Dear Editor –

I wonder how many of your readers are aware that we in danger of sleepwalking into ever greater state control.

The unfortunately named Equality Bill, progressing through the House of Lords, sounds laudable enough but could impose disturbing restrictions on the church and Christian organisations.

The present law allows us to refuse to employ people whose sexual conduct is contrary to our moral convictions but this Bill could shrink the exemption to the point where it has been suggested there is a possibility some Christian organisations will have to close and it will be very difficult for traditional churches to operate according to their ethos.

Although the Government did not allow a debate in the House of Commons, the Lords now have the opportunity to engage properly with this important issue, and hopefully we will all wake up to the impact this Bill could have.

Pastor Rob James
Freemans Walk,
Pembroke