Letter: Child Protective Services Called on mom who showed the “180” film to her children

 

Dear Amy,

I live in UK and my children attend a Church of England Primary School, this is a state school where some form of Bible teaching is permitted, there are Bibles and crosses in each class, many school services take place at the local church, yet all the staff are unbelievers and most of the parents sending their children there, unbelievers as well.

It just so happens that I was employed by the same school for a little more than 2 hours each week.

For Christmas, the school held a Christmas fair and each child was supposed to bring a jar of candy. As I am in the habit of leaving Christian tracts, I inserted some tracts into my children’s candy jars, perhaps hastily. One of them was a Million Pound tract with Ten Commandments on its back, and the other, a card with an advertisement for Ray Comfort’s film “180”.

When I showed up for my shift, not too long after the fair, the Head Teacher (principal) called an emergency meeting and he had my jar and tracts in his hand. Straight after the meeting I admitted it was me, I had nothing to hide. I was questioned by the school leadership and I said that what he was calling “unauthorized, inappropriate printed material” were Christian tracts and that they explain the Christian teaching.

180Immediately some officials from the local Council were called in; there was even a policeman at the school. I was immediately suspended and told not to reveal any of the details to anyone. I was made to attend an investigative meeting with strict instructions that no legal representation was allowed. The school leadership and the HR representative were pressing these points: that there was deeply inappropriate wording on the back of the tract: “sexual immorality” and that the film “180” was horrific, had it been watched by a child, even a child who is 10-11. The local “pastor” or vicar (who is female) said that she condemned my actions, that the “180” was a horrifying film and not child appropriate.

I admitted that I regretted that the tracts were not more child friendly, but that I was glad that they all had read the tract and seen the film, since we all will be accountable to God one day and then they will not have an excuse.

I kept repeating, that I prepared the jars as a parent, for an after school hours event; I didn’t give tracts out on my shift, so I should be dealt with as a parent, not suspended as an employee. It fell on deaf ears. The HR representative was quizzing me in a police style mode.

Since I have a delicate nervous disposition, and all the stress affecting me physically, I handed in my resignation and thought that this is where it would end.

However, when I came to pick up my children from their last day of school, before their holidays, I was called in to the Head Teacher’s office once again, there was a member of the Board of Directors there. I was officially informed that because in the course of the meeting I had revealed to them that my children had seen the child inappropriate “180” film, they have notified the Child Protection Services and that they will be contacting me shortly.

I said that I knew what they were doing: persecuting me because of my faith. I said that they knew my children were well behaved and never done anything bad to another pupil; yet there were plenty of children with worrying playground games and would their parents be called in and quizzed on what their children watch or play? Of course they didn’t answer that, just said that they simply followed the guidelines of child protection.

We do not watch violent films in our household, but I feel it is important to bring up children teaching them what is right and wrong, even if the subject is a bit heavy (like holocaust and abortion). When my sons were about 10 and 8, I explained to them what those things meant and the reason I did so, because the sex ed starts here in UK very early.

Now you can just imagine how I am feeling, scared that someone might deem me to be a bad mother and take my children away. I am without a church and really don’t have relatives or friends that could support our family in this. It is easy to be bold when it’s just you, but the threat of removing your children takes it to another level..

I am in a desperate need of prayers. Thank you and God bless!

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fritzworld
fritzworld
8 years ago

Praying for you constantly. That school is not Christian, and they are at fault…not you! There are many of us out here praying for you and your children! God bless you and your fight for the truth and God's will!

Donna Broughton
8 years ago

Oh my. I fear it won't be long before this happens here if Christians don't start standing up for the truth. Praying for this poor woman.

Peter Horvatin
Peter Horvatin
8 years ago

Please, let me encourage you to stand strong in the face of this persecution and that is what we have to call it-persecution. You are not a bad mother for you are following what the Lord would have you do in training up your children in his ways. Continue to be courageous in these end times in the face of persecution and suffering. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Be confident of this.

Rosebud
Rosebud
8 years ago

Kudos to you for taking opportunities to share the Gospel Truth. God sees every injustice, and we're behind you all the way in prayer.

Peter Cotton
Peter Cotton
8 years ago

We will praying for you at church tomorrow. The powers that be ought to be ashamed of themselves. We fully support you. Please let us know if we can help in any way practical ways too.

Hester
Hester
8 years ago

I am speechless and this is reality sinking in of where this world is leading. I am not familiar with the 180 videos but the truth is these people would have opposed you in every way or form they could no matter what you distributed. I think to understand where the attack comes from is key. Satan is not pleased and we know that he will make war on those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 12:17). We look to the Word of God for strength to endure all kinds of trials and to stay the course. May the Lord strengthen you and may your prayer come before Him and may Psalm 91 encourage you.

Bonnie
Bonnie
8 years ago

Thst is absurd & definitely persecution! God, intervene in this situation & bring true believers into her life for support I ask in Jesus' name!!!!

Lauren Conradie
Lauren Conradie
8 years ago

Will be praying for you and your children. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.

Lauren Conradie
Lauren Conradie
8 years ago

Will be praying for you and your children. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.

Jon Paterson
Jon Paterson
8 years ago

If you live anywhere near Ringwood, Dorset you are welcome at my church – Jon Paterson, Pastor at Alderholt Chapel.

Linley
Linley
8 years ago

I cant begin to imagine how you must be feeling. From New Zealand, my prayers are with you, your family and the school. God bless you for standing up for what you believe in.

All my love
Linley-Jane

treesaw
treesaw
8 years ago

I am praying for you sweet sister in Christ!!

Anthony D Rothschild
8 years ago

Keep strong people well help you who see your truth

Jonathan Deeb
8 years ago

Dearest KING JESUS,

Please, please, PLEASE Be Here and There Even Now…with Your Arms of Love and Mercy ever-surrounding our sister-in-YOU.
Please let All this be a Defeat for the Powers of Darkness and may Your People, Your Beloved and Your Church rise-up and call-out to YOU to defeat the lies, the attacks and the corruption that seeks to have control.

Please, let All this be unto YOUR Glory and YOUR FAME.

We Love You KING JESUS,

Amen

Aurora Rose
Aurora Rose
8 years ago

Jesus, please don't let them take her children away from her, and if they do, give her the strength to endure and never deny you. Amen!

Anne
Anne
8 years ago

I can only imagine the anguish you are feeling right now, and I am so sorry. I am praying for you.

Ryan
Ryan
8 years ago

I believe aclj.org has law offices in the UK and have taken on these cases time and time again with great success and support from radio listeners and the online community. If they can help in any way, I'd want to get in touch with them.

cassie
cassie
8 years ago

I live in Australia, I will pray for you. The Lord is on your side.

Trent
Trent
8 years ago

Praying for you and your family!

Jele
Jele
8 years ago

I will keep you in my prayers. Fear no man, and stay faithful in the Lord. He has promised to take care of his children. 1 Peter is a wonderful epistle for this time of trials."For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."(‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ NKJV)

crystal
crystal
8 years ago

I am praying for you stay strong the Lord is with you .

Kate Stones
Kate Stones
8 years ago

I've prayed for you & your family!

Matthew
Matthew
8 years ago

The answer to this 1984 behavior is 1776. Thank God above for sending great men at that time I now pray he sends another that are just as bold.

Akpo
Akpo
8 years ago

God will see you and you will definitely come out with testimonies in Jesus name, amen.

Ranolene Pillay
Ranolene Pillay
8 years ago

 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” -Matthew 10:32

God knows your heart, He has heard your prayers, and the many others around the world praying for you. With God on your side, you and your children are in safe hands. Prayers and blessings go out to you.

Matt
Matt
8 years ago

Praying for now, and greatful you did what you did! We all need to be as strong as you! God will make it all workout for you! Keep standing strong for Him!

Lee
Lee
8 years ago

Stand strong on your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! He will see that you Glorify Him through this and those who seek to persecute you will not be victorious.

Laurellynne McHardie Greaves

Holding you up in prayer knowing that the LORD your GOD is bigger than all of this.

Jeanne
Jeanne
8 years ago

Imagine the children who lived (or not) through the holocaust. Where were child protective services then? It is okay to teach children that abortion is good, but not that it isn't good? The act itself is horrific but yet children are taught about all sexual subjects on school. Because it is the school, or is okay. But not if it is the parent. I hope England has something like ACLJ to help you through this.

ColumbaLisa
ColumbaLisa
8 years ago

Yes, they are definitely over-reacting! But remember that God is in control. He has got this. Let's continue to pray that God will be glorified, and that He gives you His peace. This situation is in His hands; I know that's hard to see when the storm is raging, but it is the truth, and hang onto that.
You're giving your children a wonderful gift: A mom whose heart belongs to Jesus. No one can take that away from them, no matter what happens. You and your kids are in my prayers.
Peace,
Lisa

Boyd Jahnke
Boyd Jahnke
8 years ago

Why are you hiding her identity? I have friends in Britain who might be able to help but how can they contact her?

Tom C
Tom C
8 years ago
Reply to  Boyd Jahnke

If your friends have information, give their information to her and she can retain the anonymity that might be the only thing stopping people from attacking or threatening her.

Jenni
Jenni
8 years ago
Reply to  Boyd Jahnke

Please contact the administrators of Stand Up for the Truth through the contact button on the top bar above to further make contact with the woman in the article.

Tom
Tom
8 years ago
Reply to  Boyd Jahnke

Con tact Ray Comfort.

Boyd Jahnke
Boyd Jahnke
8 years ago
Reply to  Tom

OK. Thanks, Tom.

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago

I prayed for you. To everyone else be aware this is coming to the USA so be prepared.

Delores
Delores
8 years ago

Stay strong

paul vb
paul vb
8 years ago

This person should contact the Christian Institute , a UK Christian legal charity defends Christians who are being unfairly treated. Please make sure she knows

Doris McCrimmon
Doris McCrimmon
8 years ago

Prayers for you and you family,
Stay strong in your faith..God is with you.

Denise
Denise
8 years ago

Remember how the enemy tries to sound big and bad but who's the one really in charge and the one who paid the price for all our sins, He said' I will never leave you nor forsake you." He's with you always. praying for you

John
John
8 years ago

Contact Britain First, I am sure they would be keen to assist.

Graeme
Graeme
8 years ago

Please keep us updated on this story. We will pray.

Kevin
Kevin
8 years ago

My prayers are with you dear sister x

June Ward
June Ward
8 years ago

Yea though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and we shall dwell in the house of The Lord forever. Amen

Ellie
Ellie
8 years ago

Praying for you sister! You may be persecuted but you will never be defeated! Jesus has already won!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
8 years ago

Dear Father, I thank You that none of this takes You by surprise. You are able to deliver and save to the uttermost all them that put their trust in you. I pray for this family. Surround them with Your holy angels and give her favor in the sight of men in Jesus' holy name I pray – amen!

Ros
Ros
8 years ago

It's the same in Australian schooling. People have become so desensitised to everything wrong and bad in the world, that it's a disgust to see that people still have "old fashioned/backwards" Christian values, and so people keep removing God from their lives, but ask what and why He's doing things when bad things happen. Then say see if He did exist He wouldn't let this happen. I'm scared for the future of my young children's schooling.

IAmRufus
IAmRufus
8 years ago

I wish there were some citations. In her home, okay. But no proselytizing in schools, by any religion.

servant
servant
8 years ago

Contact THE ACLJ. For legal assistance. Will pray for you.

Edna
Edna
8 years ago

Strength to you and your family. May God guide you as you seek to spread the gospel of Christ. Also may he continue to speak through you and your family to the lost. God bless you for your boldness sister.

john
john
8 years ago

It doesn't get any stupider than this! Add me to the praying people!

Edna Brunkow
8 years ago

Strength to you and your family. May God guide you as you seek to spread the gospel of Christ. Also may he continue to speak through you and your family to the lost. God bless you for your boldness sister.

Rob McMullen
Rob McMullen
8 years ago

Keep religion out of schools and state

Liz Williams
Liz Williams
8 years ago

Praying for you right now. You are a bold witness for Christ which is very encouraging. Asking God to protect you and your children.