Silver Ring Thing

Udate: Lydia Playfoot has lost her court case against her school, which banned her from wearing her 'purity ring', while allowing non-Christians to 'manifest their beliefs' with headscarves and bracelets. Bizarrely, the judge refused to accept that Miss Playfoot's ring was a manifestation of a religious belief. As so often, officials believe they know enough about Christianity to reject claims like that of Miss Playfoot, whereas they would take the statement of a member of a non-Christian religion at face value. It seems public manifestations of the religion established by law in England and Wales can be banned at will, whereas manifestations of other religions are protected as a human right. For the full story, see Christian Concern for our Nation.

Briefing, 01/11/06. The 'Silver Ring Thing' campaign, started by evangelicals in the USA, aims to promote chastity among school children. Students make a commitment to chastity and wear a silver ring as a sign of this. The persecution of a West Sussex schoolgirl, Lydia Playfoot, for wearing one of these rings, seems to be another example of the growing official Christianophobia in the UK. Exceptions to school uniform rules will be made for any religion except Christianity.

Report from Christian Concern for Our Nation.


Lydia Playfoot case Lydia Playfoot is a 15 year old school girl and committed Christian. In June 2004, she began to wear a ring known as "The Silver Ring Thing." The ring was developed by American Christians, and is a sign of a promise to God of sexual abstinence until marriage. As such it is a direct manifestation of faith, and an understanding of biblical truth. Lydia was told to remove the ring as it breached health and safety requirements. However, Sikh girls in the school are permitted to wear traditional bangles. These bangles are not deemed to contravene health and safety rules. Lydia and her family have tried to amicably resolve the issue with the school, but the situation has reached an impasse, with Lydia being threatened with suspension and even expulsion. Lydia sought legal advice and is now filing a case based on a violation of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights as incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998. This Article states that: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are necessary in a democratic society...." Lydia has shown a tremendous depth and commitment to her faith in fighting this case. Please pray for her family as they deal with media pressure, and that God's will be done, ultimately giving glory to Him.

For the Telegraph report, see here.
For the Daily Mail report, see here.
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