Barry Duke, the Angry Atheist

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MEET Dr Aaron Edwards, above, the latest in a long line “persecuted” Christians in the UK to scuttle off to the deeply homophobic advocacy outfit, Christian Concern in the hope of winning compensation for “wrongful dismissal.”

The homeshooling father of five’s woes began when Cliff College in Derbyshire fired him earlier this year for tweeting:

Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true …

The Bible college alleged that the theology lecturer’s abhorrent tweet bought it “into disrepute”, conducted an investigation then sent him packing.

Christian Concern reports that, following the bigot’s rant, Edwards was “abused online”, suspended by Cliff College and threatened with being reported to Prevent during an investigation and subsequent hearing.

Edwards believes as a result of the sacking and subsequent controversy that he might not be able to work in UK higher education again, and is now launching legal action against the College on the grounds of harassment, discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Lawyers representing him will argue that the college unlawfully interfered with his rights under Article 9 and/or Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

Edwards will be seeking damages for unfair dismissal, and compensation under the Equality Act 2010. A full employment tribunal hearing is expected in 2024.

He is quoted as saying:

The reaction to my tweet and the unjust treatment I have experienced by Cliff College and the Methodist Church in Britain completely illustrates the problem my tweet addressed.

The tweet was not defamatory; it was not an attack on any colleague or individual; it was not abusive; and it was not an extremist religious view. It was addressed to evangelicals as a point of doctrine, and it has been misunderstood by many who wish to cause personal and institutional trouble for those who express that view.

The impact on me and my family has been very significant. I have lost many friends as a result, and been slandered by people who do not know all of the details but who now see me as an unkind or hateful person.

Blah, blah blah …

Image via YouTube

Cue Andrea Minichiello Williams, above, CEO of CC’s sister outfit, the Christian Legal Centre. Williams, who grew up a Methodist, said:

It is saddening and very concerning to see the Methodist Church, and a once renowned Bible college, lose its way by no longer upholding marriage as God defines it, or supporting those who express it …

The Bible is clear that homosexual practice is sinful. Dr Edwards is right that if sin is no longer sin, we no longer need Jesus as our Saviour …

This story sets a dark precedent for the Methodist Church going forward and also serves as a warning to the Church of England.

Edwards insists, and clarified in subsequent tweets, that the post was not “homophobic” and that it was addressed to evangelicals who agree with his message, but feel they can’t say so for fear of backlash.

Furthermore, he added that the aggressive response to the tweet illustrated the problem it addressed.

Edwards set up a Crowdfunder to help support his family. In it he set out plans to set up a new theological college which encourages “shamelessly Biblical” free speech for Christians. The homeschooler has so far raised almost £51,000.

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