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The Parliamentary Launch of the World Watch List 2025
The parliamentary launch of the World Watch List 2025 resonated with urgency and commitment as 104 Members of Parliament (MPs) gathered on January 15. Co-hosted by Bishop Philip Mounstephen and Rt Hon. Sir Stephen Timms MP, the event was a significant platform to address the alarming trends of religious persecution faced by Christians around the globe.
Rising Religious Persecution: A Global Concern
Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, opened the discussions with alarming statistics, revealing that more than 380 million Christians currently endure high levels of persecution and discrimination due to their faith. This marks an increase of 15 million from the previous year and means that one in seven Christians worldwide suffers because of their beliefs. The figures highlight an urgent need for awareness and action, drawing attention to countries like North Korea, which remains the most dangerous for believers.
First-Hand Accounts from the Persecuted
The event included powerful testimonies from persecuted Christians, shedding light on their daily struggles and the repression they face. Eti, a local partner from Bangladesh, courageously shared her experience, describing how constitutional protections fail to translate into real safety. She recounted a harrowing incident where villagers attacked Christians participating in a children's fellowship, culminating in brutal violence and unjust police treatment.
“The mob subjected the evangelists to a brutal beating,” Eti explained, emphasizing the dire reality of Christian faith in her homeland. Her plea for parliamentary members to use their voices resonates strongly, urging leaders to take action against systemic persecution.
The Broader Context of Christian Persecution
This situation is not isolated; rather, it reflects growing authoritarianism and the exacerbating environment of persecution across Central Asia and other regions. Increased tensions in countries like Yemen, where the Houthi rebels have gained power, underline how religious freedoms are under siege. Blyth pointed out that places such as Algeria and Afghanistan have forced their churches underground, raising the stakes for believers.
A Call to Action
The poignant questions posed during the meeting, especially “What part are we called to play in addressing this?” serve as a challenge not only to MPs but to the global community. Christians everywhere are encouraged to reflect on their role in supporting their persecuted brothers and sisters through advocacy, prayer, and awareness-building initiatives.
Conclusion: An Urgent Reminder
The parliamentary launch of the World Watch List 2025 brought to light the pressing reality of Christian persecution. As we learn from these testimonies, it is imperative for individuals, communities, and nations to stand in solidarity with the persecuted. The voices heard at the launch remind us that inaction is not an option. Advocating for justice and religious freedom is a call we must all heed.
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