LETTERS PAGE

JESUS MAN DOES NOT BELONG TO OUR GROUP

Source : 19/10/1982 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

We note with some concern the remarks by Mr. David Hawker, spokesman for the Jesus Fellowship Church, Bugbrooke, concerning his relationship with our organisation Family Action, Information and Rescue - Fair (Midlands).

We feel Mr. Hawker's comments could be taken to mean he is a member of Fair, although we readily admit his words do not go that far.

Neither Mr. Noel Stanton nor Mr. Hawker are members of Fair which does not have a national membership, and at no time has either one of them requested an application for membership of Fair (Midlands) be sent to them.

Fair is not a religious body but exists to help families experiencing the heartache of having loved ones involved in any of the many and varied cults. It is not surprising a large number of the members are responsible Christians who view the situation objectively.

Other members are of different faiths or of no faith at all. We are voluntary and non-political. Our concern is about the family unit - babies, teenagers, mums and dads, and grandparents.

We would stand by the United Nations declaration of the rights of the child.

Three times a year Fair publishes a newsletter and I understand Mr. Hawker does subscribe to this as indeed anyone else can.

During the latter part of last year and also this year the Jesus Fellowship Church have sought to hire premises in the Birmingham area for their 'New Life' venture.

As Bugbrooke is affiliated to the Baptist Union, one cannot help wondering why 'New Life' chooses to use premises other than those owned by the Baptist Union.

The Rev. M Butt, Co-chairman, Fair (Midlands)

The United Nations declaration says children have:

The right to affection, love and understanding.
The right to adequate nutrition and medical care.
The right to free education.
The right to full opportunity to play and recreation.
The right to a name and nationality.
The right to special care if handicapped.
The right to be among the first to receive relief in times of disaster.
The right to learn to be a useful member of society and to develop individual abilities.
The right to be brought up in a spirit of peace and universal brotherhood.
The right to enjoy these rights, regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, national, or social origin.