Challenges Facing Persecuted Christian Women Highlighted at Global Assembly
In a compelling discussion held at the World Evangelical Alliance’s 14th General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, experts shed light on the severe challenges faced by Christian women subjected to religious persecution. These women often experience further isolation upon their return to their communities, raising critical questions about societal and church responsibility.
A panel moderated by Emma van der Deijl, CEO of Gender and Religious Freedom, zeroed in on the plight of Christian women in minority communities across South Asia and Africa. Irene Kibagdendi, executive director of the Pan African Christian Women Alliance, specifically highlighted the grim realities in Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Vulnerabilities and Aftermath of Abductions
Kibagdendi recounted harrowing stories of young women abducted en route to school and coerced into converting to Islam. “They’re the easy targets,” she remarked, pointing to the extensive documentation of such cases by The Christian Post over the years.
After enduring kidnapping and sexual assault, these women often face rejection when returning to their home communities, now estranged by children born from their captors. “Despite being persecuted for being a Christian, when they come back to the Church, they’re not accepted,” Kibagdendi lamented. She emphasized the urgent need for mechanisms facilitating recovery and reintegration instead of perpetuating their victimization.
Church Responsibility and Cultural Challenges
Emma van der Deijl highlighted a disturbing trend where victims of persecution are treated as liabilities by their religious communities. “It’s as if women and girls who are targeted now become an enemy of the Church,” she stated. Emphasizing the need for compassion and acceptance, she argued, “The enemy wins when we allow the intended shame of persecution to bring division and rejection in the Church.”
Rev. Martha Das, from the National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh, addressed the cultural barriers within churches in Christian-minority regions, advocating for greater openness and support for those in distress. Meanwhile, Sarah Cunningham of Open Doors US discussed the enduring psychological impacts of such trauma, including PTSD and social withdrawal.
Rebuilding Lives and Future Directions
Despite these challenges, there are congregations striving to defy cultural norms by offering support and assistance to these women. Van der Deijl highlighted these efforts as a model for others to follow, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of blame and shame.
The assembly, hosted by SaRang Church, gathered over 850 delegates from around the world under the theme “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033.” The event concluded with the presentation of the WEA’s Seoul Declaration, offering guidance on critical issues like religious freedom and social justice, aiming to inspire and direct future church efforts globally.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
