Andrea Minichiello Williams

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Andrea Rose Minichiello Williams is co-founder of Christian Concern, and CEO of the Christian Legal Centre. She is also a director of Coalition for Marriage (C4M), the main UK campaign group against same-sex marriage. Williams was Director of Public Policy at the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, whose vision is to bring the "whole Good News of Jesus Christ within the legal world". She has been termed a "naïve and controversial" inhabitant of the "eccentric fringe" of evangelical Christianity by Joel Edwards,[1] then director of the Evangelical Alliance.

Barrister? Ms Williams lists her occupation as "barrister" – however, there is no Andrea Williams or Andrea Minichiello on the BSB Register.

Britain's war on Christianity: Williams has warned that if British Christians didn't "step up", the nation would be on a path to eventually criminalize the practice of Christianity in public,[2] and that the heart of our legislative, cultural and educational systems have turned their backs on God. As a result, we end up with legislation that is counter to God's purposes; she cited "equality and diversity" legislation as examples.[3]

Homosexuality is a sickness: At a conference organised to lobby against Jamaica's repeal of legacy colonial-era homophobic laws, Williams argued that it is a "big lie" that homosexuality is inborn, and it is caused by environmental factors. Williams was joined by Peter LaBarberaWikipedia-W.svg, who reiterated "Homosexuals are made, not born". She asserted that when organisations like hers attempt to claim a connection between homosexuality and paedophilia, they are cut off so they can't speak about it, and that such arguments opposing LGBGT rights were not hate speech. She said "We say these things because we're loving, we're compassionate, we're kind". The Bishop of Chichester, Martin WarnerWikipedia-W.svg, where Williams was elected to the General Synod in 2011, condemned the comments: they had "no sanction in the Church of England" and they "should be rejected as offensive and unacceptable".[4][5][6] Jeffrey Ventrella and Piero Tozzi, two senior legal counsels for the ADF, were also at the conference, repeatedly defending laws criminalizing gay sex.

Islam: "I believe Islam is a false religion."

Mission

Williams and her cohort maintain that Christianity in Britain is under attack. They reject the secular idea of neutrality of the state, and argue that British values are fundamentally Christian values. They want their particular religion to have special advantages, but this is a dangerous way of thinking – we see in other countries how the violently enforced dominance of one religion leads to the persecution of other faiths. The only way to avoid that is to ensure that the state does not permit itself to be dominated in the way Williams et al want Christianity to dominate. A state that is neutral about religion, so that none is favoured or disadvantaged, is safer and more protective of religious freedom that one that gives privilege to one particular religion. Prof Trigg Far from supporting religious liberty, the ADF champions the exact opposite. The ADF champions a radical agenda to destroy the wall of separation between church and state. It even has close ties to the most extreme faction of the Religious Right – a movement that wants to create a harsh fundamentalist Christian theocracy. The ADF's real agenda: Knocking down the church-state wall and aligning the country with fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible.[7] [7]

Christian fundamentalistsWikipedia-W.svg think society should be built on their beliefs - their ultimate aim is a society built on their rigid belief system. These radical Christian groups are not in America – they are here and are aiming to change the laws of our land. Williams believes any law that goes against her strict biblical beliefs must be fought. Telegraph

Tactics

The CLC orchestrate distorted misinformation media campaigns, where individuals are portrayed as yet another "persecuted Christian". Newspapers such as the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph repeat the stories from a distorted and one-sided perspective. FreeThinker

Funding

The revenue source for Christian Concern, the Christian Legal Centre and the Wilberforce Academy is purposefully unclear. Strong connections exist with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), an extremely well-funded USA organisation. Williams is effusive in her praise: "The ADF are a fantastic organisation. We have been inspired by their work and that of the Blackstone programme, which seeks to raise a new generation of lawyers to defend Christianity in the public sphere. They've got some of the best attorneys in this field and we have the great privilege of hosting them, but they don't pay anything towards the academy".[8] Don't they? ADF's Roger Kiska is listed as one of CC's legal personnel.

The ADF and the CC jointly set up the Wilberforce Academy, aimed at training Christians for leadership roles in public life.[8] Alliance_Defending_Freedom#Jeffrey_Ventrella has attended every Wilberforce Academy. He was in London for Alfie's case.(there's a video someplace of him + her).

Wilberforce Academy: In 2010 and 2011, CC covered the full costs.[9][10] Since 2016, applicants are told "The Wilberforce Academy is a heavily subsidised programme; we ask for a delegate contribution of £250".[11] If venue hire is approx. £100 per day per person, then 4 days for 100 people = £40,000. Even with "contributions", there's a huge shortfall.

Our aim is that delegates will be prepared for servant-hearted, Christ-centred leadership in public life, having been equipped with a robust biblical framework that guides their thinking, prayers and activity in addressing the issues facing our society. We hope that they will also develop lasting friendships with peers and mentors that will be a source of support, encouragement and accountability for years to come.

People

CEOs, Directors, Personnel

Ex-People

Past CEOs, Directors, Personnel

  • Christian Concern
  • David Clark, IT, Finance and Administration Director[18]
  • Rachel Wagstaff, Administrator and PA to Andrea Minichiello Williams
  • Peter Norris, Campaigns Officer
  • Will Stuart-Lee, Head of Communications
  • Taurainashe Manonge, Communications Officer
  • Kathryn Wakeling, Legal & Policy Analyst
  • Alex Spak, Research, Legal & Policy Analyst
  • Christian Legal Centre
  • Robert Andrews, Company Secretary
  • David John Clark, Director
  • Onn Sein Kon, Case Manager
  • Legal Personnel
  • John Edgar Pugh-Smith, Barrister BSB Register
  • Catherine Barlen, Volunteer lawyer (no SRA entry)[18]
  • CCFON Ltd
  • Philip Michael Ross-Smith, Director (Jun.2008-Jun.2014)[14]
  • David John Clark, Director (Jun.2008-Jun.2013)[14]
  • Robert Andrews, Secretary (Jun.2008-Jul.2010)[14]
  • Christian Legal Centre Ltd
  • Robert Andrews, Secretary (Oct.2007-Jul.2010)[16]
  • David John Clark, Director (Oct.2007-Jun.2013)[16]

Christian Concern


Flag-UK.svg

Christian-Concern.png
Mission: To see the UK return to the Christian faith; to affect policy at Govt level; to change public opinion.

Type:Christian lobby group
Legal Status:Private Ltd CompanyWikipedia-W.svg
Founded:~2004
Founder:Andrea Minichiello Williams & Ade Omooba
HQ:London, UK
Funding:Not disclosed
 Social-Media-Website.svgChristianConcern.com
 Social-Media-Twitter.svg@CConcern
 Social-Media-Facebook.svg@CCFON
 Social-Media-YouTube.svgCCFONdotOrg

A pressure group that believes the Christian roots of the UK have been abandoned for "secular liberal humanism, moral relativism and sexual license', and wishes to build a 'strong Christian voice in the public sphere". Website

Williams is currently CEO of Christian Concern, and is also the founder and operating director of Christian Legal Centre, a sister organisation that serves to "defend Christians in the public sphere and to protect the freedom of Christians to live their lives in accordance with their Christian beliefs."
Sam Solomon is a consultant for Christian Concern, advising on Islamic Affairs. Solomon wrote A Proposed Charter of Muslim Understanding[1] for UKIP MEP Gerard Batten, who wrote the foreword to the charter. A link to the charter has featured on the website since at least 2009.[2]

ToDo: Dismantling multiculturalism

Timeline

2004Christian Concern For Our Nation (CCFON), a Christian network, was being run by the public policy arm of the Lawyers Christian Fellowship, then headed by Williams.[19] The purpose was to "explain the implications which British laws could have for Christians, with the aim that it will then show Christians across the country what they can do to stand up against those things which go against our faith".
Feb.2005christianconcernforournation.co.uk was registered, and a website went live.[20] In an interview,[21] Williams said she had decided to set up a separate organisation so as not to jeopardise LCF's charitable status,[22] and co-founded Christian Concern For Our Nation with Ade Omooba.
Apr.2006ccfon.org registered.
Oct.2007Christian Law Centre Ltd was registered by David John Clark, with Robert Andrews as company secretary, and Clark and Andrea Rose Minichiello Williams as Directors.
Nov.2007"Christian Law Centre Ltd" renamed to Christian Legal Centre Ltd; and christianlegalcentre.com was registered.
Jun.2008CCFON Ltd was registered by David John Clark, with Robert Andrews as the company secretary, and Clark and Williams as Directors.
Aug.2009christianconcern.com registered by Andrea Minichiello Williams.
May.2010wilberforceacademy.org.uk registered by CCFON.
Oct.2010"Christian Concern For Our Nation" shortened its operating name to Christian Concern, and a shiny new website went live.[23]
Nov.2010Christian Concern Ltd was registered by Robert Andrews. As of Apr.2018, it has not traded.

Christian Legal Centre

The CLC is a private limited company. It is neither a legal practice, nor is it a charity. This means the CLC have no right or ability whatsoever to act for, or to represent, clients in litigation in the courts.[24] Website

The CLC have a track record of arguing cases as though the law was already what they think it should be, and then claiming judicial bias when the judge disagrees. The CC/CLC are against: abortion, divorce, homosexuality, transsecuality, compulsory sex education in schools, baking Gay cakes, being a gay couple staying in a B&B, abortion (in any circumstances), registrars having to conduct gay marriages, embryonic human stem cell research, being transexual (at any age), and for being able to wear visible religious jewellery in a job which required no visible jewellery.[8] One suspects that if if they could find a legal argument for banning divorce or masturbation, no matter how poor the argument, the High Court would be being asked to rule.

Scientific Research: In Apr.2008, the CLC was refused permission to challenge the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority's decicion to grant research licences to scientists for the creation of human-animal embryos for use in medical research.[25] The High Court dismissed the challenge as being "totally without merit", leaving the CFC with a bill for costs of £20,000.[26]

Hate Get-Out Clause: The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (Schedule 16, para.14, page 228**) created an offence of inciting hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation. David Waddington's "free speech" amendment: "the discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices ... shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred", was accepted.<carried in the lords> However, the govt slipped Clause 61 into the Coroners and Justice Bill, repealing the amendment.[3] In Jul.2009, the Lords Amendment 59 removed Clause 61, thereby keeping the "freedom of expression" provision.[4] Guardian commentator Cath Elliott wrote: "I doubt there were many who fought or worked harder on this one than Andrea Minichiello Williams... She is a woman whose determination to impose her religious beliefs on others seemingly knows no bounds.Article

  • Lords Amendments 59, 119, 121, 236 and 239

38. Amendment 59 would retain the provision on “freedom of expression” applicable to the offence of stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation. The “freedom of expression” provision is currently in section 29JA of the Public Order Act 1986. Clause 61 deletes section 29JA. This amendment would remove that clause, and would therefore retain the “freedom of expression” provision. Amendments 119, 121, 236 and 239 would make consequential amendments.

In Mar.2009, Williams criticised Clause 61 of the Coroners and Justice Bill, which was to outlaw hatred on grounds of sexual orientation, stating: "When the holding of orthodox religious views at work on sexual ethics is no longer tolerated by the State, and the government fails to see the point of a free speech clause in a Bill currently before Parliament that would protect those who hold such views, we should all be alarmed."[10] After Clause 61 was thrown out by the Lords in July 2009, Guardian commentator Cath Elliott wrote: "I doubt there were many who fought or worked harder on this one than Andrea Minichiello Williams, the director of both Christian Concern for our Nation and the Christian Legal Centre. She is a woman whose determination to impose her religious beliefs on others seemingly knows no bounds".[11]

ToDo: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/.
  • May.20.2008: The (Almost) Final Indignity. Regardless of the outcome of tonight’s vote, Nadine Dorries walks away with zero credibility and a reputation as a purveyor of long-debunked hoaxes, crap science and a woman who cannot even muster the most basic integrity necessary to be honest about her motives. And then, to cap it all, along comes Channel 4’s Dispatches to verify that the links between Dorries and Williams that I exposed here, with the help of Tim Ireland, were right on the money. ... The video, of course, confirms that Dorries has been fronting a campaign devised entirely by the Lawyer’s Christian Fellowship and pushing their agenda throughout the whole of the campaign. The voice-over even describes Williams as ‘part of the team’ while Dorries, herself states that: ... Sam Coates, Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal PC QC, Ministry of Truth.

See Christian Legal CentreWikipedia-W.svg for details on various cases supported by the CLC.

Wilberforce Academy


Flag-UK.svg

Wilberforce-Academy-Logo.png
Mission: To prepare delegates for "servant-hearted, Christ-centred leadership in public life".

Type:Annual Workshop
Founded:2010
Funding:Not disclosed
 Social-Media-Website.svgWilberforceAcademy.org.uk
 Social-Media-YouTube.svgWilberforce Academy

No Wikipedia entry

William WilberforceWikipedia-W.svg

The Wilberforce Academy is an initiative of Christian Concern (CCFON Ltd).

The ADF and the CC jointly set up the Wilberforce Academy, aimed at training Christians for leadership roles in public life.[8]

The inaugural Wilberforce Academy took place in Mar.2010.[27] Jeffrey Ventrella (Senior Vice President, Alliance Defense Fund) spoke after the dinner with passion and humility. Teaching from Jordan Lorence (Senior Vice President, Alliance Defense Fund) [28] In 2012, among the speakers were Baroness Cox, Jeffrey Ventrella (ADF).[29] In 2013, Lord CareyWikipedia-W.svg, Jeffrey Ventrella (ADF).[30] In 2014, Jefferey Ventrella (ADF), Jordan Lorence (ADF), Dr Peter Saunders, Chief Executive of the Christian Medical Fellowship.[31] 2016: Professor Andrew SandlinWikipedia-W.svg, Jeffrey Ventrella (ADF)

In association with: Christian Concern, Christian Legal Centre, Blackstone Legal Fellowship, a Ministry of the Alliance Defense Fund.[27] From Dec.2012 onwards, the website no longer declared the alliance with ADF's Blackstone Legal Fellowship.

The Wilberforce Academy is aimed at students and young professionals with a passion to serve Jesus Christ in a variety of vocations including law, politics, education, media, arts and business.

Our aim is that delegates will be prepared for servant-hearted, Christ-centred leadership in public life, having been equipped with a robust biblical framework that guides their thinking, prayers and activity in addressing the issues facing our society.

The WA runs annual five-day workshops of "learning, prayer, worship and celebrating together", with teaching focused on the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of Christian involvement in public life. Following the workshop, "delegates will be invited into a network of Wilberforce Academy members, where they will have access to further resources and teaching events throughout the year".

Alfie Evans

Thomas Evans' son, 23-month-old son Alfie, had a terminal, degenerative neurological condition. He had been at Alder Hey Children's Hospital for 16 months, and doctors wanted to switch off his life-support, after having consulted with the world’s top specialists.
Italian "pro-lifer" network Giuristi per la Vita (Lawyers for Life), part of an international network of Catholic fundamentalists, advised Alfie's parents. They organised an audience with the Pope, arranged a string of medical experts to assess Alfie, and replaced the family's Liverpool-based legal team with the Christian Legal Centre. Christine Broesamle, an American "pro-life" activist based in Italy with links to "Giuristi per la Vita", moved to Liverpool to secretly advise Alfie's parents behind the scenes. Broesamle seems to have access to "a bottomless pit of money".
Mr Justice Hayden described Stroilov as a "fanatical and deluded young man" whose submissions to the court were "littered with vituperation and bile". Stroilov is behind the attempt by Alfie's parents to pursue a private prosecution for murder against doctors at Alder Hey.[32]
Conservative MP Nadine Dorries attacked the Catholic bishops for defending the hospital, saying they should "hang their heads in shame" after they said "all those who are and have been taking the agonising decisions regarding the care of Alfie Evans act with integrity and for Alfie's good as they see it". The Archbishop of Westminster, a Catholic, said the campaigners had "used the situation for political aims".[33] The Solicitors Regulation Authority is reviewing the CLC's role in the matter.[34]

  • Christine Broesamle, an American "pro-life" activist based in Italy
  • Pavel Stroilov, an exiled Russian-born law student, has worked as a researcher for UKIP leader Gerard Batten since 2011.

References

  1. ^ Evangelical leader unhappy with focus on "eccentric fringe". Eklesia, May.28.2008.
  2. ^ Britain's War on Christianity: America's Future Fight? Dale Hurd, Christian Broadcasting Network, Jul.31.2009.
  3. ^ The Way Interviews Barrister Andrea Williams on the persecution of UK Christians. Tim Pearson, YouTube, Jan.01.2013.
  4. ^ U.S., U.K. Activists Urge Jamaicans To Keep Same-Sex Intercourse Illegal. J Lester Feder, BuzzFeed News, Dec.08.2013.
  5. ^ Christian Concern: Tom Daley came out because his father died so Jamaica should keep its buggery law. Joseph Patrick McCormick, Pink News, Dec.09.2013.
  6. ^ Tom Daley ‘is gay because his father died’ says UK evangelist. Jamie Merrill, The Independent, Dec.18.2013.
  7. ^ a b
  8. ^ a b c d Christian Legal Centre fights more than 50 religious discrimination cases. The Guardian, May.01.2011.
  9. ^ Wilberforce Academy Application Form 2011 (archive.org), Wilberforce Academy, 2011. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  10. ^ Wilberforce Academy: a great opportunity Christians together, Jan.03.2011.
  11. ^ Wilberforce Academy Application Form 2018 Wilberforce Academy, 2018. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Christian Concern: People. Christianconcern.com. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  13. ^ The Unknown Client. I joined the Christian Legal Centre in September, having previously directed international advocacy and European Court of Human Rights case-work at two large Christian firms on the continent. Roger Kiska, Christian Concern, Apr.28.2017.
  14. ^ a b c d e CCFON Limited: Officers Companies House. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  15. ^ Christian Concern Ltd: Officers Companies House. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  16. ^ a b c Christian Legal Centre Ltd: Officers Companies House. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Wilberforce Academy: Faculty Wilberforce Academy. Accessed Apr.20.2018.
  18. ^ a b Christian Concern: People. (Archive.org), Christianconcern.com. Accessed Nov.12.2010.
  19. ^ Lord Carey Makes Prayer Plea as General Synod Prepares for Gay Debate. Jennifer Gold, Christian Today, Feb.20.2007.
  20. ^ Christian concern for our nation: About us. (Archive.org), Christianconcernforournation.co.uk, Oct.26.2005.
  21. ^ The Christians' Advocate: Interview with Andrea Minichiello Williams of CCFON. Evangelicals Now, Apr.2009.
  22. ^ Can a charity have a political purpose? A UK charity cannot have a political purpose, or undertake political activity that is not relevant to the charity's charitable purposes. Trustees must not allow the charity to be used as a vehicle for the expression of the personal or party political views of any individual trustee or staff member. Charity Commission, Mar.01.2008.
  23. ^ Our new name and website. Andrea Minichiello Williams, us2.campaign-archive.com, Oct.2010.
  24. ^ On the Naughty Step – the questionable ethics of the Christian Legal Centre. Giles Peaker, Nearly Legal, Apr.28.2018.
  25. ^ HFEA authorises research using human-animal hybrid embryos. Katy Sinclair, BioNews, Sept.18.2015.
  26. ^ Campaigners lose bid to ban hybrid embryos. metrowebukmetro, Metro, Dec.2008.
  27. ^ a b Wilberforce Academy: About. (Archive.org), WilberforceAcademy.org.uk, Nov.28.2010.
  28. ^ Wilberforce Academy 2010 Christian Concern, Apr.01.2010.
  29. ^ Wilberforce Academy 2012 Christian Concern, Apr.03.2012.
  30. ^ Christian Weekly News: The Wilberforce Academy Highlights. Christian Weekly News, YouTube, Apr.07.2013.
  31. ^ The Wilberforce Academy experience: raising the next generation of Christian leaders. Christian Concern, Sept.15.2014.
  32. ^ 'Call from God': American pro-lifer's role in Alfie Evans battle. Josh Halliday, The Guardian, 2018.04.28.
  33. ^ Archbishop hits out at 'political aims' of some Alfie Evans campaigners. The Guardian, May.01.2018.
  34. ^ Legal watchdog may investigate Christian group over Alfie Evans case. Josh Halliday, The Guardian, May.02.2018.