A Christian campaign group has been blocked from holding a conference at Cambridge University because its values were "not compatible with the values of the college." The group, Christian Concern, wanted to host an event called the "Wilberforce Academy."
Fitzwilliam College refused to allow a booking for a conference for young Christians because of the group's "religious beliefs."
In response, Christian Concern is taking legal action. A preliminary hearing was held on Thursday at the High Court in London, but no date or venue has yet been fixed for a court hearing.
Lawyers representing the group believe this ban causes great concern about free speech on campuses.
Outside the court, a Christian Concern spokesman said: "For over a decade, the Wilberforce Academy has run a one-week conference for university students and young professionals who want to work out how to apply their Christian faith in the current culture and more specifically within their chosen vocations including law, politics, education, media, arts and business.
Topics covered by expert international speakers include: the role of Christianity in shaping law and culture; understanding today's context; biblical ethics on human identity and sexuality; comparative religion including examining the nature of Islam.
The conference includes teaching on biblical beliefs that have been recognised by the Christian Church globally for the past 2,000 years."
The college raised concerns over the reaction of the students if the booking was accepted. The college claims the Christian group is not "inclusive" because of the group's concerns over the LGBT community and its stance on gay marriage.
Fitzwilliam College made a statement after the hearing:
"Fitzwilliam College notes and welcomes the court's decision today to refuse Christian Concern's claim for judicial review. The college continues to welcome conference bookings from a wide range of groups and organisations, with different beliefs and interests, including many religious groups."
Right... except Christians...
The college later said its events department, Fitz Events, had reconsidered its decision and offered to host the event at another time since the original September dates the Christian group requested were fully booked with other events.
"Christian Concern did not take up this offer," the college said.
It's nice to hear they had a change of heart but it seems like it's too little, too late.
See ya in court!
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