Dear Reader,
Acquittal in Päivi Räsänen Case
March 30, Finnish politician Päivi Räsänen was acquitted of discrimination and insulting homosexuals. We were able to witness at close quarters the trial brought against Päivi Räsänen. She was accused of "hate speech" for expressing her Biblical views on marriage and human sexuality. Last February 14 was the final hearing in this case. This day and the Sunday before, we were able to be with her in Finland and to encourage her and pray with her on your behalf. We also called on you to pray for her and so far our prayer has been answered! At the same time that it was announced in a similar case in the Netherlands against Pastor Kort that he would not be prosecuted, Päivi Räsänen was acquitted on March 30. With this, the freedom to openly stand up for biblical guidelines on marriage between a man and a woman has been preserved. At this time it is not known whether the prosecutor will appeal. We hope and pray for a good outcome to this case. In the video below you can see a report on the verdict in the program "Uitgelicht!" of Family7. Member of Parliament for the SGP Kees van der Staaij will also speak.
Ideological colonization EU - Africa
Much has happened in the process around the 20-year binding trade agreement to be signed by the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries. Just a few days ago we received the good news that the signing ceremony has been postponed for a few months. This gives us more time to make sure that life, family and freedom are protected.
UN New York
On behalf of CCI, Pro-Lifer Peter Smith attended a number of committee meetings at the UN in New York. Themes such as women's rights, gender equality, climate change and Covid were discussed, which he weighed in the light of life, family and freedom. Further down in the newsletter you will find links to his reports.
America
Our US Board Member John Van Der Brink shines a light on The Culture War, which continues in America.
This and more in our first newsletter of 2022.
Thanks
We have invested a lot in recent times and have received (financial) support. Many thanks for that! It is important for us to know that we are not alone. Given the many issues that require our attention, staff expansion is still very much needed. We therefore hope for your (continued) support.
We wish you God's blessing from the bottom of our hearts.
With heartfelt greetings,
Henk Jan van Schothorst
Director Christian Council International