Faith
Protesters Rally to Defend Easter Traditions at School
In a powerful display of faith and conviction, Christians gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, to protest the school’s controversial decision to cancel its traditional Easter parade and church service. The cancellation, announced by Headteacher Stephanie Mander, was met with disappointment and frustration from the Christian community, who viewed it as an affront to their cherished traditions and values.
Approximately 50 demonstrators, many from the Living Word Church in Fareham, stood firm in their beliefs, waving England flags adorned with messages such as “Jesus: the way, the truth, the life” and “Jesus is king.” Their presence was a testament to the enduring importance of Christianity in British culture and the need to uphold these values in educational settings.
Rev. Chris Wickland, a participant in the protest, emphasized that their demonstration was not about causing trouble but about standing against the exclusion of Christianity from schools. His words resonated with many who feel that Christian traditions are increasingly marginalized in the name of inclusivity.
Ukip leader Nick Tenconi also lent his voice to the protest, reading Mander’s letter aloud and criticizing the school’s decision as an attempt to sideline Christianity to meet diversity criteria. He accused the school of prioritizing funding over faith, a sentiment echoed by many in attendance.
Marie Pigney, a grandmother from Titchfield, passionately argued that Christianity provides a beneficial foundation for children and society. Her words highlighted a growing frustration among Christians who feel marginalized and unfairly labeled.
Rob Owen, another protester, stressed the importance of preserving Easter traditions as part of the larger cultural identity. The demonstrators’ actions, including handing out Easter eggs and displaying a “Happy Easter” banner, underscored their commitment to maintaining these traditions for future generations.
While a small group of parents staged a counter-protest, claiming that the demonstration promoted unnecessary hatred, the Christian protesters remained focused on their message of faith and unity. One anonymous parent defended Mander, citing financial constraints and the desire to accommodate diverse views as reasons for the changes. However, this explanation did little to quell the concerns of those who see the decision as a step away from traditional values.
The protest concluded with a collective prayer, a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Christian community. As the school day ended, the demonstrators dispersed peacefully, their message clear: faith, family, and freedom are worth standing up for, even in the face of adversity.
In a world where traditional values are often challenged, the actions of these protesters serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who cherish their faith and heritage.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- 163 Christians were kidnapped from churches in Kajuru, Kaduna state, Nigeria.
- The attacks occurred during Sunday worship with large numbers of assailants.
- Christian communities in rural Nigeria face heightened persecution and security challenges.
Recent attacks on worshippers in Nigeria have shaken Christian families, as 163 believers were abducted from their churches while gathered in prayer.
Local authorities have launched investigations, but Christian leaders emphasize the urgent need for rescue and protection.
Rev Joseph Hayab described how the attackers stormed the services, initially taking 172 people, nine of whom managed to escape quickly.
“This is a cruel act against innocent people gathered to worship”
said ICC president Shawn Wright.
Global Christian leaders are calling believers everywhere to pray for the safe release of those kidnapped and for their families to be comforted.
U.S. Congressman Riley Moore urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly to defend threatened Christians.
“More must be done to protect them, and I urge the Nigerian government to ensure the swift and safe return of all those who were captured”
Moore stated.
Nigerian voices have challenged the government to defend religious liberty, a right enshrined in the constitution.
Security remains scarce in rural areas, where Christians continue to be particularly vulnerable to violence and abductions.
With Nigeria ranking among the most dangerous countries for followers of Christ, believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith.
Let us pray for peace, courage, and God’s protection over our Nigerian brothers and sisters, trusting that the Lord hears the prayers of the faithful.
Faith Facts
- Robert Rieweh Cunville served as a humble Indian evangelist, preaching the gospel across multiple continents.
- He was personally chosen by Billy Graham to join the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, reaching millions with Christ’s message.
- Cunville’s ministry was marked by humility, prayer, and a steadfast commitment to biblical teaching.
Robert Rieweh Cunville passed away at 86, remembered for his deep faith and dedication to Christian mission rather than personal recognition.
Friends and Christian leaders highlight his influence through the pastors and believers he mentored, strengthening the community of faith.
“He was never drawn to prominence, yet his preaching carried weight because it flowed from a life rooted in prayer and obedience.”
Cunville was born in Assam in 1939, raised in a Christian home, and originally planned a career in law before surrendering his life to Christ following a powerful sermon.
He committed to ministry despite initial family surprise, pursuing theology and later working tirelessly to advance the gospel in India and abroad.
He married Carol Rani, served as pastor, and contributed to theological education, always emphasizing service to God and others.
As a leader in historic evangelistic efforts, including partnering with Billy Graham in Nagaland, his witness united and inspired believers across regions.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recalled Cunville’s role at the Kohima crusade, sowing seeds of faith that continue bearing fruit today.
Five years after collaborating in Nagaland, Billy Graham invited Cunville to join his global team, recognizing his humble spirit and firm commitment to evangelism.
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell affirmed, “Rev. Dr. Robert Cunville was personally chosen by Billy Graham to serve as an associate evangelist. God used him widely across the world, and his preaching of the gospel led countless people to Christ.”
Franklin Graham described Cunville as one of the most humble, godly men he had ever known, a true encouragement to the Billy Graham team and all who heard him.
At the European Congress on Evangelism, Cunville exhorted: “Never forget the blood of Jesus Christ. No matter what sermon you preach, close with the blood.”
Robert Cunville’s testimony is a powerful reminder of what it means to serve God in humility and truth, honoring the Christian call to spread the gospel faithfully.
Stay inspired by those who lived their faith boldly—share this story to encourage steadfast devotion to Christ and gospel outreach.
Faith Facts
- Scripture calls Christians to show compassion to strangers while also respecting laws and authorities.
- Governments have a God-given responsibility to secure national borders and ensure the security of citizens.
- Integration of migrants presents unique challenges and opportunities for Gospel outreach.
Christians are often divided on immigration, yet God’s Word gives us guidance for both public policy and personal interaction.
Tim Dieppe argues that the government’s duty is to protect its people by responsibly managing the nation’s borders.
Individual believers are called to love and evangelize those who come into their communities.
Dieppe states
“A government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens. This necessarily means limiting who can and cannot cross the border.”
He observes that public institutions sometimes compromise integration by putting cultural accommodation above national values, citing concerns raised in official reports.
The challenges presented by different migrant groups vary, with some cases involving attempts to uphold foreign legal practices contrary to Christian values, and other groups integrating more smoothly.
Migrant integration remains a struggle, but followers of Christ have the chance to share the Gospel with newcomers right here at home.
“Christians can see the immigration of Muslims to Britain as a fantastic evangelistic opportunity,”
says Dieppe.
He added
“Muslim immigrants are often disillusioned by what they have experienced of Islam in their countries of origin. This is a great opening for the gospel, and many churches are now seeing growing numbers of converts from Islam amongst migrant communities.”
Dieppe concludes Christians should root their perspective in Biblical truth, seeking to respond to immigration with both conviction and compassion.
“The Bible has radical ideas that conform to neither left-wing nor right-wing simplistic ideologies. This is an opportunity for Christians to speak into a debate with compassion and conviction demonstrating the enduring relevance of Biblical principles,”
he said.
As people of faith, we must approach immigration with a heart anchored in Scripture, promoting safety, compassion, and the hope of salvation for all.
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