Evangelical Alliance Whitefield House, 186 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BT Tel 020 7207 2100

Reaction to the recent controversy surrounding Simon Hughes MP

Statements

Statement by Joel Edwards

27 January 2006

The disclosure that Simon Hughes has a history of active sexual relationships with ‘both men and women’ came as a shocking disappointment to many of us.

I understand his party’s decision to fully back his candidacy, but worry deeply that the link between personal behaviour and public responsibility may have been swept aside so easily by political expediency.

I applaud his apology and we must all note the extent to which our intrusive press and punitive public attitudes makes it so difficult for public figures to be honest.

I know many Christians will talk of resignation: but my prayer is that Simon will be encouraged and supported in carrying out his public responsibilities in a way which is consistent with his Christian values.

Those of us who prayed for him before should not stop now, and our friendship and grace should find ways to eclipse our deepest disappointments.

Rev. Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance

Media Contact:

Liz Hogarth Evangelical Alliance 0207 207 2115 l.hogarth@eauk.org

Notes to editors:

The Evangelical Alliance UK, formed in 1846, is an umbrella group representing over one million evangelical Christians in the UK and is made up of member churches, organisations and individuals. As part of a ‘movement for change’, the Alliance promotes unity and truth, acts as an evangelical voice to the state, society and the wider Church, and provides resources to help members and other evangelicals live out their faith in their communities.

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Last Modified: 12 May 2006

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