Keswick Convention distances itself from pro-life organisation’s outreach

The organisers of the Keswick Convention have questioned the approach of a pro-life ministry that puts on educational displays about abortion in towns and cities across the UK.

Brephos uses large-scale graphic photos of aborted babies of their public displays and posters to coach people in regards to the reality of abortion. 

It ran a public education event in Keswick in July, coinciding with the Keswick Convention, a conservative-evangelical conference that takes place within the Lake District town each summer. 

Keswick Ministries, which runs the conference, was quoted in local newspaper The Keswick Reminder, criticising the display.

In a press release it said it had asked Brephos to not run its public displays within the town and added that it was “delighted” to work closely with police on the matter. 

“We are aware that Brephos, an organisation not affiliated with Keswick Ministries, are participating in a ‘public education’ event in Keswick town today,” the July 24 statement said. 

“We are saddened by this approach at targeting Keswick Convention visitors which we recognise also impacts others throughout the town. We would really like to emphasize that this group has no affiliation with Keswick Ministries.

“As soon as we were aware that this activity is likely to be a possibility, we contacted the organisers and requested they not use their public display in Keswick. Keswick Ministries are delighted to work closely with the police who’re aware of the situation.” 

After being criticised over its stance, Keswick Ministries released an updated statement expressing its belief within the sanctity of life but reiterating its criticism of the pro-life ministry’s public education campaigns.

“Keswick Ministries has all the time believed within the sanctity of human life, believing life begins at conception,” said the August 5 statement published in Evangelicals Now.

“We won’t ever abandon this historical position. We rejoice to share this Biblical conviction with many ministries.

“However, as per our original statement, we’re saddened by an approach which we imagine is prone to disengage more people than it wins to this beautiful truth.” 

In a blog posted on the website of CBR UK, of which Brephos is a component, theologian Dr Aaron Edwards accused Keswick Ministries of putting its fame “above the missional needs of the hour”. 

“[The Keswick Convention] is generally known as something of an evangelical bastion, as promoting sound doctrine, holding the road on key issues, etc. Yet sadly, like many evangelical institutions today, it now appears to be ‘saddened’ not by the heinous evil in its midst but by the potential lack of its own fame before the world,” he said. 

“Note within the article above the pitiful contrast of emotions. They are ‘saddened’ by brothers and sisters boldly standing for truth and justice; and so they are ‘delighted’ to work with the police who so often oppose such Christians as if they’re bad for society.”