Since 2016 the Christian Legal Centre has been supporting Felix Ngole after he was expelled from his social work course at the University of Sheffield. What had he done to deserve such a punishment? On Facebook, outside of course hours, Felix had expressed what the Bible says about marriage and sexuality.
His case, due to be heard on 12-13 March will have implications for whether the 6 million regulated professionals in the UK truly have freedom of speech.
"I pray the court will recognise the freedom to express my Christian faith."
The effect of this decision by the University of Sheffield on Felix and his family has been immense. Yet his faith and trust in Jesus Christ is immovable.
Ahead of proceedings, Felix said: "I pray that the court will recognise the freedom to express my Christian faith. It is chilling that we live in a society where you can share your beliefs on social media and yet you find yourself in trouble when certain people disagree with you."
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is backing Felix, said:
"Once again, the freedom to be a committed Christian while holding a professional role is under threat. From magistrates to nurses, teachers to doctors, Christian professionals are increasingly under pressure to hide away their beliefs – to hide away the light of Christ in them, depriving society of the love of Jesus. This is why we urgently ask you to pray for Felix and our team this week."
Pray for justice
This week we have been encouraged by this passage from the Book of Acts as we prepare for Felix's case:
"His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah." (Acts 5:40 – 42)
Felix's courage is an inspiration to us all, and we ask that on Tuesday, wherever you are, that will you stand with him by praying for justice in this case. With this in mind, please pray for:
• Felix and his wife, Pepsy, that their courage and strength to keep going will inspire Christians across the country and demonstrate to non-Christians what the hope of the gospel means
• For Paul Diamond, who will be representing Felix in court
• That universities would uphold freedom of speech
• For the judges presiding over the case
• For Andrea Williams and the rest of our legal team as they support Felix and speak about the case
• For a just result that would protect Christian freedoms
• That through all of this, the truth of the gospel will be made known in society.
We would like to thank everyone who has already prayed for Felix or sent messages of support. Thanks to you, we were able to give Felix nearly 11,000 words of Christian encouragement this morning.
We will keep you updated as the story develops - could you share Felix's story with others who could pray?