An Ecumenical Gathering Highlights Global Christian Persecution
Westminster Abbey recently hosted an Advent service attended by King Charles III, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by Christians enduring persecution globally. The event, set in an Anglican context, was notably ecumenical with Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox leaders participating.
Catholic Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe delivered the main sermon, addressing the “massive persecution of Christians in so many places.” His words underscored the widespread challenges faced by Christian communities worldwide.
Among those present was Ribqa Nevash, a 25-year-old from Pakistan, who shared her personal experiences during the service. She recounted, “As a Christian girl, I advocated for girls as young as 12 who are abducted, kidnapped and forced to marry and convert. Many suffer sexual violence. Others are trapped in bonded labour, including working in brick kilns.”
Statistics indicate that approximately 1,000 girls annually in Pakistan are kidnapped and coerced into marriage and conversion, with Christian and Hindu girls frequently targeted.
Nevash also highlighted a 2023 incident in the Jaranwala district, where an anti-Christian pogrom resulted in the targeting of 25 churches and 80 households. “In just one day, 25 churches were desecrated and burned. Up to 2,000 people fled their burning houses. When I visited the next day, I started to cry. Everyone is still looking for justice,” she shared.
Earlier this year, Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Pakistan criticized the lack of government response to these acts of violence. Despite accusations against over 5,200 individuals and the arrest of more than 380, there have been no convictions. Bishop Rehmat stated, “Justice has not been done. The police have not done their duty. Nobody has been punished and nobody has been dealt with properly. At this stage, we do not see any hope of any culprit being punished.”
Despite the daunting situation, Nevash expressed gratitude for her participation in the service, noting, “This was a wonderful opportunity to be a voice for persecuted Christians who are so often forced to suffer in silence.” She added, “It was made especially powerful being able to do this in the presence of King Charles and to meet him afterwards was a great honour. I thank him for his deep concern for all those suffering persecution.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
