Evangelical Alliance Calls Christians to Reach Out as Blair Looks to Terror Laws

The Evangelical Alliance UK (EAUK) has made a call to all Christians to tackle increasing religious tensions in the UK after the London terrorist bomb attacks in July. The EAUK has called on Christians to be more pro-active and make positive steps to reach out to other faiths and the Muslim community in particular.

Figures released by London Police early last week showed that religious hate crimes had increased by 600% since 7/7, and these figures have alarmed religious and faith leaders.

General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Joel Edwards said, "Firstly, I would say that Christian communities throughout Britain should show the love of God by extending the hand of friendship to those affected by the actions of extremists and suffering violence and intimidation as a result.

“We need to care beyond our creed and serve without compromising our faith,” he said.

In addition, Rev Edwards added, “Secondly, hard though it is to face the fact that there are terrorists in our midst our Christian faith requires us to love those who persecute us and I would emphasise this command at the present time.”

However, the EAUK also has expressed it grave concerns that the government will use the current anxious atmosphere to drive through and rush racial and religious hatred legislation.

On Monday 8th August, there have already been reports that religious extremists who publicly back terrorism could face a new wave of charges, including such things as treason, incitement to treason, solicitation of murder, and incitement to withhold information from police among others.

The list is the result of top legal brains in Britain meeting to discuss their response to the attacks and the increasing terrorist threats.

The latest release comes in follow up of British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s pledge last week to deport foreigners who come to the UK to preach hate. He also threatened to impose the closure of groups, religious buildings and bookshops where terrorism was condoned and encouraged.

Attorney General Lord Goldsmith and Director of Prosecutions Ken MacDonald met at the weekend with three clerics regarding new ways to tackle the threat. Lord Goldsmith’s office has confirmed that it would be looking to see if any offences have been committed by well-known controversial preachers.

In light of proposed new anti-terror legislation, the Evangelical Alliance has reported that it remains firm in its conviction that “such legislation could exacerbate religious tension and increase community division.”