Jesus warned his followers that they’d face persecution and even death by the hands of those that opposed his message. However, he also told them that they’d be blessed for holding onto faith despite severe trials and that those that committed such evil acts against God’s people will ultimately be judged by that very same God.
Now a Labour MP has highlighted the importance of remembering those Christians around the globe who face severe persecution. Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, writing for politics.co.uk, said that the UK must do whatever it will probably to make sure their sacrifices are “not in vain” and that they’ll sooner or later enjoy religious freedom.
Jones noted that Christianity is probably the most persecuted minority faith on this planet, normally on account of the actions of Islamists, communists and dictatorial regimes.
“Despite the very real threat of persecution, a whole lot of tens of millions of Christians remain steadfast of their faith at great personal cost and peril,” she said. “In some countries, public celebrations of Christmas aren’t just discouraged but life-threatening.”
Recalling her 2023 participation within the International Religious Freedom Summit in Taiwan, she recounted “harrowing reports of persecution, torture and killings”.
“I pay tribute, then and now, to the unwavering strength of those that have suffered loss, baseless eviction from their homes, rejection from employment opportunities and imprisonment solely for his or her faith,” she said.
Jones cited quite a few countries as being of particular concern. While North Korea, China and various Islamic countries all get the standard attention, countries like Nigeria and Mexico have gotten increasing areas of concern, despite being heavily Christian.
Of the 5,000 Christians killed for his or her faith last yr, most were in Nigeria, which has a major Muslim population. Nigeria also accounted for nearly half of the 210,000 Christians forced from their homes last yr.
In Mexico the difficulty is the cartels. Christians who oppose the bloodthirsty activities of those notorious outfits are sometimes abducted or killed.
Jones concluded with a plea that those guilty of such violations be held accountable, adding, “The UK has demonstrated great leadership in promoting freedom of faith and belief lately and, so long as there are people being denied these rights, must proceed to accomplish that.
“In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice in every single place. And what may very well be more fundamental than the liberty to consider?”
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