A Christian theology lecturer has launched legal action after being sacked and threatened with a Counter-Terrorism referral, by an ‘evangelical Methodist Bible college,’ for a tweet on human sexuality.
Dr Aaron Edwards is suing Cliff College in Derbyshire and is seeking damages for unfair dismissal and compensation under the Equality Act 201
In March 2023, Dr Edwards, 37, was sacked for alleged misconduct by Cliff College in Derbyshire for ‘bringing the college into disrepute‘ on Twitter (now called X).
Meanwhile, earlier this year, the CEO of Twitter/X, Elon Musk, announced that he would support any user treated unfairly by their employer for posting or liking something on the platform.
The Bible says,
2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
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How it started
In February, Dr Aaron Edwards posted: “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true. This *is* a ‘Gospel issue’, by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.”
Following the tweet, Dr Edwards was not only suspended by Cliff College and threatened with being reported to Prevent during an investigation and subsequent hearing, he was also abused online.
The college has since tried to deny the Counter-Terrorism threat, despite minutes during the disciplinary hearing/investigation revealing the intimidation tactics used by college bosses.
During the disciplinary hearings, Dr Edwards was also interrogated on how he would pray for same-sex attracted students who approach him for prayer.
He believes as a result of the sacking and subsequent controversy that he might not be able to work in UK higher education again.
Dr Edwards will be seeking damages for unfair dismissal, and compensation under the Equality Act 2010. A full employment tribunal hearing is expected in 2024.
Christian freedom and free speech
Dr Aaron has said that: “Anyone concerned about academic freedom, Christian freedoms and free speech should be deeply concerned by what has happened to me.”
“The reaction to my tweet and the unjust treatment I have experienced by Cliff College and the Methodist Church in Britain completely illustrates the problem my tweet addressed.
“The tweet was not defamatory; it was not an attack on any colleague or individual; it was not abusive; and it was not an extremist religious view. It was addressed to evangelicals as a point of doctrine, and it has been misunderstood by many who wish to cause personal and institutional trouble for those who express that view.
“The impact on me and my family has been very significant. I have lost many friends as a result, and been slandered by people who do not know all of the details but who now see me as an unkind or hateful person.
“At the time of the suspension and dismissal I also suffered severe physical stress, culminating in symptoms of cardiac arrest. This sometimes returns, especially when I reflect on the events again. Re-reading the correspondence from the college and the various comments, is something I still find difficult as it brings it all up again. It feels like everything I worked for at the college (and for the college) over the last 7 years has gone up in smoke.
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Methodist and Church of England on sodomy teachings
The Methodist Church in Britain decided in June 2021 to allow same-sex marriages in places of worship, causing a conflict. Traditionally, the church believed in marriage between a man and a woman as it should be and considered gay relationships as wrong.
Now, church leaders and members are caught in a dilemma. Preachers are forced to support same-sex marriage but continue to teach that being gay is sinful. Conservative Christians who disagree with this change find it difficult to express their beliefs without being labeled as ‘homophobic’ or facing consequences. Some have even been reported as risks or referred to the government for having ‘extreme’ views.
The Bible can not be wrong on matters relating to sodomy.
Genesis 18:20 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous.
Signs of the end time
In recent years, societal norms have undergone significant shifts, and institutions, including churches, have grappled with changes that challenge age-old beliefs. One noteworthy development is the increasing acceptance and adoption of same-sex marriages within religious communities, reflecting a broader trend where what was once considered unconventional or even taboo is becoming normalised.
Work places are accepting staff members sign in as whatever gender they choose, children are allowed to even identify as cats, moons, and the society still sees nothing wrong with this?
As these shifts unfold, everyone should be prompted to ponder the significance of these societal transformations and their potential connections about the end times.
The Bible says,
2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God…Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Read and Pray
Pray against sodomy in the church
Pray that Lord should help our leaders to priorities.
Pray for our pastors.
Pray for Christians who are prosecuted
Ezekiel 16: 49; Jude 1:7, Romans 1:26-28; Romans 1:29-32;
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