Faith Facts

• The European Court of Human Rights is reviewing a case on removing Christian symbols from Greek courtrooms.
• Legal advocates argue these symbols are expressions of heritage, not violations of rights.
• A previous court decision found that crucifixes in schools did not infringe on freedom of thought or religion.

Atheists in Greece have challenged the presence of Christian symbols in courtrooms, claiming these displays are discriminatory and compromise fairness.

The Greek courts denied the request, and the case is now before the European Court of Human Rights, which influences 46 European nations.

ADF International, a faith-based legal group, has spoken in defense of public Christian symbols, emphasizing their national and historical significance.

“The display of religious symbols in public spaces is in no way incompatible with human rights law. Public spaces should not be stripped of crosses, icons or other symbols with religious, cultural, and historical significance in the name of pluralism.”

ADF has argued that removing such symbols under “state neutrality” targets Christian heritage, a position supported by court decisions in similar cases.

“The Court has repeatedly affirmed that religious symbols, particularly those forming a country’s heritage, do not violate freedom of religion or the right to a fair trial.”

In a key previous ruling, the court declared that crucifixes in Italian schools were not indoctrination and did not infringe on religious freedom.

“The European Convention on Human Rights robustly protects freedom of religion. Culturally rooted religious symbols or artwork, such as centuries-old Orthodox Christian icons, do not impose a belief on anyone nor direct judicial decision-making.”

Stand firm for faith, family, and freedom—defending Christian heritage in the public square is vital for future generations.

Read the full story at Christian Today

Faith Facts

• A church in Greenwich was initially barred from a university event due to a new policy banning religious groups.
• Legal intervention highlighted that the exclusion could amount to discrimination under UK law.
• The company suspended its policy, allowing the church to attend the fair without admitting liability.

Grace Church Greenwich faced exclusion from a Goldsmiths University freshers’ fair after previously being allowed to participate. Native, the organizing company, cited a new rule against booking religious organizations.

The church sought support from The Christian Institute, which issued a legal warning about possible discrimination based on faith.

Native reversed the ban, ending its policy that prevented religious groups from participating. This ensures Christian organizations like Grace Church Greenwich can continue to offer a faith-based presence to students.

Rev. Andrew Sach emphasized the importance of churches standing up for religious liberties and ensuring a Christian voice on campuses.

Pro-life groups have also faced obstacles at university events, but continue to defend their freedom to express and promote biblical values.

Other organizations promoting concerning messages have found less resistance, drawing attention to the need for vigilance in defending biblical principles in public spaces.

Read the full report here

In a troubling development that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in Egypt, Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq, a courageous convert to Christianity, has been charged with terrorism after seeking to update his identification documents to reflect his newfound faith. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding religious freedom, a fundamental principle that should be cherished and protected in any free society.

Abdulraziq’s journey of faith began in 2016 when he embraced Christianity and was baptized into the Russian Orthodox Church. His decision to follow Christ came with significant personal sacrifices, including rejection by his family and hostility from his community. Despite these challenges, Abdulraziq remained steadfast in his faith, a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring strength that comes from a relationship with God.

On July 15, Abdulraziq was arrested at the Al-Matareiah police station in Cairo while seeking legal assistance to obtain official documents acknowledging his conversion. His arrest and subsequent charges of joining a terrorist organization and spreading false information highlight the severe consequences faced by those who dare to live out their faith in regions where religious freedom is not fully respected.

Christian lawyer Saeid Fayaz poignantly noted the plight of many converts in Egypt, stating, “They live in isolation and constant fear. Saeid believed in the Egyptian constitution, which provides for religious freedom, not realizing that it is a one-way freedom.”

This statement underscores the harsh reality that many Christian converts face in Egypt, where the promise of religious freedom often remains unfulfilled.

The broader context of religious persecution in Egypt is further illustrated by the recent court ruling transferring ownership of Saint Catherine’s Monastery to the state. This decision has sparked international concern, as it threatens the future of one of the world’s oldest Christian monastic institutions. Saint Catherine’s Monastery, located at the base of Mount Sinai, holds profound religious significance and has been a continuous center of Christian worship and pilgrimage since its construction between 548 and 565 CE.

We must stand in solidarity with those in Egypt and around the world who face persecution for their faith. The commitment to advocating for fundamental rights on the global stage is not only a reflection of national character but also a testament to faith-based principles.

In these challenging times, let us remember the words of Scripture that call us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). It is through an unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and faith that we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who suffer for their beliefs.

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