Christian Concern

The organisation was co-founded{{cite web |title=Christian Concern - People |url=https://www.christianconcern.com/about/people |website=Christian Concern |access-date=22 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112153721/http://www.christianconcern.com/about/people |archive-date=12 November 2010 |location=Internet Archive |quote=Andrea Minichiello Williams - Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer}} by the barrister and evangelical activist Andrea Minichiello Williams;Christian Concern [https://www.christianconcern.com/press-release/christian-concern-our-nation-warns-unless-church-%E2%80%98raises-its-voice%E2%80%99more-effectively-na Press release] dated 16 July 2009. Retrieved on 15 February 2012.Jenkins, P. (2007), God's continent: Christianity, Islam, and Europe's religious crisis, Oxford University Press, (p.278). Before 2008, it functioned as a network run from the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) Public Policy Unit, which was then headed by Williams.{{cite journal | author=Jennifer Gold | date=20 February 2007 | journal=Christian Today | title=Lord Carey Makes Prayer Plea as General Synod Prepares for Gay Debate | url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/lord.carey.makes.prayer.plea.as.general.synod.prepares.for.gay.debate/9621.htm | access-date=2012-02-03 }} An internet domain was registered to the organisation using the name Christian Concern For Our Nation (CCFON). In 2006, CCFON described itself as "an activity of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship Public Policy Unit", functioning as a "service for non-lawyers who want to be equipped to understand, act and respond to the increasing number of legal issues impacting the Gospel and Biblical justice at the heart of our society". CCFON described itself as "[consisting] of a website and e-mail update service supported by an active team of lawyers".{{cite web |url=http://christianconcernforournation.co.uk/ |title=Christian Concern for our Nation |access-date=2012-02-04 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004010451/http://christianconcernforournation.co.uk/ |archive-date=4 October 2006 |df=dmy-all}}

The organisation separated from the LCF in June 2008, with Williams stating that this was to avoid jeopardising the charitable status of the LCF,{{cite news|url=http://www.e-n.org.uk/p-4591-The-Christians-advocate.htm |title=The Christians' Advocate: Interview with Andrea Minichiello Williams of CCFON |newspaper=Evangelicals Now |date =April 2009 |access-date = 30 January 2012}} as political activity from a charity, when it's a stated purpose of that charity, is illegal under UK law.[http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publications/cc9.aspx#13 Can a charity have a political purpose?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131023532/http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publications/cc9.aspx#13 |date=31 January 2013}} Charity Commission. Retrieved 30 January 2012. CCFON Ltd was incorporated as an independent body on 24 June 2008.[http://www.companiesintheuk.co.uk/ltd/ccfon CCFON Ltd] entry at companiesintheuk.co.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2012. In October 2010, CCFON Ltd shortened its operating name to Christian Concern.{{cite web|url=https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=f2041abf4f&e=32b86f6b5a|title=Christian Concern - Our New Name and Website|website=us2.campaign-archive.com}}

Williams is currently CEO of Christian Concern and also acts as the founder and operating director of Christian Legal Centre, a sister organisation that describes itself as serving to "defend Christians in the public sphere and to protect the freedom of Christians to live their lives in accordance with their Christian beliefs".[https://www.christianconcern.com/christian-legal-centre Christian Legal Centre]. Retrieved 15 February 2012 Sam Solomon acts as a consultant for Christian Concern, advising on Islamic affairs.{{cite web|title=Christian Concern - People|url=https://www.christianconcern.com/about/people|website=Christian Concern|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112153721/http://www.christianconcern.com/about/people|archive-date=12 November 2010|location=Internet Archive|quote=Sam Solomon - Islamic Affairs Consultant}} Solomon wrote A Proposed Charter of Muslim Understanding{{cite web|author1=Sam Solomon|authorlink1=A Proposed Charter of Muslim Understanding|title=Proposed code of conduct for British Muslims commissioned by Ukip MEP Gerard Batten|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/interactive/2014/feb/04/charter-muslim-ukip-gerard-batten|website=The Guardian|access-date=22 May 2016|date=4 February 2014}} for UKIP MEP Gerard Batten, who wrote the foreword to the charter. A link to the charter has featured on the website since at least 2009.{{cite web|title=Imam blames Christian Leaders for the Persecutions of Christians|url=https://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/islam/imam-blames-christian-leaders-persecution-christians|website=Christian Concern|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522075950/http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/islam/imam-blames-christian-leaders-persecution-christians|archive-date=22 May 2014|location=Internet Archive|quote=Can he not ask prominent Muslim leaders to sign up to basic freedoms in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or the Proposed Charter of Muslim Understanding?}}

The organisation is currently based in the City of Westminster.

The organisation is known for its views on and opposition to trends of liberalisation within Christianity in the United Kingdom, and trends of liberalisation within wider society. It views society as having "largely turned [its] back on Jesus", leading to the growth of ideas such as "secular liberal humanism, moral relativism and sexual licence", which has led to "widespread family breakdown, immorality and social disintegration". The organisation views the "fruit" of ideas that are alternative to Christianity as "rotten", and seeks to combat them through engaging politically with a broad range of issues, including (but not limited to) abortion, adoption and fostering, Islam, marriage and issues relating to sexual orientation.{{cite web |title=About Christian Concern |url=http://www.christianconcern.com/about |website=ChristianConcern.com |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329233434/http://www.christianconcern.com/about |archive-date=29 March 2012 |quote=...in the last few decades the nation has largely turned her back on Jesus and embraced alternative ideas such as secular liberal humanism, moral relativism and sexual licence. The fruit of this is rotten, and can be seen in widespread family breakdown, immorality and social disintegration. ... We want to be a strong Christian voice in the public sphere, arguing passionately for the truth of the Gospel and defending the historic freedoms that we have enjoyed in this nation for so long. We believe that by doing so, society as a whole will benefit. We seek to highlight injustice, change public opinion on issues of key importance and affect policy at the highest levels. We engage on a broad large range of issues, including abortion, adoption and fostering, bioethics, marriage, education, employment, end of life, equality, family, free speech, Islamism, religious freedom, the sex trade, social issues and issues relating to sexual orientation.}}

The organisation also takes opposition to liberalising trends in specific denominations, such as the Church of England; in 2014, the Church of England responded to a government survey on civil partnerships in support, with Christian Concern's Andrea Williams opposed to the church's decision.{{cite web |url=https://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/church-of-england-in-formal-support-for-civil-partnerships |title=Church of England in formal support for civil partnerships |website=Christian Concern |access-date=2018-07-24}} In 2018, Christian Concern criticised the Anglican church for supporting civil partnerships; arguing against civil unions, Christian Concern stated that "Legal recognition of same-sex relationships should not have been given in the first place and should not be allowed for priests in any case. The government should not listen to the alarmed voice of the [Church of England] in this case."{{cite web |url=https://www.christianconcern.com/our-issues/cofe-campaigns-to-retain-civil-partnerships |title=CofE Campaigns to retain civil partnerships |website=Christian Concern |access-date=2018-07-24}} When it was revealed that the Church of England appointed Nicholas Chamberlain as the Bishop of Grantham, knowing that he was in a same sex relationship, Christian Concern stated that it opposed the appointment.{{cite web |url=https://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/same-sex-marriage/cofe-bishop-reveals-he-is-in-a-homosexual-relationship |title=CofE bishop reveals he is in a homosexual relationship |website=Christian Concern |access-date=2018-07-24}} Christian Concern also opposed the church's decision to affirm transgender members.{{cite web |url=https://www.christianconcern.com/our-issues/family-and-sexual-ethics/the-transgender-issue-is-a-first-order-gospel-issue |title=The transgender issue is a first-order gospel issue |website=Christian Concern |date=26 January 2018 |access-date=2018-07-24}}

In 2005 and early 2006, the group campaigned, alongside other Christian organisations, to stop the passing of the Religious Hatred Bill. The Bill was later passed with amendments in the House of Lords.[https://christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/religious-hatred-bill-victory Religious Hatred Bill victory], Christian Concern, 31 January 2006

In 2006 and 2007, the organisation opposed segments of the Equality Act Sexual Orientation Regulations, organising a rally outside Parliament{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jan/09/religion.gayrights |title=Church groups to march against sexuality law |date=9 January 2007 |website=The Guardian}} and a petition which gained over 10,000 signatures, on the grounds that they claimed the new law would "discriminate heavily" against Christians.{{cite news |last1=Byers |first1=David |title=Gay rights laws draw religious protest |url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/northern-ireland-travel/gay-rights-laws-draw-religious-protest-f09wzvhkwtw |access-date=25 November 2020 |work=The Times |date=9 January 2007 |quote=A total of 10,000 people have already signed a petition to the Queen organised by Christian Concern for Our Nation, part of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, which complains that the new law would have the consequence of "discriminating heavily" against Christians of all backgrounds and denominations.}} {{subscription required}} From Autumn 2007, they campaigned against some clauses in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, organising a demonstration outside Parliament in January 2008.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7187168.stm |title=Scientists in hybrid embryos plea |date=24 April 2018 |via=news.bbc.co.uk}} Both Bills subsequently passed reading in the House of Commons without amendment.

In 2007, the organisation supported Lydia Playfoot, a schoolgirl who had been instructed to remove a sexual abstinence ring in school because it contravened her school's uniform policy. Miss Playfoot took her case to the High Court of Justice, alleging that her human rights had been violated under the European Convention on Human Rights. The High Court found against her, awarding her school £12,000 costs.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6900512.stm |title='Chastity ring' girl loses case |date=16 July 2007 |via=news.bbc.co.uk}} Also in 2007, the organisation supported foster parents who had refused to sign a new contract drawn up to implement the Sexual Orientation Regulations.Ruth Gledhill, [https://web.archive.org/web/20081007103120/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2787896.ece Gay row foster parents win right not to 'promote' homosexuality], 1 November 2007, The Times

The organisation launched its 'Not Ashamed' campaign in December 2010, aimed at encouraging Christians to live out their faith in public, drawing attention to instances where Christians believed themselves to have been marginalised at work or in public life. The campaign was backed by George Carey, and secured wide media coverage on its official launch in December 2010. Another Christian think tank, Ekklesia, said that there was "no evidence" of systematic discrimination as the organisation claimed.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11877608 Christians launch defence of faith 'under attack], BBC News, 1 December 2010

In 2021, Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre supported Seyi Omooba in her legal case against the Curve Theatre in Leicester and her former agency (Global Artists), where she alleged religious discrimination, harassment and breach of contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/feb/08/actors-homophobia-made-her-commercially-toxic-tribunal-told|title = Actor's homophobia made her commercially toxic, tribunal told|website = TheGuardian.com|date = 8 February 2021}} The case was dismissed.

Briefly, Omooba accepted the part of Celie in the Curve's production of The Colour Purple, a part that includes portrayal of a lesbian relationship in the original book and dramatisations of it. Problems arose when homophobic posts by Omooba from 2014 threatened boycott of the production. Many inconsistencies in Omooba's case{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/pWsaMJ1ztVs| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsaMJ1ztVs| title = Is Seyi Omooba Lying? | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} include that she was unaware that the directors expected Celie to be played as a lesbian, despite that being a central element of the narrative and that Omooba had appeared in the 2017 Cadogan Hall British Theatre Academy production of The Colour Purple{{Cite web|url=https://www.westendwilma.com/review-the-color-purple-cadogan-hall/|title = REVIEW: THE COLOR PURPLE (Cadogan Hall) ★★★★★|date = 22 May 2017}} (not as Celie, but as Nettie - a part for which she received high praise). Further to this, she had read the script before accepting the part.

In February 2021, when the case was dismissed, with costs awarded to the Curve Theatre, Seyi Omooba was said to be considering an appeal against the judgement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/feb/17/actor-loses-tribunal-claim-over-loss-of-lgbt-color-purple-role|title = Actor loses tribunal claim over loss of Color Purple role after homophobic comments|website = TheGuardian.com|date = 17 February 2021}} Omooba appealed her case to the High Court of Justice, but in March 2024, the Court ruled against her appeal. Omooba's lawyers stated that they would appeal her case to the Court of Appeal.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-14 |title=Seyi Omooba: Sacked anti-gay post actress loses tribunal appeal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-68562494 |access-date=2024-12-14 |language=en-GB}}

The Channel 4 Dispatches documentary "In God's Name", which first aired on 19 May 2008, examined the growing influence of Christian evangelical movements in the UK. Investigative journalist David Modell followed head of Christian Concern, Williams, who, at the time, was public policy director of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship.[http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2010/04/conservative-christian The Right Hand of God], Sunny Hundal, New Statesman, 24 April 2010. The documentary featured Williams and documented her lobbying the British Government on issues such as abortion, gay rights and the enforcing of laws relating to blasphemy. The programme included footage of Williams' meetings with Conservative politicians Norman Tebbit and Nadine Dorries, both of whom have worked with the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship to influence policy on matters where they had a common agenda. When director David Modell asked Williams if she believes Islam is the 'work of the devil' Williams replied "I believe that Islam is a false religion yes."{{Citation |title=Dispatches: In God's Name |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gqhlRdOxJg |language=en |access-date=2022-09-05}} In the documentary, Williams addresses the LCF's track record of losing cases by saying "it's vital that these issues are aired and won in the court room." David Modell concludes that, "perhaps one of the problems is that she relies on evidence that has no apparent basis in reality." Williams also discussed her involvement in the Andrew McClintock case - a magistrate who opposed gay adoption cases and who received support from Lawyers' Christian Fellowship.{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=PinkNews Staff |date=2007-03-02 |title=Magistrate not allowed to refuse gay adoption cases |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2007/03/02/magistrate-not-allowed-to-refuse-gay-adoption-cases/ |access-date=2022-09-05 |website=PinkNews }} Williams stated:

it's not about the oppression of the homosexual community but the evidence shows that children raised in those households are more likely to be gender confused, more likely to be drug dependent, more likely to not finish school.

Christian Concern's director Andrea Williams has a closely working relationship with British conservative politician Nadine Dorries.{{Cite web |date=2008-05-21 |title=Fundamentally flawed |url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/may/21/fundamentallyflawed |access-date=2022-09-05 |website=The Guardian |language=en}} Williams was a team member of Dorries' campaign to reduce the upper limit on abortion to 20 weeks - a campaign that was partly funded by Christian Concern. Williams who wrote the anti-abortion amendments for Dorries. In the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, "In God's Name", Dorries was asked how closely she worked with Williams and replied, ""Closely? We've been stuck to the hip. Very closely." In reference to her campaign, Dorries also said:

What goes on in here would have no structure whatsover, no sense of achievement if it wasn't for people like Andrea on the outside. You know, the Lawyers Christian Fellowship, the Medical Christian Fellowship on this particular issue are absolutely vital because they give us the information

Ben John of Christian Concern in his response to Living in Love and Faith, part of a number of resources encouraging more LGBT inclusion within the Church of England, argued against transgender rights, saying that "transgenderism is a false ideology". In response to comments from Alex Clare-Young (a non-binary minister of the United Reformed Church) and their wife, John said "what we're actually seeing here is a lesbian couple. This man isn't really a man. She's a woman. ... These were leaders in the church. Should we be ordaining transgender people?"{{cite news |last1=Ames |first1=Jonathan |last2=Bannerman |first2=Lucy |title=Police investigate alleged hate against trans clergy |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/police-investigate-alleged-hate-against-trans-clergy-qsqfrhskd |access-date=30 November 2020 |work=The Times |date=30 November 2020 |language=en}} {{subscription required}} He also criticised comments made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, by saying "We have bishops openly promoting homosexual, practising relationships, transgenderism and yet we tolerate that. That is not love. It seems to me that Archbishop Justin is implying that there's all these different views, [that] we need to listen to one another and accept one another. But the reality is that some views should not be accepted or tolerated. There are some views that we need to condemn."

In response, Clare-Young asked John to re-edit his video and remove personal attacks, saying that the comments "were leading to personal harm to myself, my wife, and the others in the video. ... It describes me and my wife as being in a same-sex marriage, which isn't true." In response, Andrea Williams denied the comments were hateful, and said they upheld a "Biblical understanding of sex and gender." The police are currently{{when|date=August 2023}} investigating the comments as a potential hate crime.

• Christian Legal Centre
• Christian Voice (UK)

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website}}

Category:2008 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Anti-abortion organisations in the United Kingdom

Category:Christian fundamentalism

Category:Christian organisations based in the United Kingdom

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Category:Evangelicalism in the United Kingdom

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Category:Organisations that oppose LGBTQ rights in the United Kingdom

Category:Religion in the City of Westminster