We tackled this question in Forum, our interactive post-service discussion group, a few weeks ago at Emmanuel. We began by simply trying to clarify in our own minds what degree of freedom and restriction we currently experience, while at the same time trying to work out what level of restriction we would be prepared to tolerate in future.
This latter aspect of the question was particularly useful, since it’s very easy to allow ourselves to succumb unthinkingly to a one-tiny-step-at-a-time process of encroachment on our liberty, so that we end up like the proverbial frog-boiled-alive, never noticing the gradually increasing heat until we doze off and end up cooked.
In response to the following 16 hypothetical scenarios, we sought to decide whether:
- We are currently in this situation; or
- We’re not currently in this situation, but we’d be willing to tolerate it; or
- We’re not currently in this situation, and we’d be unwilling to tolerate it.
Here are the scenarios:
1. Christians may believe whatever they like, but may not express certain beliefs publicly (e.g. online, in the street).
2. Christians may believe whatever they like, but may not express certain beliefs in semi-public contexts (e.g. at work).
3. Christians may believe whatever they like, but may not express certain beliefs privately (e.g. at home, within their families).
4. Christians may believe whatever they like, but may not express certain beliefs or share their faith at work.
5. Christians may not believe whatever they like; certain beliefs are prohibited.
6. Churches must register with the government.
7. Christian Ministers must register with the government.
8. All Christians must register with the government.
9. Christian Ministers must register with the government and undergo compulsory training.
10. Christian Ministers must register with the government and undergo compulsory training, and unless they “pass” will not be allowed to minister in certain contexts (e.g. schools, universities).
11. Christian Ministers must register with the government and undergo compulsory training, and unless they “pass” will not be allowed to minister at all.
12. Churches may not own property.
13. Christians may not work in the public sector (e.g. hospitals, schools, universities).
14. Christians may not wear religious symbols in public.
15. Christian families must allow government inspectors to inspect their homes.
16. Christian children may be interviewed by government inspectors without their parents being present.
It was a salutory exercise. I commend it to you.
Rev Dr Steve Jeffery is Minister at Emmanuel Evangelical Church, London, England (Blog, Facebook, Twitter)
