On Wednesday 18 January, Stephen hosted a Parliamentary reception to launch Open Doors’ World Watch List report.
Open Doors have produced a list of the thirty most dangerous countries for Christians. North Korea is the most dangerous and the report shows a clear and developing trend of concentrated intolerance in Sub-Saharan Africa. The situation in Nigeria is particularly perilous for Christians.
At the launch event, three speakers from North Korea, East Africa and Central India gave an account of their personal experiences of facing persecution for their faith. Several MPs from across all parties attended.
Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I applaud Open Doors for commissioning this powerful, albeit sobering, research. The persecution of Christians, or any other religious group, is entirely unacceptable. Here in the UK, we are privileged to be able to express our religious beliefs without fear of persecution. We therefore have a responsibility to be a voice for those who don’t enjoy the same freedom elsewhere.”