Global Call for Religious Freedom: A Plea from the Archbishop of Westminster
(Photo: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk)
In a world where religious freedom is increasingly under threat, Archbishop Richard Moth of Westminster has issued a strong appeal to the global community. As the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, he is urging action to ensure that the right to believe freely is upheld around the world.
Archbishop Moth is calling for supporters to sign a petition directed at the United Nations and global leaders, advocating for tangible measures to protect religious beliefs.
According to a report by Aid to the Church in Need, there are 5.4 billion individuals residing in regions where they encounter persecution or discrimination due to their faith, whether by government forces or militant groups.
Persecution of Christians is not confined to nations with hostile governments like China or North Korea. Often, it is the inability or unwillingness of local authorities to curb such acts that perpetuates the issue.
In Nigeria, for instance, while the national government does not oppose Christians, regional authorities vary, and the country remains the most dangerous for Christians due to unchecked militant and bandit attacks.
Pakistan presents another grim scenario, where authorities frequently fail to address the abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Christian and minority girls, as well as lynchings for alleged “blasphemy”.
“Men and women are imprisoned, others are driven from their homes, or even killed, simply because of their peacefully held beliefs,” Archbishop Moth stated. He highlighted the plight of women and girls who are kidnapped and coerced into abandoning their faith, while children are often denied religious education.
He continued, “Many people – young and old alike – are the victims of religious hatred. They suffer abuse and discrimination in the streets, at school and at work.”
The archbishop calls on the faithful to keep in mind their suffering “brothers and sisters in Christ”.
Pope Leo XIV has also emphasized the significance of religious freedom, declaring it to be “not merely a legal right or a privilege granted to us by governments”.
“It is a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible,” he asserted.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
