The Foreign Secretary says a report into the persecution of Christians around the world is a "wake up call" that demands action.



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Reaction to the report:

Since the report's publication, the Government has pledged to accept the recommendations of the report in full. This includes the possibility that the UK will impose sanctions on countries where religious persecution is rife.

Speaking in the House of Commons on 18th July 2019, Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan, Minister of State for Europe and the Americas and MP for Rutland and Melton, said, "Christians suffer more religious persecution than any religious group in the world. And yet we hear far less about this than one would expect. We're too reticent about discussing Christian persecution and I think we must overcome this mindset. The evidence justifies a much louder voice. We should not be timid. We should be bold and ensure that the UK's response to Christian persecution is in proportion to the problem."

NGOs and charities which monitor Christian persecution around the world have welcomed the review and the Government's response. Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International, said, "We hope that today's decision to champion persecuted Christians and put their plight front and centre of government policy will send a vital message to governments everywhere that this violence has to stop."

"We are grateful that the UK government is saying that the world will no longer be able to turn a blind eye to discrimination and violence against Christians."

Open Doors UK and Ireland is hoping the UK Government acts quickly as the situation is deteriorating in some countries of the world. Its CEO, Henrietta Blyth said, "The UK Government must act now. It must focus attention on the countries where persecution is most severe and where the situation is rapidly deteriorating. Christian persecution is not a party political issue. We believe that the Prime Ministerial post of Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief should be a permanent role so that its existence is not subject to any political agenda. This will also ensure that persecuted Christians are rightly placed at the heart of government decisions on trade and aid."

You can read the full report and its recommendations here.
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The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.