Meet the Modern Heroes of the Christian Faith in the UK
Throughout history, Christians in the UK have taken bold stands against persecution in defense of biblical truth and the right to exercise their faith in the public square. From William Tyndale, who was executed for translating the Bible into English, to William Wilberforce, who tirelessly fought to abolish the slave trade, men and women of faith in the UK have risked everything to follow Christ’s call.
But what about today?
Right now, in modern Britain, peaceful Christians are being arrested, taken to court, fined, and even thrown in jail for praying or simply standing within proximity of an abortion clinic. These aren’t extremists. They aren’t violent protesters. They are ordinary men and women, just like you and me, who refuse to compromise their faith—even under threat of legal punishment.
A Retiree on Trial for Offering Help
This week, Livia Tossici-Bolt, a 63-year-old retired medical scientist from Bournemouth, is facing trial. Her crime? Holding a sign near an abortion clinic that simply read, “Here to talk, if you want.”
She wasn’t shouting. She wasn’t blocking the entrance. She wasn't camping out in the quad for days interrupting the daily business of education like we're seeing on college campuses. She was simply standing, offering conversation and support to women who might need it. And yet, the authorities issued her a fine under the controversial abortion “buffer zone” law, which prohibits any expression of approval or disapproval of abortion near clinics. Somehow "Here to talk" fits within the definition of "approval or disapproval of abortion near clinics." What a joke.
Tossici-Bolt refused to pay, standing firm in her belief that peaceful conversation in a public space should not be a criminal offense. Now, she faces trial with the backing of ADF UK, a legal group supporting Christians who are targeted for their faith.
“There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this.” – Livia Tossici-Bolt
An Army Veteran Convicted for Silent Prayer
Livia is not the only one. Last November, Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old former serviceman and physiotherapist, was convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic.
Smith-Connor wasn’t engaging with anyone. He wasn’t holding a sign. He simply bowed his head and prayed silently for his unborn son, who had been lost to abortion 22 years earlier. And for this, the government declared him guilty of violating the buffer zone.
A judge ruled that his silent act of prayer was a “deliberate” breach of the law. He was given a two-year conditional discharge and fined over £9,000.
Think about that for a moment—a man was convicted in a British court for simply praying inside his own mind. How does a prosecutor build a case surrounding illegal prayer when there are no words spoken? How do you present evidence of a silent prayer?
The only reason they knew Adam was praying must be because he told them. As a man of integrity, he admitted to his so-called "crime." And in doing so, he proved a powerful point: the UK Church has gumption.
Where Is Britain Headed?
These cases have sparked international concern. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance recently warned that Britain’s growing censorship laws could “destroy Western civilization.” Speaking on GB News Podcast “Choppers Politics” this month, Michael Gove said: “It is wrong to say that someone cannot pray – silently – because you have a particular view on abortion…For me, free speech is as close to a fundamental principle as any. And so is freedom of worship.”
And yet, despite these warnings, the UK government is expanding buffer zones nationwide, making it illegal to pray, offer support, or express any view about abortion within 150 meters of all clinics in England and Wales.
Standing in the Tradition of UK's Christian Heroes
Yet, in spite of the UK government's ridiculous actions, we should be encouraged because history shows us that when Christians refuse to compromise their faith, they change the world.
-William Tyndale was executed in 1536 for translating the Bible into English. His sacrifice paved the way for millions to read God’s Word in their own language.
-Protestants Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley stood firm against Catholic "Bloody Mary" and were burned at the stake for refusing to deny biblical truth.
-William Wilberforce fought relentlessly against the government to end slavery and he won.
Today, Livia Tossici-Bolt and Adam Smith-Connor stand in that same tradition. They are not fighting with swords or anger, but with quiet faith, courage, some signage, and the power of silent prayer.
What Can We Do? Resist!
To those in the UK Church willing to risk everything through these civil protests, I say, we are with you! I call on Church leaders everywhere to rally for people like Livia Tossici-Bolt. We should mount protests in the streets. There should be marches on behalf of Livia, Adam, and others facing legal persecution. If we don't resist, we are showing the powerful that we will comply, which will lead to a continued deterioration of our freedoms to worship in the public square.
We should also be in prayer for Livia and for religious freedom in the UK. Pray for wisdom and strength for Livia as she faces trial. We can spread awareness on social media and in churches. Use hashtags like #PrayForLivia #ReligiousFreedom #FreeSpeechUK to raise awareness.
Faith That Won’t Back Down
If we learn anything from UK history, it’s that faith cannot be silenced and that this island nation must be encouraged to reclaim its place of leadership within the global church.
The question for you dear readers is—when the time comes, will we stand boldly like the heroes before us? Or will we remain silent while our freedoms slip away?
Britain was once a nation that sent missionaries to the ends of the earth. Now, it fines people for silent prayer.
It’s time to stand. Would you go to jail for your faith?
Meet Two of the UK’s Boldest Female Leaders
Sources:
https://adfinternational.org/en-gb/news/buffer-zones-trial-today-bournemouth
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g9kp7r00vo
Photo Credit: Livia Tossici-Bolt - Free Use of Image Courtesy of ADF UK
