Dear supporter,
Ofsted is threatening the existence of Cornerstone, a Christian fostering and adoption support agency in the north-east of England. To protect its work Cornerstone has launched legal action against Ofsted. The case will be heard in the High Court via video link on 6-7 May.
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| Watch a short video of Cornerstone CEO, Pam Birtle, explaining why they are pursuing this action. |
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The Christian Institute has long supported the agency, which helps Christian couples and singles to foster and adopt children. In fact, Cornerstone is the only Christian fostering and adoption agency left in the UK – a wonderful example of God’s command to “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless” (Psalm 82:3).
It is vital that organisations like Cornerstone can continue to operate according to their beliefs. To do this they rely upon equality law exceptions drafted for just this purpose.
But in June 2019, an Ofsted inspector downgraded Cornerstone’s fostering work to “Requires Improvement” and labelled the Christian ethos of the agency ‘discriminatory’. Why? Because it only works with evangelical Christian carers, and supports traditional marriage.
Ofsted has a poor track record when it comes to handling religious groups. This is clear from its previous intrusive questioning of children at Christian and Jewish schools about same-sex marriage. So it is encouraging that this small, much-loved agency is challenging Ofsted’s findings.
This isn’t the first time Cornerstone has faced scrutiny for its Christian ethos. Our legal team has already helped them deal successfully with questions from the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Charity Commission. We pray for success in its case against Ofsted too. A favourable outcome to this case will bolster religious liberty in the UK.
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Please pray
- that the court will rule in Cornerstone's favour
- for its staff and all involved in the legal case
- that its foster families will know God’s peace at this anxious time
- for the Institute as it supports Cornerstone
- for favourable media coverage
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Our short briefing explains Cornerstone’s case and its wider importance.
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Our Legal Defence Fund is covering Cornerstone’s legal costs. If you would like to, please make a financial gift to help support Cornerstone and others like them.
