Campaigners renew SORS protests
EVANGELICAL Christian groups have voiced concern about the content of the draft Sexual Orientation Regulations published by the Government at the end of last week. The Evangelical Alliance, CARE, the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship, and the Christian Institute have all said the regulations will force Christians to facilitate the promotion of homosexuality. Another group, Faithworks, continued to support the regulations, saying that they did not pose a threat to Christians. See Comment
Exemption to stay
A WHITE PAPER on Heritage Protection, published last week, has been given a preliminary welcome by the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, who chairs the Church Heritage Forum. “It is clear that the Churches’ own systems have received a substantial vote of confidence.” The Church of England is exempt from the state’s listed-buildings control. The White Paper says that the exemption will continue, but will not be extended to cover other denominations, or other ecclesiastical assets.
Veil-case teacher appeals
AISHA AZMI, the Muslim teaching assistant at Headfield C of E Voluntary Controlled School, Dewsbury, who refused to remove her veil when male staff were present, has launched an appeal against Kirklees Council’s decision to sack her. An employment tribunal, which upheld the decision, dismissed three claims by Mrs Azmi of harassment and discrimination, but awarded her £1100 for hurt feelings (News, 27 October).
Challenge on Millennium Goals
A COALITION of Christian charities this week launched a “Blow the Whistle” campaign to challenge the UK and other countries to fulfil their promises to poor nations. At the UN Millennium Summit, leaders promised to halve extreme poverty by 2015. The new campaign, backed by the Archbishop of York, is asking for a “half-time” look at progress. www. micahchallenge.org
Counter services
GUIDELINES were being drawn up this week by the Church of England, suggesting how churches could be one of the community centres suitable to house post offices. Details of the document will not be agreed until after the publication of the government consultation paper on post offices, which is due to be published next month.
Correction: Leanne Larmondin is editor of the independent Anglican Journal in Canada, not as we stated last week. Our apologies.