Faithful Christians Urged to Engage Publicly at ‘Awake, Arise!’ Conference
(Photo: Christian Concern)
In a significant gathering last week, Christians assembled in London for the ‘Awake, Arise! London 2026 UK Tour’. The event’s core message was to uphold Christian values and openly express faith in all facets of life, from workplaces to schools, and in political and community engagements.
Christian Concern organized the event, featuring speakers who discussed pivotal topics such as education, freedom of speech, and life protection.
Andrew Marsh, the Head of Operations at Christian Concern, emphasized that Christians should not shy away from public discourse. He highlighted that faith should extend beyond church walls and influence every aspect of human society.
“Whether you are a plumber, an architect, a road sweeper, a teacher, a homemaker or a journalist, your 9 to 5 is a noble part of being human,” Marsh remarked, stressing the importance of integrating faith with everyday life.
Marsh acknowledged the reluctance some Christians feel about engaging in moral or political debates, fearing it might overshadow evangelism or seem judgemental. However, he argued that Christians are called to demonstrate what they deem just and true in society.
“We are made in God’s image,” Marsh stated. “We are made to be God’s representatives on earth.”
Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre, addressed the pressures Christians face in public spheres. She recounted past instances where Christian Unions were expelled from campuses and nurses were asked to remove crosses.
Williams urged the community to act as “watchmen,” encouraging them to remain “unashamed, courageous and fearless” when discussing their faith and values publicly.
She mentioned anecdotal evidence suggesting a resurgence of younger generations attending church, driven by a search for meaning and purpose.
“Young people are coming back to church,” Williams noted. “They are crying out for meaning and for purpose.”
She also touched on the perceived instability in modern society, attributing it to a departure from Christian foundations, especially concerning identity, family, and morality.
The conference featured Dr. Bernard Randall, a former Church of England school chaplain, who shared his experience of being dismissed after a sermon on identity politics. Despite losing seven years of ministry, the incident fortified his commitment to his beliefs.
“When we stand, things are noticed,” Randall shared. “When we stand, people see it.”
Randall acknowledged the support he received from fellow believers, which encouraged him during challenging times. “It’s been incredibly hard at times, but I have been blessed by the number of people who have come to me and said, ‘thank you, you have inspired me, you have encouraged me.’”
The ‘Awake, Arise!’ tour is set to continue across the UK through 2026.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
