“We are seeing an extreme religious ideology that knows no limits in its persecution of those who are culturally or religiously different.” says a statement this week from church leaders in the UK.
The meeting of leaders from Middle Eastern churches and many others was conveened at Lambeth palace by Anglican Archbishop, Rt. Rev. Justin Welby, and Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Church. Their statement continues, “Those who promote this intolerance must be challenged and the perpetrators of violence held to account. The suffering of those who bear the brunt of its terror requires us to act and bear witness to their plight, whatever ethnic group or religious minority, they come from. We must provide relief and safety for those displaced and in fear of their lives in consultation with our partners in the region. We must also bring pressure to bear on those who can provide security to those affected.
“In meeting and praying together, we give thanks for our brothers and sisters as they continue to live their Christian faith with strength and perseverance. We commit to continue to stand with them in prayer, to speak for freedom from persecution for Christians and all other religious communities and those of no faith who live as minority groups across the region. We also continue to urge Her Majesty’s Government to work within the international community to safeguard and provide for all those affected.”
The full statement and press release can be seen here.