The Keswick Convention has now issued a further statement following controversy about a pro-life organisation's activities in the town.
A fortnight ago, on the 24th July, event organisers said that they were 'saddened' by the activities of Brephos, a group which helps churches think through abortion-related issues.
Now, it has issued a new statement, stressing the Convention's commitment to the 'sanctity of human life,' but again voicing concern about the approach adopted by Brephos in Keswick.
The original 24th July statement read: 'We are aware that Brephos, an organisation not affiliated with Keswick Ministries, are taking part in a "public education" event in Keswick town today.
'We are saddened by this approach at targeting Keswick Convention visitors which we recognise also impacts others within the town. We would like to emphasise that this group has no affiliation with Keswick Ministries.
'As soon as we were aware that this activity might be a possibility, we contacted the organisers and requested they not use their public display in Keswick. Keswick Ministries are delighted to work closely with the police who are aware of the situation.'
Their latest statement, dated 5th August, says: 'Keswick Ministries has always believed in the sanctity of human life, believing life begins at conception. We will never abandon this historical position. We rejoice to share this Biblical conviction with many ministries. However, as per our original statement, we are saddened by an approach which we believe is likely to disengage more people than it wins to this beautiful truth.'
The Keswick Convention took place from 13th July to 2nd August. There will be a report on the event itself in the next print edition of EN and also online.
On its website, Brephos states: 'We provide training and resources for pastors to teach - from the word of God, from science, and from the history of social reform - about life in the womb, the reality of abortion, and what we can do for the most vulnerable in our society today.
'We gather, build, train, and release teams from local churches to stand up for the unborn in their local area, and in the same breath to hold out the grace and healing of Jesus Christ to all - men and women - who have been involved in abortion in the past.
'We offer pro-life apologetics training, so that people can become effective ambassadors for the unborn in their conversations with friends, families, colleagues, and neighbours.'
EN is contacting Keswick to ask for further information about its specific concerns concerning the approach adopted by Brephos, and is also contacting Brephos itself.
