Earlier this week, Stephen attended Open Doors’ World Watch List 2020 Report Launch event. Open Doors supports Christians facing persecution from around the world. Their World Watch List indicates the 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution.
(C) Open Doors UK
Freedom of Religious Belief is protected under Article 18 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights. However, Christians around the world are facing greater levels of persecution. Over the past year, the population of the 50 countries included in the World Watchlist has increased by 6%. Five years ago, only one country was ranked in “extreme” category for its level of persecution of Christians, now there are eleven countries in this category. In 2019, the Bishop of Truro’s report on the persecution of Christians around the world, recommended 22 actions for the UK government to implement.
Speaking after the meeting, Stephen said: “As the Labour Party’s Faith Envoy, I will continue to press the government to take seriously the plight of Christians facing persecution, around the world. Adopting the Bishop of Truro’s recommendations is vital.
“I will continue to work with Open Doors to ensure the UK is a world leader in protecting Freedom of Religious Expression”.