Throughout history, British Christians have taken a bold stance on persecution and the right to exercise faith in public squares in defending biblical truth. From William Tindale, who was executed for his translation of the Bible into English, to William Wilberforce, who fought tirelessly to abolish the slave trade, men and women of the British faith took all risks to follow the call of Christ.
Now, in modern Britain, peaceful Christians are arrested, taken to court, fined, thrown into prison, praying for prayers, or simply standing near an abortion clinic. These are not extremists. They are not violent protesters. They are ordinary men and women who, like you and me, refuse to compromise their faith.
Court resignation to provide help
Libya Tosci Bolt, a 63-year-old retired medical scientist from Bournemouth, faces trial this week. Her crime? I have a sign near the abortion clinic that reads “To speak here, if necessary.”
She wasn't screaming. She had not blocked the entrance. She had not camped in the quad for days, interrupting her daily education business, as she saw on university campuses. She was simply standing there and providing conversation and support to women who might need it. Still, authorities issued a fine to her under the controversial abortion “buffer zone” law, which prohibits the expression of approval or disapproval of abortion near the clinic. Somehow, “talking here” fits the definition of “approval or disapproval of abortion near the clinic.” What a joke.
Tossici-bolt refuses to pay and sticks to her belief that peaceful conversations in public spaces are not criminal offences. Now she's backing down and facing trial ADF UKa legal organization that supports Christians who target their faith.
“There's nothing wrong with two adults who are engaged in consensual conversations on the streets. I shouldn't be treated like a criminal just for this.” – Livia Tossici-bolt
Army veteran convicted of quiet prayer
It's not just Libya. Last November, 51-year-old former military and physiotherapist Adam Smith Connor was found guilty of quiet praying outside an abortion clinic.
Smith Connor was not involved with anyone. He had no signs. He simply bowed his head and quietly prayed for the unborn baby, who had been lost to an abortion 22 years ago. And for this reason, the government declared that he had violated the buffer zone.
The judge ruled that his quiet act of prayer was a “deliberate” violation of the law. He was given a conditional discharge of two years and fined more than £9,000.
Think about that for a moment. The man was found guilty in an English court simply for praying in his own heart. How do prosecutors construct cases surrounding illegal prayers when the words are not spoken? How do you present evidence of a quiet prayer?
The only reason they knew Adam was praying is because he told them. As a sincere person, he has admitted what is called a “crime.” And in doing so he proved a powerful point. The Church of England has a voice.
Where is the UK headed?
These cases sparked international concern. US Vice President JD Vance recently warned that the UK's growing censorship laws could “destruct Western civilizations.” Speaking this month on GB News' podcast “Chopper's Politics,” Michael Gove said: The same goes for freedom of worship. ”
Yet despite these warnings, the UK government is expanding its buffer zone across the country, making it illegal to pray, support or express views on abortion within 150 metres of all clinics in England and Wales.
Standing in the tradition of British Christian heroes
But despite the ridiculous actions of the British government, we should be encouraged because history shows us that when Christians refuse to compromise their faith, they will change the world.
– William Tindale was executed in 1536 to translate the Bible into English. His sacrifice paved the way for millions of people to read the Word of God in their own language.
– Protestants Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned in crisis for their opposition to the Catholic “Bloody Mary” and refusing to deny the truth of the Bible.
– William Wilberforce fought against the government and the snatch to end slavery, and he won.
Today, Livia Tossici-bolt and Adam Smith-Connor stand in the same tradition. They are not fighting with swords or anger, but with quiet faith, courage, some signs, and quiet prayer.
What can you do? resist!
To the Anglican people willing to put everything at risk through these civic protests, we are with you! I appeal to church leaders everywhere to meet for people like Rivia Toscizbolt. Protests should be made on the streets. There should be a march on behalf of Libya, Adam, and others facing legal persecution. If we do not resist, we are a strong indication that we follow.
We should also pray for the freedom of Libya and religion in the UK. I pray for the wisdom and strength of Libyan faced trial. It can spread awareness on social media and the church. Increase awareness using hashtags such as #prayforlivia #ReligiousFreedom #freeSpeechuk.
Faith that does not retreat
If we learn anything from British history, then we cannot silence our faith, and this island nation must be encouraged to regain a place of leadership within the world's churches.
The question for our dear reader is, when the time comes, will we stand boldly as the heroes before us? Or will we remain silent while our freedom is fleeing?
Britain was once the country that sent missionaries to the edge of the earth. Now it fines people for quiet prayers.
It's time to stand up. Do you go to prison for your faith?
Meet two of the UK's boldest female leaders
source:
https://adfinternational.org/en-gb/news/buffer-zones-trial-today-bournemouth
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g9kp7r00vo
Photo Credit: Free use of images courtesy of Livia Tossici -bolt- ADF UK
It was originally published on March 6, 2025.
