"I'm sorry that some see hope as offensive, but I can assure you that tens of thousands of people in Blackpool and across the United Kingdom are searching for hope. Sex, drugs, money, even religion – none of these are the answer. I'm coming to share with everyone in Blackpool, Lancashire, and across North West England that there is One who can give you hope. Hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for eternity. His name is Jesus Christ! Will you pray with me for this event in September and for God to work in a mighty way to transform hearts and lives across this region?"Of course, the bus company's response was mild compared to two British lawmakers who tried to ban Franklin from the country altogether. As Fox News's Todd Starnes explains, that would be tall task in a country where nearly 200 local churches have worked to plan this Festival of Hope – "the largest ecumenical Christian event in a generation." While the U.K. and U.S. differ in several areas (Britain doesn't have the First Amendment protections we do, for one), this ferocious push to sideline Christians is something we both have in common. As in America, these small minorities aren't just going after the vocal opponents of their behavior – they want to silence anyone preaching the Gospel. Fortunately for the people of England, Franklin isn't easily dissuaded. He'll take that message to the U.K. and around the world for the same reason his father did: because God's love is too important not to.
Tony Perkins' Washington Update is written with the aid of FRC senior writers.