United Kingdom

A Christian woman fired for taking on alleged radical Muslim colleagues who mocked Jesus and bullied Christians at London’s Heathrow Airport is suing her former employers, saying her case raises issues of national security, religious harassment and workers’ rights.

Nohad Halawi, the woman who worked at World Duty Free in Terminal 3, was dismissed after five Muslims filed unsubstantiated complaints about her conduct as an apparent revenge for standing up for a colleague bullied and harassed by Islamic fundamentalists, says the Christian Legal Centre, a London-based conservative group that is supporting her in the case.

Halawi, a migrant from Lebanon, had persistently complained to management over personal religious abuse and harassment from Islamic staff who even mocked her about “shitty Jesus,” CLC adds. more >>

A social club in England narrowly retained its operating license last week after letting minors as young as eight compete in mixed martial arts (MMA).

The U.K.'s Guardian reported that The Greenlands Labour Club in Preston, Lancashire, drew the ire of concerned citizens when it featured a MMA bout between two youngsters on a September fight card. Video of the match outraged viewers, and they quickly pressed the Preston City Council to review the Club's license.

"This example of cage fighting among young children is particularly disturbing, especially as they are not even wearing head guards," a spokesperson for the British Medical Association (BMA) told The Guardian after the match. more >>

Pastors from over 70 evangelical churches in Scotland have signed a letter to First Minister Alex Salmond Friday calling for him to protect the traditional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

In doing so, the church leaders have joined their Roman Catholic counterparts, who have been protesting the government's tinkering with the social institution of marriage since September.

The U.K. government has been holding 14-week consultations since September, surveying opinions on whether civil or church unions between people of the same gender should be allowed, according to British media. Officials have declared they will listen to all main arguments, including those of churches and faith groups. more >>

Funny man Russell Brand’s father said his son has more in common with Jesus than a shaggy beard and curly locks.

Ron Brand, 67, believes that both his son and the Son of God are “both true individuals, misunderstood by the world.”

Russell, 36, is known for his antics in hit movies such as “Get Him to The Greek” and the remake of “Arthur,” as well as being married to pop superstar Katy Perry. more >>

Up to 150 conservative and evangelical ministers are reportedly threatening to resign in Scotland, where the Church of Scotland is about to become the first Presbyterian church in the world to allow the ordination of openly gay ministers.

The 450 year-old Christian establishment and cradle of Presbyterianism famously voted for allowing gay ministers in May, causing mass protests of current ministers.

Presently, as many as 150 serving ministers are considering resignation, The Guardian reported Monday. In addition, at least six ministers have left the church since May. One minister and his entire congregation, a church at Gilcomston South in Aberdeen, even reportedly threatened to leave as a group. more >>

British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote out two of his favorite verses from Philippians as his contribution to an upcoming “People’s Bible,” handwritten from Genesis to Revelations by about 20,000 people, to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

“The King James Bible is a book that has not just shaped our own country, but shaped the world,” The Guardian quoted Cameron as saying after he wrote his verses at Downing Street.

“While it is important to understanding our past, it will continue to have a profound impact in shaping our collective future, so to be able to join others in contributing to an online edition that will be easily accessible for all time is very special indeed,” added the 45-year-old leader of the Conservative Party. more >>