UK Christians praying for marriage

Christians are being urged to pray ahead of the third reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

The Bill is due to have its third reading on 20 and 21 May. Proposed amendments include exempting religious schools from having to promote or endorse gay marriage, the right to conscientious objection as grounds for refusing to conduct a same-sex marriage ceremony, and for a referendum to be held on the issue of same-sex marriage.

MPs supporting the amendments include David Burrowes and Fiona Bruce.

To coincide with the Bill's third reading, Christian Concern is organising prayer meetings outside Parliament at 12:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 19:00 on 20 and 21 May.

Speaking in the House of Lords this week, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey said the passing of the Bill had been "wholly unedifying" and that debate on its content had been "curtailed".

He was also critical of the Government for failing to listen to the views of black and ethnic minority communities.

"My Lords, had the Government listened more and not engaged in a desperate bid to paint all the opponents of this bill as elderly Christians, a strange breed of non-relevant dinosaurs, perhaps they would have started to address these issues and picked up the chorus of disapproval from those from our black and minority ethnic communities, who have been for no apparent reason, deliberately excluded from the legislative process," he said.

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.