The Church of England supports efforts to defend international religious freedoms for Christians or whichever religious group faces persecution. The Church has created parliamentary caucuses involving religious leaders in east and west Africa, and in south-east Asia to support legislation to protect religious freedoms. In Sudan, the Church of England dioceses have given financial support and practical aid, working through local agencies and international charities to support the local clergy there. The Bishop of Leeds has visited the country many times, most recently within the past year, and continues to raise the situation in the other place.