Jesus said
"The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath"
Mark 2 v 27
John Roberts reports on the launch of Day One’s latest travel guide
On the 29th March, over 120 invited guests gathered in the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, Westminster, to celebrate the publication of a new travel guide entitled ‘The Houses of Parliament—Cradle of Democracy’.
The special meeting was hosted by Gary Streeter MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship who spoke highly of this new publication which highlights the Christian influence within the Houses of Parliament during past centuries.
The Rev Brian Edwards, author, conference speaker and editor of the series, introduced the speaker, Andrew Atherstone, who is tutor in history and doctrine, and Latimer research fellow at Wycliffe Hall Oxford. He is a member of Oxford University’s theology faculty and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He has also contributed in this series by writing ‘The Martyrs of Mary Tudor’ and ‘Travel through Oxford’.
Dr Atherstone gave a 25-minute PowerPoint presentation that gripped the attention of all who were present, which included members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. He spoke of the important contribution Christianity and its people have made over many centuries within Parliament. From the founding of Westminster Abbey in the 960s, through to the present time, a Christian testimony has been made which has had a significant impact upon our national life.
It was encouraging to have representatives from all major political parties, including seven parliamentary guides who received a complimentary copy of the book. We have also heard that the book has been accepted in the Parliament bookshop. Written commendations have been received from; the Right Hon William Hague, Foreign Secretary; The Most Reverend Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York; The Rt Hon Lord Mackay of Clashfern, Lord Chancellor 1987-1997; The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster among many others.
We trust this travel guide will be widely used and remind the people of the United Kingdom of the great influence Christianity has made in the history of this great nation.