Meet the Modern Heroes of the Christian Faith within the UK
Throughout history, Christians within the UK have taken daring stands against persecution in defense of biblical truth and the fitting to exercise their faith in the general public square. From William Tyndale, who was executed for translating the Bible into English, to William Wilberforce, who tirelessly fought to abolish the slave trade, men and ladies of religion within the UK have risked the whole lot to follow Christ’s call.
But what about today?
Right now, in modern Britain, peaceful Christians are being arrested, taken to court, fined, and even thrown in jail for praying or simply standing inside proximity of an abortion clinic. These aren’t extremists. They aren’t violent protesters. They are odd men and ladies, identical to you and me, who refuse to compromise their faith—even under threat of legal punishment.
A Retiree on Trial for Offering Help
This week, Livia Tossici-Bolt, a 63-year-old retired medical scientist from Bournemouth, is facing trial. Her crime? Holding an indication near an abortion clinic that simply read, “Here to speak, for those who want.”
She wasn’t shouting. She wasn’t blocking the doorway. She wasn’t camping out within the quad for days interrupting the every day business of education like we’re seeing on college campuses. She was simply standing, offering conversation and support to women who might need it. And yet, the authorities issued her a high quality under the controversial abortion “buffer zone” law, which prohibits any expression of approval or disapproval of abortion near clinics. Somehow “Here to speak” matches inside the definition of “approval or disapproval of abortion near clinics.” What a joke.
Tossici-Bolt refused to pay, standing firm in her belief that peaceful conversation in a public space shouldn’t be a criminal offense. Now, she faces trial with the backing of ADF UK, a legal group supporting Christians who’re targeted for his or her faith.
“There’s nothing unsuitable with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the road. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal only for this.” – Livia Tossici-Bolt
An Army Veteran Convicted for Silent Prayer
Livia isn’t the just one. Last November, Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old former serviceman and physiotherapist, was convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic.
Smith-Connor wasn’t engaging with anyone. He wasn’t holding an indication. He simply bowed his head and prayed silently for his unborn son, who had been lost to abortion 22 years earlier. And for this, the federal government declared him guilty of violating the buffer zone.
A judge ruled that his silent act of prayer was a “deliberate” breach of the law. He was given a two-year conditional discharge and fined over £9,000.
Think about that for a moment—a person was convicted in a British court for simply praying inside his own mind. How does a prosecutor construct a case surrounding illegal prayer when there aren’t any words spoken? How do you present evidence of a silent prayer?
The only reason they knew Adam was praying have to be because he told them. As a person of integrity, he admitted to his so-called “crime.” And in doing so, he proved a strong point: the UK Church has gumption.
Where Is Britain Headed?
These cases have sparked international concern. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance recently warned that Britain’s growing censorship laws could “destroy Western civilization.” Speaking on GB News Podcast “Choppers Politics” this month, Michael Gove said: “It is unsuitable to say that somebody cannot pray – silently – because you could have a selected view on abortion…For me, free speech is as near a fundamental principle as any. And so is freedom of worship.”
And yet, despite these warnings, the UK government is expanding buffer zones nationwide, making it illegal to hope, offer support, or express any view about abortion inside 150 meters of all clinics in England and Wales.
Standing within the Tradition of UK’s Christian Heroes
Yet, regardless of the UK government’s ridiculous actions, we must always be encouraged because history shows us that when Christians refuse to compromise their faith, they modify the world.
-William Tyndale was executed in 1536 for translating the Bible into English. His sacrifice paved the best way for hundreds of thousands to read God’s Word in their very own language.
-Protestants Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley stood firm against Catholic “Bloody Mary” and were burned on the stake for refusing to disclaim biblical truth.
-William Wilberforce fought relentlessly against the federal government to finish slavery and he won.
Today, Livia Tossici-Bolt and Adam Smith-Connor stand in that very same tradition. They will not be fighting with swords or anger, but with quiet faith, courage, some signage, and the facility of silent prayer.
What Can We Do? Resist!
To those within the UK Church willing to risk the whole lot through these civil protests, I say, we’re with you! I call on Church leaders all over the place to rally for people like Livia Tossici-Bolt. We should mount protests within the streets. There must be marches on behalf of Livia, Adam, and others facing legal persecution. If we do not resist, we’re showing the powerful that we are going to comply, which is able to result in a continued deterioration of our freedoms to worship in the general public square.
We must also be in prayer for Livia and for religious freedom within the UK. Pray for wisdom and strength for Livia as she faces trial. We can spread awareness on social media and in churches. Use hashtags like #PrayForLivia #ReligiousFreedom #FreeSpeechUK to boost awareness.
Faith That Won’t Back Down
If we learn anything from UK history, it’s that faith can’t be silenced and that this island nation have to be encouraged to reclaim its place of leadership inside the global church.
The query for you dear readers is—when the time comes, will we stand boldly just like the heroes before us? Or will we remain silent while our freedoms slip away?
Britain was once a nation that sent missionaries to the ends of the earth. Now, it fines people for silent prayer.
It’s time to face. Would you go to jail on your faith?
Meet Two of the UK’s Boldest Female Leaders
Sources:
https://adfinternational.org/en-gb/news/buffer-zones-trial-today-bournemouth
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g9kp7r00vo
Photo Credit: Livia Tossici-Bolt – Free Use of Image Courtesy of ADF UK
