House of Lords chamber, photo via wikipedia.org

UK Christians welcome common sense amendment

“A victory for common sense” - that's the UK Evangelical Alliance's response to the House of Lords’ decision on the Equalities Bill, reports Peter Wooding, special to ASSIST News Service.

Following engagement with the Alliance and other Christian organizations, the House of Lords rejected an ambiguous UK Government amendment to the Bill which could have prevented churches and Christian organizations from appointing practicing Christians to key roles.

The Lords voted by a significant margin for a different amendment from Baroness O'Cathain, which will maintain the status quo.

In a press release, the EA said there is much in the Bill that promotes justice, fairness and equality, all hallmarks of a modern society that the Evangelical Alliance enthusiastically supports. However, it is also important that fundamental liberties, such as freedom of religious belief and expression are maintained.

Dr. Don Horrocks, head of public affairs for the UK Evangelical Alliance, said: “We're grateful to the Lords for this result. The Government's amendment was unclear and would have left churches and organizations unsure whether they could prefer practicing Christians for the majority of their roles.

“Now, they can continue to appoint people who are committed to the ethos of the organizations they are supposed to represent. It's a victory for common sense. I hope the government will accept this and not prolong the issue by asking the House of Commons to challenge the Lords’ vote.”

The rejected amendment stated that religious organizations could only prefer candidates if they were applying for the job of minister of religion or posts that “exist to promote or represent the religion or to explain the doctrines of the religion.”

The Alliance was concerned it would be unclear how the courts might interpret the word “exist” - few religious posts actually exist wholly or mainly for the purposes stated.

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TAGS: United Kingdom common sense amendment Equalities Bill UK Evangelical Alliance religious freedom

[01/26/2010]

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