The Christian Institute thanks supporters as Annual Review reflects on God’s goodness during 2023

THE Christian Institute has published its 2024 Annual Review, thanking its growing support base of 62,000 Christians and 5,500 churches across the UK and Republic of Ireland for their financial and prayerful support in one of the charity’s busiest years in over 30 years of ministry.

In 2023 alone, the Newcastle-based charity was able to meet with 21,000 people at 450 events as it sought to inform and equip supporters – and the Church more widely – to engage with some of the key issues of the day.

During the year, The Christian Institute particularly emphasised the dangers of a ban on so-called conversion therapy. It spearheaded engagement with ministers and civil servants at Westminster, Holyrood and Stormont, highlighting the devastating impact on the ordinary work of churches – preaching, prayer and pastoral care that helps people live in accordance with biblical sexual ethics – and on parents who refuse to affirm LGBT ideology. The Institute also commissioned legal opinions from a leading King’s Counsel, confirming that existing law already covers ‘abusive and coercive therapies’ and that any ban is likely to breach the Human Rights Act and therefore be open to Judicial Review.

The charity also reports its major role in successfully arguing that the Government should remove restrictions on ‘legal but harmful’ online content for adults in the Online Safety Act, which became law on 26 October 2023.

In addition to the more than 200 people given legal assistance, its education team helped a near-record 220 Christian parents, teachers and governors with advice on the Equality Act, religious education, and LGBT ideology. Increasingly, Christians engaged in education are seeking the Institute’s guidance when faced with LGBT ideology and the sexualisation of children.

Ciarán Kelly, who was recently appointed Director of The Christian Institute following the death of Colin Hart in March this year, said:

“We are so grateful to God for our committed and growing support base. We cherish their prayers as we seek to engage with our new Government on issues ranging from religious liberty to sex education and from gambling to assisted suicide.

“The King’s Speech revealed an impending draft Conversion Therapy Bill, and there are new moves to bring in assisted suicide. Issues of gender identity and sexual ethics continue to fill the media’s pages and airwaves, with countless young people confused about both – and parents and the Church seeking ways to respond.

“Whilst we see culture ebbing and flowing on a tide of uncertainty, we stand firm on God’s Word. As we face new challenges to God’s created order and design, we can respond confidently – full of grace and truth. This is a great task and we are privileged to have been called to undertake it for the sake of Christ and his kingdom. Please pray for us.”

For a PDF version of the Annual Review, visit the.ci/2024, and for more information about the charity and its latest campaigns, visit christian.org.uk