A problem with prayer!

Having for many years been interested in, and supported, the persecuted church, I am increasingly concerned at the way in which some Christians in the UK are being treated – purely because of their Christian faith. The most recent situation concerns Caroline Petrie, a married mother of two, who has been suspended, without pay, from her job as a Community Nurse, simply for offering to pray with an elderly patient. The patient – who is, of course, afforded the privilege of anonymity – was not personally offended, but claims to have been concerned that others might be. My immediate reaction to that is that others should then have been left to make any complaint that they wished to make!

This all took place in mid-December, and Mrs Petrie has been left for all of that time with the uncertainty of whether, or not, she will still have a job in her chosen, and caring, profession after the outcome of an enquiry is made known – possibly this week.

It is surely a sad state of affairs when the offer to pray for someone is treated in such a harsh way. As I commented, last night, to my good friend Bob Dixon, I am old enough to remember when the UK was – at least nominally – a Christian country. I have lived through the so-called “post-Christian” era; and I fear that I am now living in a period that may best be described as specifically anti-Christian!

Andrea Williams, the founder and Director of the Christian Legal Centre, has said: "It is of huge concern that Christian citizens, whose desire is to do their jobs well, are increasingly being silenced and pushed out of the ‘public square’ because of Equality and Diversity Policies. It is extraordinary, that these policies which purport to ensure tolerance are ushering in a new form of censorship and intolerance which should concern us all".

I can only agree with Andrea, and express the hope that common-sense will prevail, and that Mrs Petrie will be fully re-instated (and even given the back pay that she has lost!). Don’t tell the North Somerset Primary Care Trust, who have taken this ridiculous attitude, but I’ll even be praying for Caroline!