Nigeria Killing and Abduction of Christians 2023-03-09
2023-03-09
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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The question follows recent violence against Christians in Nigeria, including murders and abductions. The Church of England has had discussions with the Church of Nigeria about these issues.
Whether representatives of the Church of England have had recent discussions with the Church of Nigeria on taking steps to help tackle the killing and abduction of Christians in that country?
The murder and abduction of Christians in Nigeria is distressingly common, totally abhorrent and has gone on for far too long. The Bishop of Guildford was in Nigeria last November to support the Church of Nigeria, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who knows Nigeria well, stays constantly in touch with the situation there.
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Specific steps not mentioned
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Q2
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Following the recent elections in Nigeria, violence against Christians has spiked. The Church of England's role in reaching out to support Christians and assure the election victors is under scrutiny.
What attempts are being made by the Church to reach out to Christians in Nigeria to assure them of our support, and to the victors of the election to make sure that they safeguard Christians in that country?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing that matter before the House. He is right to do so. I know that the Church of England and the Anglican communion will do exactly what he says. In November last year, 21 Christians were killed, female students at the state university in Bokkos were raped, and a Catholic priest was burned to death in Paikoro.
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Specific outreach efforts not detailed
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Q3
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Violent Islamist militants and motorbike bandits are threatening Christians, causing mass displacement and murder. The Church of England's role in influencing the British Government and Foreign Office is under scrutiny.
What more can the Church of England do to influence the British Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to do more to assist Nigeria in defeating those militants who are persecuting Christians?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his interest in this matter, which needs as much attention as we can give it. The Government are actively implementing the Bishop of Truro's recommendation that the Church of England checks regularly with the Government that all those implementations are being put into place.
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