Launch of campaign to defend Christianity in UK

Christians of all denominations subject to ‘discrimination’ in schools and work-places as a result of being open about their Christian beliefs, have launched a nation-wide ‘Not Ashamed’ campaign. They are urging Christians across the country to stand together.

Christians whose plight have been highlighted by the national media, including Shirley Chaplin, Olive Jones, Sheila Matthews, Andrew McClintock, Gary McFarlane and Lydia Playfoot, launched the campaign outside Parliament.

Campaign organiser, Christian Concern for our Nation, is urging Christians to wear the ‘Not Ashamed’ logo during Advent this year, and especially on Wednesday, 1 December - ‘Not Ashamed Day’.

Lord Carey of Clifton, former Archbishop of Canterbury is currently writing a special leaflet for the campaign, explaining why Jesus Christ is good news for all. It is hoped that it will be delivered to every household in the country.

Andrea Minichiello Williams, founder of Christian Concern said: “As the Pope’s visit has highlighted, there is widespread recognition of the attempt in our society to remove Jesus Christ from public life, restricting Him to the domain of the ‘private and personal’, with disastrous effect for both individuals and our communities.

“This has meant that many Christians have felt unable to speak and live out their faith or confused and bewildered at what they are allowed to say and do in public. This campaign is about giving the grassroots the courage to stand up and be counted and fearlessly declare that they are not ashamed of who they are or what they believe in. The Campaign encourages them to wear a highly visible Christian symbol and also, give to family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues Lord Carey’s leaflet.

“It is time for the Church to find her voice again. We are praying that this Campaign will achieve just that by igniting a flame in Christians such that they find their voice and place in public life. The Not Ashamed symbol of the cross is designed to act as a reminder of the hope that is found uniquely and supremely in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Christian Concern has written to a range of Christian leaders urging them to back ‘Not Ashamed’ Day when thousands of Christians across the UK will wear merchandise sporting a cross encircled in a speech bubble, encouraging people to ask what the logo is all about.

The group, which has been at the forefront of defending Christian freedoms in the workplace, and society at large, also asks Christians everywhere to back wholeheartedly the Advent Evangelistic opportunity, encouraging their churches, networks and denominations to distribute Lord Carey’s evangelistic leaflet.

For full details of the campaign, and to order merchandise, visit: www.notashamed.org.uk, or call 020 3327 1133.