rates for
number of children engaging in ever younger ages. men over a 25 year period to 1999
underage sex has increased. The (see Social Trends, No 32, 2002, page
levels of sexually transmitted disease By contrast, where preventative 126). If we can promote ‘just say no’
have also rocketed. Meanwhile, it approaches are used they have been to smoking, why not to activities
has become almost impossible for seen to succeed. Take, for example, which are illegal and morally wrong?
young people to feel free to say they smoking. The Government has
6. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MUST BE PRESERVED
Christians are to pray for the useless and trampled on by men These days there is a deliberate
governing authorities “that we may (Matthew 5:13). Jesus wants us not twisting of what ‘religious liberty’
live peaceful and quiet lives in all to be ashamed but rather to put our actually means. Religious liberty
godliness and holiness”. Paul says, light on its stand. Christians should is not only the liberty to believe
“this is good and pleases God our therefore be concerned greatly certain things in our head, but the
Saviour who wants all men to be about any laws or policies that limit liberty to act according to those
saved and to come to a knowledge our religious liberty. beliefs. It is, for example, the liberty
of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). In to gather with like-minded people,
other words, we are to pray for Christians must submit to the to form associations with those
freedom to live the Christian life and governing authorities except where who share our faith, to tell other
to proclaim the Gospel. they require what God forbids or people about our faith, and to
forbid what God requires (Acts 5:29). speak out against what we believe
When religious liberty is threatened, to be wrong.
gospel liberty is also in danger. It The Christian Institute has been
becomes more difficult to proclaim very concerned about laws which It is this liberty to act on our beliefs
the Gospel and more difficult for limit religious broadcasting and that is under attack in our day. Part
Christians to live out godly lives that seek to impose unwarranted of this stems from the growing
witness to the Gospel. Jesus himself secular restrictions on churches chasm between Christian values and
warns his followers not to lose their – such as being forced to employ the values of those in public life.
distinctive ‘salt’, lest they become unbelieving staff.
257. LIFE IS SACRED FROM CONCEPTION 8. CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
ON TRANSSEXUALISM
The Bible clearly teaches that manger in Bethlehem – he “was
human life is precious and that conceived by the Holy Ghost, Transsexuals are people who
murder is wrong (Genesis 9:6). Born of the virgin Mary” (see The are biologically male or female,
Uniquely among all creatures Apostles’ Creed and Matthew but who believe themselves to
only man has the capacity for a 1:20). Since Jesus shared our be members of the opposite
relationship with God. Only man humanity and was made like us sex – they say they are ‘trapped
has a soul. Only man was made in every way (Hebrews 2:14,17), in the wrong body’. And so a
in God’s image, God’s likeness our own human life must also male-to-female transsexual will
(Genesis 1:26). have begun at conception. assume the identity of a woman.
Often transsexuals undergo a ‘sex
The Bible talks of God The early church was at the change’ operation. The Gender
establishing and sustaining this forefront of ending the practice Recognition Act provides many
relationship with an individual of abortion in the Roman Empire. legal rights for transsexuals.
from conception (Jeremiah 1:5,
Psalm 139:13). It follows that The Christian Institute therefore Three fundamental premises
the human soul must be present affirms that human personhood lie behind the Act: one, human
from conception. Body and soul begins at conception and that psychological states rather than
cannot be separated until death. the human embryo is precisely human bodily nature can determine
that – a human embryo. There are a person’s gender; two, it is right for
The incarnation of Christ also enormous practical implications a surgeon to deform a healthy body
has important implications for which flow from this belief. Not in the interests of a psychological
medical ethics. Jesus Christ only is abortion wrong, but also disorder; and, three, the State
reveals not only the nature of any practice which deliberately should validate psychosocial
deity but also the nature of destroys human embryos. This confusions having precedence over
what is human. The incarnation includes human cloning and the unambiguous biological sex.
of the divine Son of God began use of drugs which prevent the
with the conception and not the implantation of an embryo. Christians say these premises are
wrong from biblical teaching, and
also church tradition and common
sense reason.
Firstly, the Bible teaches that a
human person is a mind-body
whole. So the body determines
personhood, not just the mind.
The first Christian heresy was to
deny that “Jesus Christ has come
in the flesh” (1 John 4:2). Genesis
1:27 records: “So God created man
in his own image, in the image
of God he created him; male and
female he created them.” Biblical
Christians hold that ‘sex change’
surgery desecrates a body made in
269. CHRISTIANITY AND
THE STATE
the image of God. And the Bible difficulties, and where necessary Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and
teaches that the State should repentance and faith in Jesus Lord of Lords “far above all rule and
validate what is right and not Christ (Acts 20:21). There will, authority, power and dominion, and
what is wrong (Romans 13:3). of course, be differences in every title that can be given, not only
the pastoral approaches that in the present age but also in the one
Secondly, the Church of England’s are taken. However, when it to come” (Ephesians 1:21).
2003 discussion document comes to deciding who should
equated transsexualism with the join ladies’ prayer meetings Scripture clearly teaches that God’s
ancient heresy of Gnosticism.1 or be leaders, who should present judgment is a reality for
Both see the body as unimportant use the ladies’ lavatories or nations which defy Jesus Christ:
and the mind as all important. take Holy Communion, surely “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be
Gnosticism was strongly individual churches should have warned, you rulers of the earth.
condemned by early Christian the freedom to decide this Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice
theologians such as Irenaeus themselves? Surely the law should with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he
(c130-200 AD) and Tertullian not leave churches wide open be angry and you be destroyed in
(c155-220 AD).2 to legal actions in secular courts your way, for his wrath can flare up in
over such matters? a moment. Blessed are all who take
Thirdly, the philosopher, Sir refuge in him” (Psalm 2:10-12).
Peter Strawson, holds that a The theologian Oliver O’Donovan
person must have “both states (Emeritus Professor of Christian Christians are to pray for those
of consciousness and corporeal Ethics and Practical Theology, in authority and for the State to
characteristics… [so] the orthodox University of Edinburgh) has provide freedom for the Gospel to be
have wisely insisted on the argued: “If I claim to have a ‘real preached and for men to live “quiet
resurrection of the body”.3 So it sex’, which may be at war with lives in all godliness and holiness” (1
is wrong to determine a person’s the sex of my body and is at least Timothy 2:1-3). A ruler in authority is
gender because their mind cannot in a rather uncertain relationship “God’s servant, an agent of wrath to
accept their body. As the then to it, I am shrinking from the glad bring punishment on the wrongdoer”
Bishop of Winchester stated in acceptance of myself as a physical (Romans 13:4).
2004: “When the bill passes into as well as a spiritual being, and
law, for me the words woman and seeking self-knowledge in a Christ’s kingdom can never be
man will no longer mean what kind of Gnostic withdrawal from identified with any particular nation
they have always meant and the material creation.”5 or political party. While it is not the
government will have introduced 1
Some Issues in Human Sexuality – A Guide to the role of a state to coerce individual
Debate, discussion document from the House
marriage between two people of of Bishops’ Group on Issues in Human Sexuality,
citizens to adhere to particular
the same sex.”4 Church House, 2003, page 249 beliefs, the State can never be
2
Berkhof, L, The History of Christian Doctrines, The neutral as regards values. Christians
Banner of Truth Trust, latest edition 2002, pages
Churches try to care for 45-51 and 62-63; Elwell, W A (Ed.), Evangelical are to work for the state to adopt
transsexuals and to speak to them Dictionary of Theology, Paternoster Press, 1999, Christian values and to implement
pages 444-447, 569 and 1078-1079
about the Gospel. The Christian godly laws.
3
Strawson, P F, Individuals – An Essay in Descriptive
response to a transsexual, as Metaphysics, Methuen, 1959, pages 104, 116
with any other person, should 4
The Sunday Times, 29 February 2004 There are different views among
be prayer, care and counsel 5
O’Donovan, O, Transsexualism and Christian Christian people regarding the
Marriage, Grove Booklet on Ethics, 1982,
as for any with psychological page 11
establishment of religion.
27However, as a matter of fact the Coronation Oath is an explicit denial 10. GAMBLING IS
of the secularity of the United Kingdom; and the establishment of the WRONG
Protestant Reformed Christian religion in general, and of the Church
of England and the Church of Scotland in particular, still defines Gambling is any activity in which
the UK as constitutionally a Christian country. These constitutional wealth changes hands, mainly on
arrangements will remain in force until there is intentional the basis of chance and with risk to
constitutional change to the contrary. the gambler. Such activities include
betting, fruit machines, lotteries,
In promoting the Christian faith The Christian Institute seeks to casino games, scratchcards and
affirm the universal Lordship of Christ and to challenge secular card games. Creative effort, useful
humanism, theological liberalism, universalism and other ideologies. skills, and responsible investment
are not integral factors.
The Institute affirms:
There are three legitimate ways in
(1) Salvation solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ (John 14:6); which wealth may change hands –
and by giving, by working for it, or by
genuine exchange: anything else is
(2) That biblical Christianity maintains the true basis for tolerance, virtual theft and so a breaking of
democracy and human dignity; and the 8th commandment. As has been
said: “Gambling is a kind of robbery
(3) Its commitment to freedom for, not freedom from religion. No by mutual agreement; but it is still
state can be neutral in terms of morality or religion. When a state has robbery, just as duelling, which is
a majority who claim allegiance to one religion, it may not enforce that murder by mutual agreement, is
one religious belief. There will, however, inevitably be a privileging of still treated as murder.”
that religion at certain public ceremonies such as thanksgivings, funerals
of public figures, and rituals and prayers at the beginning of Parliaments. Of the three impulses behind
Also it will be privileged in education, while ensuring opt-outs for those gambling – the desire for gain, the
of other faiths and none. There must be freedom for minority faiths and desire for a thrill and the desire
philosophies except where these plainly transgress the moral law. To for competition, the moral and
fail to privilege one religion would be for the State positively to endorse ethical problems are focused on
either a secular humanistic philosophy (which results in atheism), or the desire for gain.
a “multifaith philosophy” (which is opposed by faithful people in all
religions). Currently Christianity is privileged in the United Kingdom (1) Gambling directly appeals to
where the majority claim a Christian allegiance (cf. the Coronation Oath covetousness and greed “which is
and the National Census 2011 in which 59% of all people in England and idolatry” according to the Apostle
Wales stated their religion as Christian). The Christian Institute sees this Paul (Colossians 3:5). Gambling
as entirely appropriate and is committed to the ideals behind the current breaches the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 10th
Coronation Oath whatever future form of constitution the UK may have. Commandments. It enthrones
personal desires in place of God.
Jesus warned: “You cannot serve
both God and Money” (Matthew
6:24). A greedy and unrepentant
person is an idolater who cannot
obtain salvation (Ephesians 5:5).
28(2) Gambling directly depends on things belong to God
other people incurring financial loss. (Psalm 24:1) and
Jesus said that you should “do to that man will have
others what you would have them to give an account
do to you, for this sums up the for his stewardship
Law and the Prophets” (Matthew of all that he has
7:12). But gambling depends on been given (Matthew
doing to others what we would not 25:14-30).
have them do to us. At that point
no gambler desires the best for his (5) Rather than
fellow man. Instead he is indifferent facing up to reality, teaches us to be self-
to his fellow gamblers or wants gambling is a form of controlled (Ephesians 5:18;
them to lose so that he can win. In escapism. The gambling industry Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 2:11-12;
any honest business transaction trades on people’s vulnerability to 1 Peter 5:8).
it is the intention of both parties temptation and relies on the fact
to benefit, yet with gambling the that statistically it is the industry (8) Gambling is the very opposite
intention is to gain but the gain is at that wins practically every time. of contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10).
the other’s expense. We are called Those who gamble often are not Man’s duty is to seek first God’s
to do good to all people, not to do thinking rationally about risk. Kingdom and trust that God will
harm (Galatians 6:10). Instead they are thinking about luck meet his needs (Matthew 6:30-34;
and superstition. Chance is glorified Philippians 4:19).
(3) Gambling denies the biblical and God’s sovereignty denied (Job
work ethic which links honest labour 42:2; Romans 11:36; Colossians Mainstream Christian belief
with reward. The Apostle Paul said: 1:16,17; Hebrews 1:3). Scripture has always viewed gambling as
“He who has been stealing must makes clear that trust in God and incompatible with the Bible’s
steal no longer, but must work, trust in luck cannot co-exist (Isaiah teaching. Gambling was strongly
doing something useful with his own 65:11). opposed by Tertullian, Hugh Latimer,
hands, that he may have something John Wesley, William Wilberforce,
to share with those in need” (6) There is evidence that gambling C H Spurgeon and William Temple.
(Ephesians 4:28). Gambling holds disproportionately affects the poor On this issue, Thomas Aquinas is
out the dream that it is possible to who face particular temptations not representative of mainstream
get something for nothing. It can because of their strained financial Christian belief.
encourage laziness rather than work. circumstances (Proverbs 30:8-9).
Laziness is condemned in Scripture It is very wrong to exploit this Gambling does not cease to be
(e.g. 2 Thessalonians 3:10). vulnerability. wrong because a proportion of
the take is devoted to so-called
(4) Gambling is a reckless use (7) Gambling is inherently addictive. good causes. Many are misled at
of resources. It undermines the As with alcohol or drug addiction, this point, and persuaded of the
creation mandate to be stewards of compulsive gamblers lose control legitimacy of the National Lottery,
creation and to work (Genesis 1:28; of their lives. This is plainly contrary for example. The end does not
9:1-2). The Bible teaches that all to the teaching of the Bible, which justify the means.
29Thanks
2 Feb 1938 –
23 Apr 2021
30Basis of faith
We are committed to the truths of historic,
biblical Christianity including:
A. The existence of the one, eternal C. The inherent value of all human E. The necessity of the work of the
God, Creator and Lord of the beings, in consequence of their Holy Spirit for the individual’s
universe, who in the unity of creation by God in his own new birth and growth to
the Father, the Son and the image, and their sinfulness and maturity, and for the Church’s
Holy Spirit, both governs all guilt since the Fall. This has constant renewal in truth,
things according to his will and rendered them subject to God’s wisdom, faith, holiness, love,
is accomplishing his purposes in wrath and condemnation, and power and mission.
the world and in the Church. has resulted in their alienation
from his life, suppression of his
truth, and hostility to his law. F. The one, holy, universal and
B. The inspiration of the Holy apostolic Church, which is the
Scripture in its entirety by body of Christ, and to which
God’s Spirit through the human D. Salvation from the guilt, penalty all true believers belong. The
authors, and its revelation of and all other consequences of sin Church’s calling is to worship
God’s truth to humanity. The solely through the work of Jesus and serve God in the world, to
Bible is without error not only Christ – his perfect obedience, proclaim and defend his truth,
when it speaks of salvation, its substitutionary death, bodily to exhibit his character and to
own origins, values, and religious resurrection and exaltation as demonstrate the reality of his
matters, but it is also without Lord. He alone is truly God and new order.
error when it speaks of history truly man, the only mediator
and the cosmos. Christians must, between God and man. There
therefore, submit to its supreme is salvation through no other G. The personal and visible return
authority, both individually and person, creed, process or power. in glory of the Lord Jesus Christ
corporately, in every matter of Each sinner is justified before to raise the dead and bring
belief and conduct. God and reconciled to him salvation and judgment to
only by his grace appropriated final completion. Evildoers will
through faith alone. suffer eternal punishment. God
will fully establish his kingdom
when he creates a new heaven
and a new earth from which
evil, suffering and death will be
excluded, and in which he will be
glorified for ever.
31The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against
that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:25 NIVYou can also read
