Telford MP, Lucy Allan was pleased to attend the launch event of the Open Doors 2016 World Watch List Report on Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians. The event launched Open Doors most recent update on the top 50 countries for where Christians face persecution.
The launch event hosted by Northern Ireland Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP saw over 100 Parliamentarians attend to hear from Open Doors CEO Lisa Pearce.
At the launch event, Lisa spoke of the importance of protecting freedom of religion and belief, saying: “Freedom of religion and belief... is the canary in the coal mine of human rights - around the world once that goes, once that is eroded, other rights very quickly follow,"
Speaking after the event Lucy said: “I was pleased to attend this launch event and hear from Open Doors CEO, Lisa Pearce. Christian persecution is often over-looked and I was encouraged by the attendance of some many MPs and Peers.
“As a committed libertarian I feel it is a fundamental right that individuals should be able to practice their faith free from persecution of any kind. As a multi-faith society here in Britain we are fortunate to be able to practice our religious beliefs largely free of aggression and hostility compared to elsewhere in the world where following a different religion to the mainstream can lead to a death sentence.”
ENDS
Photograph shows Lucy Allan MP (r) with Open Doors CEO, Lisa Pearce (l)
You can download a copy of the report by clicking here.