Church leader calls for MPs who put God first

The former Bishop of Chester has warned that the devaluation of the Bible and Christian faith in Parliament is posing a serious threat to the nation’s Christian basis.

The Rt Rev Michael Baughen, also formerly rector of All Souls, Langham Place in London, is one of several high profile speakers to address Bible By the Beach in Eastbourne next month.

Speaking ahead of the four-day gathering, he said: "The growing trend in Parliament and elsewhere to devalue the Bible and the Christian faith is a serious threat to the Christian basis of our nation.

“We need new members of Parliament who have God first in their lives, who can be trusted, who are not self-interest motivated but want the best for others, including the most needy."

Baughen take questions on the state of British politics during a question and answer session alongside distinguished evangelical, Jim Packer, and the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn.

The Rev Dr Mike Ovey, Principal of Oak Hill College, said the real cross that counted was the cross of Jesus Christ.

He said: “Contrary to every appearance, the cross is a place of victory as Jesus conquers humanity’s enemy, Satan, and brings victory in a war that has raged throughout human recorded history and beyond.”

Around 1,000 Christians are expected to head to Eastbourne for the all-age gathering. The programme will address issues like the fundamental teaching of Jesus Christ, the meaing of the cross, how to build healthy marriages, the increasing secularisation of British laws, and hope in the face of suffering.

Worship will be led by leading singer/songwriter Stuart Townend, Lou Fellingham and Phatfish.

On the web: www.biblebythebeach.org