Runnymede Christian Fellowship, a church in Egham

Committed Christian couple Eunice and Owen Johns are contesting the decision of Derby Council Social Services to withdraw their fostering application following concerns that their beliefs about sexual ethics and in particular the practice of homosexuality did not meet diversity standards. The couple, who have previously fostered children, were surprised and dismayed to learn that their application had been withdrawn following a series of meetings and interviews with social workers.They feel that their beliefs about the practice of homosexuality are the reason for the Council's unwillingness to take their application any further. The Christian Legal Centre is supporting the couple and will pursue legal action should the Council refuse to reconsider the Johns' application. It is likely that any action would challenge the diversity standards which the Council allege the couple failed to meet.

It is essential we stand for freedom in this vital area. The case of Family Law Magistrate, Andrew McClintock, demonstrates how Christians will find it increasingly difficult to hold Judicial office in Family Law when challenging whether it is in a child's best interests to be placed in a same sex household . In the same field, the case of Owen and Eunice Johns demonstrates how it will be increasingly difficult for Christian couples to access and be successful in the adoption and fostering process. As Christians we must face head on these important social and legal challenges. It is vital that Christians are able to partcipate equally in the whole process of fostering and adopting children - whether they are in position of 'placing' the vulnerable children as judiciary, working within social services or as prospective foster or adoptive parents.

Daily Telegraph Article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/23/nchurch223.xml