Pakistani Christian gives testimony of persecution in front of King Charles

An Advent service held in Westminster Abbey this week and attended by King Charles III has drawn attention to the plight of persecuted Christians across the globe.

Despite the Anglican setting, the service was very much ecumenical, with each Catholic and Anglican prayers, and a powerful Orthodox presence.

The predominant sermon was delivered by Catholic Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who spoke out against the “massive persecution of Christians in so many places”.

Also present was Ribqa Nevash, a 25-year-old woman from Pakistan who testimony of her experiences on the service.

“As a Christian girl, I advocated for women as young as 12 who’re abducted, kidnapped and compelled to marry and convert. Many suffer sexual violence. Others are trapped in bonded labour, including working in brick kilns,” she said. 

It is estimated that around 1,000 girls every yr are kidnapped and forcefully ‘married’ and ‘converted’ in Pakistan. Most of the victims are Christians, although Hindu girls are also often targeted.

Nevash also referred to an anti-Christian pogrom in 2023 within the Jaranwala district. While no-one was killed, 25 churches were targeted in addition to 80 Christian households.

“In just someday, 25 churches were desecrated and burned. Up to 2,000 people fled their burning houses. When I visited the following day, I began to cry. Everyone continues to be on the lookout for justice.”

Earlier this yr, a Pakistan Catholic bishop, Indrias Rehmat, condemned government inaction within the face of the crimes, mentioning that two years on, not a single person had been found held responsible.

Despite over 5,200 people being accused of involvement within the violence, and over 380 arrested, there have been no convictions.

The bishop told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), “Justice has not been done. The police haven’t done their duty. Nobody has been punished and no person has been handled properly. At this stage, we don’t see any hope of any perpetrator being punished.”

Despite the grim situation, Nevash was glad to participate within the service, telling ACN, “This was an exquisite opportunity to be a voice for persecuted Christians who’re so often forced to suffer in silence.

“It was made especially powerful with the ability to do that within the presence of King Charles and to satisfy him afterwards was an excellent honour. I thank him for his deep concern for all those suffering persecution.”