UK & Ireland in Brief

More than 54,000 women have been hospitalised following at-home abortion complications since 2020 when pills-by-post were introduced, according to an analysis of NHS England data.

Research organisation Percuity found that one in every 17 women managing their home abortion is admitted to hospital after serious problems arise. The Christian Institute’s Head of Communications Angus Saul warned: “There can be severe complications with abortion pills – particularly if taken later in pregnancy.., which are exacerbated by lack of medical supervision.”

A retired paediatric consultant who raised alarms about nurse Lucy Letby, convicted in 2023 of killing or attempting to kill 13 newborn babies in a Chester hospital, is reportedly training to become a CofE vicar.

Dr John Gibbs studied theology after his retirement from the Countess of Chester Hospital and is understood to be a member at St Michael’s Church, Chester where he has spoken on the subject of medical ethics. The church is described on its website as a “lively, thriving, evangelical” church.

A police officer has given a well-known Burnley pastor a “friendly warning” that the Scripture verse, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” (John 3:16) on the back of his motorhome could be seen as “hate speech in the wrong context”.

Mick Fleming, who leads the Church on the Street charity, was told he could be in trouble if someone made a complaint. He said he was at a petrol station when the police officer tapped him on the shoulder and said if someone reported it, they would have to investigate. Fleming said: “Where have we moved to as a country where a bit of Christian Scripture on the back of a van could be seen as being hateful and spiteful?”

Nicola Laver

Three Christian organisations – the Evangelical Alliance, Restore Glasgow and CARE for Scotland – have joined together to urge MSPs to back the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.

The private member’s bill, also referred to as the Unbuyable Bill, aims to outlaw prostitution in Scotland and protect women from sex work and sex trafficking.

Nicola Laver

About 100 people gathered for this year’s Raising Expectations Conference at Emmanuel Church Cockfosters, where this year’s topic was Attention: Distraction Worship Contemplation.

Reuben Hunter, associate minister at Ealing International Presbyterian Church, spoke on Attention for Sale and Contemplation & Learning to Attend.

Steve Hayhow, Minister of Emmanuel Church, spoke on Why You Attend, and Disciplines of an Attentive Life.

Steve Hayhow