Christians Banned From Balliol Freshers' Fair.

Balliol College is facing further criticism after students banned the Christian Union from attending its freshers fair for new pupils.

The college CU was told it could not attend the annual event for fear they would be 'alienating' people from other faiths and because Christianity was, in the eyes of the senior students, 'an excuse for homophobia and certain forms of neo-colonialism'.

Balliol College, which boasts foreign secretary Boris Johnson among its alumni, said it was pleased 'the students themselves have now resolved this matter'.GoogleThe Church of England's chief education office Nigel Genders said the decision was 'at odds with the kind of society we are all seeking to promote' as he insisted freedom of religion and belief was a 'fundamental principle that underpins our country and its great institutions and universities'.

The director of The Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF), Rev Richard Cunningham, added that he was 'concerned' by the controversy which escalated from a inter-university debate after being published in the student newspaper Cherwell into a national debate.

Cunningham said instances of CUs being banned was 'a pretty rare experience' and most had a good relationship with their student unions.

'We are however concord that the current desire to provide safe spaces on campus does not infringe on the core liberties of freedom of speech and freedom of association which are surely foundational to the university experience and indeed to basic human flourishing,' he said.

Former children's minister and Conservative MP for East Worthing & Shoreham Tim Loughton said it was a 'chilling example' of censorship. Christian Today.  Harry Farley