Christian Institute speaking in the Highlands

This last week member of the Christian Institute addressed well-attended meetings in both Thurso and Inverness speaking on a range of issues in political and public life which are a concern to Christians.

CI's Alasdair Armour (left) speaking to Donald Boyd

The Newcastle-based Christian Institute which enjoys strong support from Christians in the north of Scotland spoke this week at two public meetings in Thurso and Inverness respectively.

Both of these meetings were very well attended and those present heard two CI speakers cover a range of issues with which Christians are concerned.

These included the increasing legislation governing and surrounding civil and religious liberty. Alasdair Armour and Callum Webster also covered the topics related to sanctity of life.

On the subject of freedom of speech and liberty of conscience the threats ranged from those facing Christian guest house operators to street evangelists and ordinary employees who have been faced with intimidation, police action, imprisonment, suspension, loss of jobs and ruination of businesses.

Regarding 'life' issues, human life is threatened both in the womb (by abortion) and at the end of life (through euthanasia). In Britain in 2009 -

1 in 5 pregnancies result in an abortion being carried out
208,000 abortions in the UK with 13,000 in Scotland
98.6% of abortions were for social reasons
0.03% because of risks to the mother's health
1.1% because of foetal handicap

A range of excellent printed resources backed up the encouragement given by the speakers to engage with the media, politics and other spheres of life.

Christians were (and are) encouraged to -

be informed
pray
teach (the Truth)
persist
meet with politicians (surgeries etc)
write letters (to the local and national press and members of parliaments)
use the law as support where possible
be involved in schools
input to public consultations
engage with the media pro-actively (e.g. radio phone-ins)

At the conclusion of the meeting and following a 'Question and Answer' session Callum gave short interview to Christians Together.

Callum Webster of the Christian Institute speaking to Christians Together (4 mins)

Footnote:
The Christian Institute is a nondenominational Christian charity committed to upholding the truths of the Bible. The organisation draws its support from individuals and churches throughout the UK.
Although the Christian Institute is based in the north of England it seeks to serve the Christian community right across the UK and conducts research across the spectrum legislation in Scotland, England and Wales and Northern Ireland. Further information can be found at the Christian Institute web site.

Christians Together, 08/11/2010