Catholic Charity Appeals to the UK to Save Nigerian Christians from Growing Persecution

In the report ahead of the United Nation’s August 22 commemoration of the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Beliefs, the charity foundation which supports persecuted Christians across the world calls on the UK government to step up help for those persecuted for their faith.

Dr. Hull says that not enough is being done to stop religious persecution across the world, and adds, in her address to the UK government, “As the Conservative Party chooses its next leader, we at ACN implore the new Prime Minister to prioritize bringing an end to violations of Freedom of Religion or Belief.”

“We receive constant distressing reports of people suffering the most egregious abuses because of their faith, including rape, murder, kidnapping and even in some instances, genocide,” she is quoted as saying, and adds, “No one should be coerced because of his or her religious beliefs, and yet this crucial human right is trampled on all over the world.”

Highlighting some of the recent acts of terror in Nigeria, ACN has noted that a priest was kidnapped and tortured to death, a young Christian girl was stoned to death and set alight for “blasphemous” WhatsApp messages, and the St Francis Xavier Church, Owo, was attacked on Pentecost Sunday, leaving at least 41 people dead.

The Pontifical charity foundation has announced that it will be launching “Persecuted and Forgotten: A report on Christians persecuted for their Faith 2020-22” in November this year, which highlights the situation for Christians in 24 countries including China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique and Afghanistan.

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Dr. Hull says that the publication of this report provides an opportunity for members of the UK government to learn about the severity of persecution that Christians suffer. She adds, “I hope government officials take the time to read the report.”

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.