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Your daily media briefing - Monday 8 July

  

In the Media, our daily collection of news and commentary related to secularism, is one of the most popular features on our website and now available delivered to your inbox.

  

Secularism in the media

 

Foreign Office report calls for definition of anti-Christian discrimination

The UK government should be prepared to impose sanctions against countries that persecute Christians, a report commissioned by the Foreign Office has recommended. The report has also said the government should adopt a definition of anti-Christian discrimination and persecution.

The Guardian

 

C of E schools mustn’t “undermine” staff and students with Christian views on same-sex relationships, says bishop

Staff and students are "not to be undermined" at Church of England schools for their views on gender and sexuality, the chair of the church's educational body said on Friday.

Christian Today

 

High Court rules baby can be given blood without mother's consent

A High Court judge has ruled that a "gravely ill" baby should have a blood transfusion, even though his mother does not consent on religious grounds.

BBC

 

New Bill could change Northern Ireland laws on abortion and same-sex marriage

MPs will try to change the laws on abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland today. The Catholic Church has voiced its opposition to to change on abortion.

Belfast Telegraph

 

Vicar steps down as school governor over LGBT row – NSS quoted

A vicar has stepped down from his role as a school governor after he said school lessons on same-sex relationships and transgender issues "could open the door to sexual predators".

Rotherham Advertiser

 

Royal College of GPs endorses chaplains in GP practices

The Royal College of GPs has said GP practices can hire chaplains to provide 'religious support' for patients.

Pulse

 

Faith school could be replaced by another faith school if it closes

Another church school could open up on the site of a Church of England school in south London if it closes completely in 2020.

Sutton & Croydon Guardian

 

Banned ‘Trojan horse’ school governor holding sex education seminars

A banned school governor who was found to have undermined British values has relaunched a Muslim parents' group and is holding seminars on sex education.

The Times (£)

 

This year’s Pride biggest yet, claim march organisers

About 30,000 people from more than 600 groups took part in the official parade through central London, which was attended by an estimated 1.5m people.

The Observer

 

Orange Walk Glasgow: eight people arrested at year’s biggest march

Eight people were arrested during a planned Orange Walk in Glasgow, the biggest of the year.

The Scotsman

 

Far-right terrorist tried to torch synagogue in Exeter

A far-right extremist who laughed as he was engulfed by a fireball while trying to torch an historic synagogue has been locked up in hospital indefinitely.

The Independent

 

UK urged to take action on 'shocking' persecution against Pakistan's religious minorities

Crossbench peer David Alton has challenged the UK government to put more pressure on Pakistan to stop the persecution of religious minorities.

Christian Today

  

Latest from the NSS

 

Watchdog backs council which put child’s needs before parents’ religion

A watchdog has dismissed a parent's complaint that a council failed to regard his son's "religious heritage" when it placed him in care.

  

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