Source: www.persecution.org
Date: February 2, 2024
UK (International Christian Concern) – A theology professor in Derbyshire, England, has been fired from a Methodist Bible university after sharing his religious beliefs on social media. Dr. Aaron Edwards, an employee at Cliff College for seven years, was dismissed for publicly criticizing the Methodist Church and its complacent views on biblical marriage. Edward’s employer had accused him of “bringing the college into disrepute.”
Earlier this year, Edwards shared on X (formerly Twitter) that “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this because they’re busy apologizing 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.”
Edward’s tweet drew push back from several human rights activist groups, prompting university officials to become involved. Cliff College released a statement, calling the post “unacceptable” and “inappropriate,” and demanded the professor remove the tweet.
Edwards refused to take down the post, arguing it would violate his conscience. He further pointed out that the post was not defamatory to any individual in particular and was, therefore, not in violation of the school’s social media policy.
Despite his sincere efforts, the school opened an investigation, leading to the professor’s suspension and subsequent dismissal. At one point during the investigation, Edwards claimed that school officials threatened to refer him to the U.K. government’s counter terrorism and hate speech unit. Edwards is suing Cliff College for unfair firing and compensation under England’s Equality Act.
International Christian Concern (ICC) invited Edwards to speak at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C. on Jan 30-31.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for justice for this ousted professor. Pray for his testimony to point others to the love of Christ. Pray for greater freedom of speech in the public sphere.