Preparing for PRIDE Month 2024
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16.18
EDITORIAL
The month of June is now upon us and, sadly, so is Pride month. Twelve months ago, we issued a similar bulletin to our supporters containing a range of articles on this ideology which, it seems, infiltrates our daily life at this time of the year especially. Of course, there is also a residual effect throughout the calendar year, so these issues never really subside. We hope that, once again, this bulletin will prove helpful and be a support to Christians, whether students, employees, parents or educators. Please do take the time to look at the articles below, which have again been grouped according to relevance. Some are included again as foundational ones, others are new this year. I especially point all to watch the final videos (trailer or full film) which presents a shocking portrayal of the battle for the hearts and minds of the young, which makes disturbing viewing. As always, whilst we are pleased to share these articles, we do not take responsibility for any views expressed, which are of course particularly sensitive in relation to this debate.
Encountering an issue like this can fill our hearts with natural fear. It can feel like a steady trickle of pressure is wending its way towards us, generated by a small minority who like to step up onto their ideological soap box. We are thankful that, in every situation we have faced, the Lord has granted help and answered prayer remarkably, whilst support has been given by those Christian organisations we hold dear. A particular example in the past year I was especially grateful for was the appointment of a new Assistant Head who is responsible for the RSE curriculum in my school. The previous postholder had been a nominal CofE character but who held traditional views regarding the promotion of this thorny area of the curriculum. It was a few weeks into the school year when I had to have a quite direct conversation with the new colleague and set clear my personal beliefs, making it a particular matter of prayer beforehand. To my great delight she shared that she was also a Bible-believing Christian and wholly supported my views. This was both an answer to prayer but also occurred at a very important juncture in the chronology of events to follow, as we had to update our statement of intent on the school website, in line with statutory guidance, ahead of a school inspection that came in February. I had been fearful of how we would align our views if we did not agree, yet we were able to quickly write a joint statement confirming that, as a school, we do not promote any form of sexual orientation. I realise this will not be everyone’s experience, but I share to hopefully encourage.
Often the fear employees sense is how or when to speak out/up. It is an age in which we can feel marginalised and silenced. How much prayer is needed to keep us from our natural inclination to shy away from confrontation, and wisdom in how to speak lovingly yet firmly, directly yet wisely. We think of the Lord’s words when directing the disciples to go forth, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. We think too of the Apostle’s words in Ephesians 6 prefacing his remarks on the armour of God, reminding us that Christ is our Master. We should be obedient to our earthly masters and show respect, but not at the expense of the truth: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
We continue to empathise with all of you who have children in schools and who have to make a stand against these things. It is especially difficult to find the right words in explaining to our children about these things which dishonour the Lord and go against all we believe in.
Time passes quickly and so does the agenda of those who seek to drive further wedges into societal demise. The imminent general election may prove a watershed moment if a socialist Government is elected. Whilst we were thankful to see the restraint issued by the Education Secretary that transgenderism should not be promoted, we fear the changes ahead. There is much to pray over.
Whilst there are many petitions we see passed our way, I would encourage all of you to sign the Christian Concern campaign to stop Pride flags being flown in prominent London locations.
Finally, we think again of the words in Ephesians 6. Whilst we may feel small, weak and at times helpless, we have far greater weapons than any who promote such false and evil views – prayer. May the Lord put within us a real, heartfelt burden to pray for one another, to strengthen our faith and to always bear one another before our Sovereign Lord, and to turn to Scripture to guide us in times of uncertainty.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Ephesians 6.18
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Advice for those in the workplace
These links are provided with school staff in mind, who face these issues ‘on the front line’ and will be helped by practical counsel.
The Christian Legal Centre’s Roger Kiska outlines what employees’ and employers’ rights are.
The politically motivated content in many schools is leading many across the country to believe that LGBT content is required in all schools, but the government has been forced to confirm that this has never been required in primary schools.
If you have ever felt concerned about school Rainbow celebration days and related teaching permeating through much of the curriculum these days, you may benefit from an interview with John Denning, Education Officer at the Christian Institute.
The idea that a person can be born in the wrong body has caused significant harm to many, most of all young people and their families. Now we are learning just how much this idea, whether caught online, in school, or at a counsellor’s office, has preyed on the most vulnerable populations. Compared to the general population, those with OCD, autism, or bipolar disorder were over five times more likely to identify as transgender. For ADHD, six to seven times more likely, and depression or learning disorders, over three times more likely to claim a transgender identity.
Helping Christians facing the quandaries of a month dedicated to homosexual pride. When facing persecution, trial, or temptation, it is vital to turn to Scripture.
Advice for parents of children in school
These links are provided for parents in the hopes of alerting and equipping for responding to what is planned at your school.
Six reasons that clarify why ‘pride’ and an LGBT lifestyle are unbiblical. Amid all the confusion, the Church must stand clear on these issues. This article is written “out of love – love for God and for his word, love for the Church, love for the nation, and most especially out of love for those who are struggling with homosexual attractions.”
Head of Education Steve Beegoo alerts parents to the reality that many schools mark or celebrate Pride in June – and explains what they can do about it.
Does the radical Christian call to love all God’s children regardless of their LGBTQ+ identification demand our silence or even our affirmation of the ever-growing Pride movement that occupies our streets, shops, and inboxes for the month of June?
Apparently, more than 300 schools are signed up to a Stonewall scheme to stop calling pupils boys and girls, including primary schools, secondary schools and nurseries. It’s important that parents realize that, “Despite DfE disapproval, Stonewall continues to be involved in schools and push its woke ideology on children”.
This important and powerful 2-minute video offers insights to Christians in schools in understanding what is really occurring in the development of a child in their classroom.
This article traces the self-evident role of social media in spreading a new social contagion, Rapid-onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD), and offers case examples. There is also some explanation of the biology that is useful to know, and advice on guiding our children.
General articles
These links touch on general principles and the worldview approach that a Christian will bring to these matters.
Christian Concern is objecting to a massive display of Progress Pride flags planned for Regent Street in 2024. These divisive, gaudy displays are completely inappropriate for this historic, iconic street at the centre of London. They make everyone who doesn’t support the whole LGBTQ+ agenda feel unwelcome.
Click here to sign, which will also serve to alert Councils nationwide of the unpopularity of such displays.
Almost all Christians face similar questions in their workplaces and schools, being required to affirm things they don’t believe and speak or act in ways that make them ethically uncomfortable.
Pride is the quintessential human sin, and always leads to more sin as we arrogantly warnings in the Word of God.
As the vocal minority celebrates, how should a Christian respond to Pride month? How can we present truth in love and with grace without offending? A podcast
Following on from an interview, ‘How Christians Can Love Those Who Experience Attraction To The Same Sex’, the author spoke again on how Christians can continue to relate in Christlikeness towards LGBTQ+ people in our communities.
Given the ubiquity of LGBTQ paraphernalia, questions such as “Do we boycott during Pride Month?”, “How do we discuss this with our children?” are asked and answered, with an emphasis on Christians navigating the month with both truth and grace, holding to the truth that “Loving is not affirming what we know as sin.”
For thoughtful Christians who affirm the traditional view that sex is reserved for a lifelong marriage relationship between one man and one woman, they may wonder if waging a relentless culture war is the godliest or most fruitful way to approach this set of issues. If you are a follower of Jesus who affirms a traditional view of sex and gender and are increasingly concerned about the celebration of a sexual ethic that is not only contradictory to your convictions but oftentimes corrosive to the health of our society and is striving to engage with the LGBTQ community with equal parts grace and truth, here are at least three things to keep in mind.
- “The War On Children”
Exposes the ongoing battle for control of the next generation and their minds. Pride Month is a theatre of this ongoing conflict. This documentary exposes the battle plan being used by the left to control the future.
