More than 600 members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) say Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ endorsement of a new “zero tolerance” immigration policy infringes upon church law.

In the complaint, the 640 signatories accuse Mr Sessions of “child abuse” by introducing “practices that indefinitely separate thousands of young children from their parents” and “holding thousands of children in mass incarceration facilities with little to no structured educational or socio-emotional support.”

Taking a tougher stance on people illegally entering the country from Mexico has led to 2,000 children being separated from their families at the border, recent official statistics revealed.

Last week, Mr Sessions defended the new immigration policy by quoting chapter 13 of Romans, where Paul urges the believers in Rome to respect the God-given authority of their earthly leaders.

In response, the complaint accuses him of spreading “doctrines contrary to the standards of doctrine of the United Methodist Church”, through the “misuse of Romans 13 to indicate the necessity of obedience to secular law.”

Among the other charges clergy and lay members levelled against Mr Sessions – who is a UMC member and attends UMC churches in Alabama and Virginia – are “immorality” and “racial discrimination”.

Premier has contacted The United States Department of Justice for a comment.

Amid widespread…

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s youngest child, born on April 23, will be baptised at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London.

The palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to announce that the christening of Prince Louis will take place on Monday 9th July at The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.

“Prince Louis will be christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.”

Eight-week-old Louis, a younger brother to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, is fifth in line to the throne and a great-grandchild of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

George was also christened at the Chapel Royal, but Charlotte was baptised at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.

Louis was born at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, on St George’s Day, weighing 8lb 7oz.

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After almost two decades in his current role, Dr Steve Brady (pictured left) is joining First Baptist Church on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.

He said: “It has been a real tussle in decision-making for me, since I have been so privileged to have been at Moorlands College these many years.

“I am so grateful for all the love, support, prayer and friendship I have experienced here, not least in these last six months since my dear Brenda’s passing.”

In a note to colleagues, Dr Steve Brady said he has been associated with First Baptist for 20 years and he will leave Moorlands by the end of the year.

He continued: “Although, I expect my tenure as Principal of Moorlands will conclude by the end of this calendar year, Moorlands will be in excellent hands with a superb team of colleagues.

“I also expect to keep very strong links with the College as some students already have experienced block placements at First Baptist – I am expecting many more.

“I and the whole team are grateful for your interest and prayers.”

Dr Steve became only the third principal in the college’s 70 year history when he was appointed to the role in 1999.

Founded by David Clifford in 1947, Moorlands College offers Christian theology and training from an evangelical and non-denominational perspective from its site near Christchurch.

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Theresa May, who is the third PM to attend the annual National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, also said Christianity had “transformed the United Kingdom”.

In a written message to guests, she described the event as “an excellent opportunity both to celebrate Christians’ ongoing contribution to this country and to reflect on the role Christianity can play in contemporary public life.”

Mrs May joined 470 politicians – including almost 170 Members of Parliament and peers – and church leaders in singing hymns and reciting the Lord’s prayer in Westminster Hall. A keynote speech was delivered by the American and Presbyterian pastor Tim Keller.

Emphasising how Christianity has helped shaped the nation, she went on to say: “Over the past two millennia, the Christian gospel has transformed the United Kingdom, with its values and teachings helping to shape the laws, customs and society of the country in which we live.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Tim Farron MP, Rt Hon Ian Blackford MP and Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP were among public figures who also attended the event – which included seminars on topics including tackling modern-day slavery and the centenary year of women gaining the right to vote.

In her note to attendees, the PM also said: “Whether you are a Parliamentarian or constituent, I encourage all of you to continue your engagement as Christians in public life for the…