Dear supporter,
The Court of Appeal in London has rejected Cornerstone Fostering and Adoption agency’s attempt to overturn a ruling that “evangelical” includes those who reject biblical teaching on sexual ethics.
Yesterday’s ruling confirms that an evangelical foster agency can work exclusively with evangelical carers. It also agreed that Cornerstone had suffered a significant interference with its right to manifest its religious beliefs. These are helpful conclusions.
However, the Court sided with Ofsted in its attempt to impose its own definition of “evangelical” on Cornerstone. This is a shocking example of state-overreach. It is not for a state regulator or a court to decide who is and isn’t an evangelical Christian.
Evangelicals believe sexual intimacy is to be enjoyed exclusively within a marriage between a man and a woman. It is not possible to be a faithful evangelical whilst rejecting biblical sexual ethics.
Rightly, the agency is seeking leave to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.
Please pray:
- For Cornerstone’s CEO Pam Birtle, and its other staff, trustees and families;
- For the legal team as they prepare submissions for the Supreme Court;
- Giving thanks for the many freedoms Christians enjoy in the UK – including the freedom for Christian organisations to recruit only those who share their faith.
The Institute continues to support Cornerstone, England’s only evangelical fostering agency, as it has done throughout this ordeal.
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.
