Prayer Rally in Hyde Park

An estimated 5,000 Christians came together in Hyde Park on Saturday to unite in their opposition to the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill. With the Lords due to debate the Second Reading of the bill on Tuesday, Christians from hundreds of churches across all denominations gathered together to pray. Christians have been stirred into such vocal action by the behaviour of the Government in bringing forward this law without paying any attention to the substantial objections. If the Bill is passed it is likely to have the opposite effect to that intended by setting one faith community against another and providing legal ammunition for one community against another in court. In contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights Christians believe the Bill would seriously fetter their freedom of speech, freedom to preach the Gospel and to critique seriously other religions. The mass turnout at this rally shows the unified and concerted opposition by Christians against these proposals, which will restrict freedom to share the message of the Gospel.

This issue is so important and has stirred the heart of so many Christians that on Tuesday, when the Religious Hatred Bill goes to the House of Lords, there will be a peaceful demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The rally will take place in the afternoon commencing at 1pm and finishing at 4pm. A petition will be presented to the Prime Minister and Her Majesty’s Government on behalf of the Christian Community against the Proposed Racial and Religious Hatred Bill.

Photographs of the rally can be found here.