We must speak out for persecuted brothers and sisters, says church leader

A London church leader has expressed “sadness” that more attention is just not paid towards persecuted Christians. 

Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark told Aid to the Church in Need that the mistreatment of Christians is “a subject that rarely gets the eye it needs”.

The Archbishop recently visited Nigeria, where Christians are being attacked, kidnapped and killed in large numbers. 

He told ACN’s Break the Silence podcast that he was “moved” by the people he met and the way in which during which they proceed to stay faithful despite very difficult circumstances. 

“Sometimes individuals who face the best hardship have probably the most impressive and delightful faith,” he said.

“There is something concerning the power of the Cross and the Resurrection that they’re in contact with in a way that those of us who should not challenged in that way should not.” 

Archbishop Wilson said that each Christian had a “duty” to talk out and defend their persecuted brothers and sisters. 

“I feel it’s the business of each Christian to look to the support and the defence of a brother or sister – a Christian whatever their circumstances – but especially within the context after they are suffering for his or her faith,” he said. 

“As followers of Christ and members of the Church, we’ve an obligation to one another.”

Directing his attention to Christians within the UK, the Archbishop said it was necessary “never to take as a right the freedoms we’ve” but as a substitute work to “protect” them. 

He added that the story of Christianity was a story of persecution but that the religion had spread regardless of this.

“Despite that persecution, despite those martyrdoms the Church flourishes because Christ is alive,” he said.

“Christ can’t be martyred – he’s risen and subsequently we’re people of intrinsic, indefatigable and inextinguishable hope.”