News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Syria-aleppo-civilians-fleeing-main_article_image.jpg
PA
World News

Justin Welby says Christians in the Middle East face 'imminent extinction'

by Eno Adeogun

In a letter written in The Sunday Telegraph, the most Rev Justin Welby reflected on how long Christians have lived in the Middle East.

Sharing a story, he said: "About 15 years ago I sat in the home of an elderly Palestinian Christian man in Galilee, on a hillside where Jesus himself may have walked.

 

"Foolishly, I asked, 'How long has your family been Christian?'

"The man - who was as vibrant as someone half his age - gave me a look and replied, 'Since about the time of Saint Paul, I should imagine'."

Christians have been in the Middle East for nearly 2,000 years.

Yet, the persecution against Christians in the region led to a Christian leader commenting that the Christians of the region are "facing the worst situation since the Mongol invasions of the 13th Century", Archbishop Justin said.

PA

The head of the Church of England said that it is important for Christians in the Middle East to know "they are not forgotten by the world, or treated as an irrelevant minority, a societal optional extra, or even a threat".

On Tuesday a service will take place at Westminster Abbey, in which The Prince of Wales will help lead celebrations and prayer for Christians in the region.

It is also hoped the event will raise Middle Eastern Christian's profile, while highlighting their plight.

PA

Archbishop Justin called on the Government to take on more refugees.

The Home Office has admitted that not a single Christian was among the 1,112 Syrian refugees resettled in the UK in the first three months of this year.

The four Christians out of 1,358 Syrian refugees recommended by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), for resettlement in the UK were rejected. Only Muslim refugees from the war-torn country were granted permission to resettle.

The information came to light following a freedom of information request by the Barnabas Fund - a charity that supports persecuted Christians.

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