News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Bishop-Philip-Mountstephen-and-Jeremy-Hunt-main_article_image.jpg
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
UK News

'Tough questions' promised as government launches Christian persecution review

Speaking at the launch of an independent review of the matter, the Bishop of Truro said he also wanted to offer "ambitious policy recommendations for the UK".

Rt Rev Phillip Mountstephen cited a number of factors including "post-colonial guilt" as fueling a sense that the UK has not been as vocal as it should be in opposing persecution in the developing world.

He said: "There are a number of reasons why we have been blind to this issue.

"This is not about special pleading for Christians; rather, it's about ensuring that Christians in the global south have a fair share of the UK's attention and concern. So, in that sense it is actually an equality issue.

Fresh scrutiny of how the UK uses its soft power (including trade and diplomatic ties) to stand up for the estimated 200 million believers at risk of being persecuted received a warm welcome from various Christian organisations.

The Foundation for Reconciliation and Relief in the Middle East, a Christian charity offering humanitarian aid throughout the region, said the review was a "bold move" to be "applauded".

Chief executive officer, Mike Simpson also told Premier: "In the past, there have been too many words and not enough action on the part of the UK Government because of a political correctness which has pervaded...arms of government; I'm hoping this review will shine some light on that."

The review, officially launched at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in central London on Wednesday morning, is being chaired by Bishop Philip. He is due to report his findings in Easter.

Open Doors, which compiles an annual list of countries where Christians face the most intense levels of persecution, said it was "very encouraged" by the review.

Explaining two tests for the investigation, CEO Henrietta Blyth told Premier: "The World Watch List research that Open Doors does - and research other organisations do - already provide a lot of information about what's going on.

"Whether the review is able to match that with a good analysis of what the Foreign Office is currently doing will be one [test].

"The second [test] will be the quality of the recommendations. Bishop Philip is saying he isn't going to pull his punches so we're looking for some edgy recommendations, and for the Foreign Office to really take action as a result."

Speaking at the launch, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Sunday's deadly bombing at a cathedral in the Philippines served as a "vivid reminder" that persecution against Christians is a growing threat.

He also said: "We wanted to do this [review] not just because freedom of worship is a fundamental human right but also because freedom of worship is the invisible line between open societies and closed societies."

Click here to listen to a special report by Premier's Alex Williams:

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate