This link from my friend Jim. As ministers gathered in the House of Commons to debate the abolition of Britain's blasphemy laws, another motion was tabled by MPs calling for the disestablishment of the Church of England. Two former Bishops of the Church of England along with several other prominent public figures have supported the calls for the abolition of the blasphemy laws, which make it a criminal offence to blaspheme God in a public manner. Most recently, Christian organizations attempted to bring a prosecution against BBC Director Mark Thompson over the corporation's decision to broadcast the Jerry Springer Opera. The Jerry Springer Opera is a blasphemous production which portrays Jesus Christ as homosexual and God as a Creator who is no longer in control of His creation. The BBC received over 60,000 complaints about the show even before it was aired, but they still went ahead in broadcasting it. But a High Court Judge rejected the charge of blasphemy levelled at the BBC. The government has decided to postpone abolishing the blasphemy laws for the meantime, but will consider this following consultation with the mainstream denominations.

Quote: "The Prime Minister does "fully understand" the case made for abolition, his spokesman said, adding: "However, we do believe it is necessary to consult with the churches, particularly the Anglican church, before coming to a final decision, and that's what we are doing. advertisement "Subsequent to that, we will consider moving amendments in the House of Lords."

Personally I don't see the need for a blasphemy law. I don't think people should be punished for blaspheming their Creator. That is between them and God. Many men who were once blasphemers, such as John Bunyan and John Newton, were wonderfully saved. And the Lord Jesus said that "all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men", and that "whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him", Matthew 12:31-32. But I do fear what might happen if organizations like the BBC were given a free-reign to produce whatever type of show they liked. In the same way, I don't think the Church of England should receive a special status from the government or the monarchy. I feel this may even be a hindrance to the work of the Church. But I do fear what might take its place if this was to be abolished. Last night MPs tabled a motion calling for the disestablishment of the Church of England. But it was the number of the motion that seemed to generate the most discussion rather than the proposal itself. The proposal to abolish the special status for the Church of England was tabled as motion number 666. 

Quote: "Bob Russell, Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester and one of the signatories, said: "It is is incredible that a motion like this should have, by chance, acquired this significant number. "This number is supposed to be the mark of the Devil. It looks as though God or the Devil have been moving in mysterious ways. "What is even stranger is that this motion was tabled last night when MPs were debating blasphemy."

So if the government gets its way in disestablishing the Church of England and abolishing Britain's blasphemy laws, perhaps we can expect things in this country to go from bad to worse. But as the book of Daniel states, those that know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Daniel 11:32). We are living in dark days, but many people across the world are coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, often in countries where Christians are experiencing the greatest persecution. May the Lord help us to be bold witnesses for Him in these coming days.

Ecclesiastes 11:4
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

Source Telegraph, Times Online

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