A parliamentary debate has addressed important issues concerning the persecution of Christians in different parts of the world.
MP for Belfast East Naomi Long initiated the debate. In her opening speech she said: “the Arab spring has had disastrous consequences for religious freedom and has promoted a major exodus of Christians from the Middle East.”
Mrs Long also brought to the attention of MPs the increase in persecution of Christians in some African countries and explained the varying forms that persecution can take.
She said: “The nature of persecution is incredibly variable. In some situations, it will take the form of a “squeeze”, with pressure being applied, while in others it is in the form of “smash”, with recourse to violence. However, either kind represents a denial of article 18 [of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights] and should be resisted.”
A large number of MPs were present after Open Doors asked supporters to contact their MPs and urge them to attend.
Response
The Foreign Office gave an official response through Foreign Office Minister David Lidington, who said: “As the excellent report from Open Doors made clear, violence, discrimination and systematic persecution threaten Christian communities in Africa, the Middle East and certain other countries around the world.
“The Government shares many of the concerns expressed in the Open Doors report. We condemn all instances of violence and discrimination against individuals or groups on the grounds of their religion, regardless of the country or faith concerned.
“As the report rightly emphasised, our condemnation should extend not solely to the more extreme forms of suffering inflicted upon people because of their religion or belief, but to any and all forms of such discrimination.”
Persecution and discrimination
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, commented:
“It’s encouraging that so many MPs attended this debate and that the Foreign Office recognises the global problem of persecution against Christians. It is right that Britain uses its influence on the global stage to stand up for the voiceless and oppressed.
“Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, who has faced severe persecution himself, has frequently warned that persecution begins with low level discrimination.
“The many cases that we have handled at the Christian Legal Centre show that we are beginning to see such a ‘squeeze’ in this country. As well as condemning persecution overseas, our government needs also to ensure that we do not allow such a situation to develop at home”.
Click here to watch a video of the debate.
Click here to read the full Parliamentary record.