The annual conference of The Christian Coalition for Education was inspiring. We heard people in influential positions clearly stating what perhaps has only been previously whispered about and tiptoed around in education circles. This created a confidence in the room that we are indeed created in God’s image: male and female, and that any deviation from this is sinful.

Former Anglican Bishop Dr Michael Nazir Ali set a thoroughly biblical precedent with his keynote speech, ‘Made in the Image of God’ where he outlined interpretations of Imago Dei. In an examination of the scriptures, he explained the mandate to represent Christ in this world, and how theology should direct our practice in this area. Dr Nazir Ali reminded us that the breakdown of families and therefore society is because of a failure to honour these fundamental Godly principles.

In an ‘Emperor’s new clothes’ moment, an interview with the wonderfully plain speaking Christian MP for Don Valley followed. Nick Fletcher explained the difficulties navigating the 21st century world of politics, whilst staying anchored in the truth and honouring our biblical mandate to love everyone. Fletcher urged Christian teachers to refuse to use preferred gender pronouns in schools, echoing the advice from John Denning at the Christian institute. Teachers and concerned parents should also write to their MP’s concerning the Government consultation on ‘Relationships and Sex Education Guidance’ in schools.

When asked how we could pray for Nick he said, “that when an angry trans-woman is shouting at me, that I would be able to love him”. It was really heartening to hear how this MP and other born-again believers in the Government meet to pray and read the bible every week.

Lastly Professor Mark Pike explained how the Emmanuel Schools Foundation Trust has heralded an unashamed return to teaching the core Christian ‘virtues’ of the bible, which underpins all their teaching and pastoral care in their six comprehensive schools. 

Other Christian groups represented at the day conference included The Christian Institute, The Message Trust, Transforming lives for Good, and M10.

A really stimulating day, motivating Christian teachers to be brave in their defence of Godly truth. 


Rachel March

(This report was first published on the Evangelical Times website)