In the news this week: The Church of England ‘commends’ plans to bless same-sex partners, Christian MPs welcome the Government’s defence of free speech at universities, and the CPS drops charges against a pro-lifer arrested for silently praying near an abortion clinic.

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A ‘sad day’ as CofE votes to bless same-sex partners

Welsh Government wants to make legal ‘sex swaps’ much easier

Christian MPs welcome Govt’s stance on uni free speech

CPS drops ‘silent prayer’ charges against pro-lifer

Simon Calvert talks about proposed conversion therapy bans in the UK, as well as extreme legislation in Victoria - explaining why such bans can have a detrimental effect to the freedom of Christians to speak out about their beliefs and to share the Gospel with others.

All information was correct at the time of recording.

Clamping down on illegal online activity is a good thing. But the Government wants to require social media and search engine companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google to protect people from what it calls ‘legal but harmful’ content too. Big Tech shouldn’t get to decide what is and isn’t allowed to be said on controversial issues. Where will this leave mainstream Christian beliefs on sexual ethics, gender, parenting?

The Institute’s Ciarán Kelly and Dave Greatorex discuss some of the problems with the Online Safety Bill.

The media and education loudly proclaim that we are a secular society. Are they right?

Sociologists tend to believe that affluence, universal education, scientific and medical advances mean there is no longer any need to believe in God. They say that secularisation and modernity have gone hand in hand. But how does this claim stand up to scrutiny? Has history been distorted to make secularisation theory more plausible? And has belief persisted in a way which undermines the cherished theory?

Dr Nick Needham explains how 'common grace' (God's favour to all men whether they are Christians or not) is so helpful in understanding the work of The Christian Institute.

Westminster is threatening to override the NI Executive and unilaterally expand the abortion provision it imposed in 2019. Revisit our podcast where Callum Webster speaks to Angus Saul about the radical change.

The Christian Institute's Ciarán Kelly speaks to Trustee Rupert Bentley-Taylor about his own journey with the Lord, the responsibilities and trials of preachers, and how they should approach the Word of God.

Dr Sharon James and Michael Taylor discuss the recent rise in people identifying as transgender, where this has come from, and how Christians can respond with compassion and sensitivity.

A year after the landmark judgment protecting freedom of expression in the UK, The Christian Institute’s Sam Webster gives his verdict on the ruling, explains why it was so important, and dives a little deeper into some of the far-reaching implications.

The Christian Institute’s Education Officer John Denning explains his role, and how parents and teachers can engage with schools over the introduction of Relationships and Sex Education and other materials being used to promote LGBT issues in the classroom.