It’s time to speak up for silent prayer

Our friends across the pond are punishing public Christianity   [The Heritage Foundation] Dear friend, “What is the nature of your prayer?” British father and army veteran Adam Smith-Connor was questioned by local authorities in England almost one year ago for praying silently inside an abortion facility “buffer zone.” Adam provides for his family as a physiotherapist in southern England – but his family is sadly missing one member. [And because he was praying about his deceased son silently in public, Adam faces court next week on November 16.]() He regretfully lost his eldest son due to an abortion with an ex-girlfriend many years before his conversion to Christianity and his marriage. Adam’s heart wrenches for others in similar situations, which is why he prays. But police fined Adam for doing just that – praying silently, alone, and facing away from an abortion facility – on November 24, 2022. UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman penned a recent letter to police forces noting that “silent prayer, within itself, is not unlawful”. So why does he face court next week? Because Adam broke a local “buffer zone” imposed by local authorities, which prevents “expressing approval or disapproval of abortion” within a large area around an abortion facility - even by prayer. This is unfolding as nationwide abortion censorship zones throughout England and Wales are expected to be rolled out by law in early 2024. The issue is abortion today. But censorship is a slippery slope, and who knows what speech could be forbidden tomorrow. Adam’s case is evidence that if you hold convictions or even think counter to the government or popular culture, you could be punished. So, will you support Adam’s defense? It must never be a crime to pray silently, whether in the UK, the US, or anywhere else. [I'll Support Adam's Defense]() Now is the time to speak up for silent prayer. Adam will attend a court hearing in nine days. With gratitude, The Daily Signal Team on behalf of our friends at ADF UK   Add [morningbell@heritage.org]() to your address book to ensure that you receive emails from us. You are subscribed to this newsletter as {EMAIL}. If you want to receive other Heritage Foundation newsletters, or opt out of this newsletter, [please click here to update your subscription.]() -