Christians in Nigeria 2023-04-27

2023-04-27

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The Church of England has been criticized for inadequate attention to the killings and abductions of Christians in Nigeria, as reported by Open Doors. Recent attacks include 32 Christians killed in an IDP camp on Good Friday.
What discussions the Church of England has had with the Church of Nigeria on the killing and abduction of Christians in that country? Since the matter was last raised there have been further atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, including 32 Christians killed in an attack by suspected Fulani militants on an IDP camp housing nearly 30,000 people.
Frankly, words are a rather inadequate response to what we have just heard, but we must not tire of raising our voices with Nigeria. As a good friend to Nigeria, I would expect our distress to be heard loudly and clearly. The Foreign Office obviously needs to keep on passing on the message.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to stronger measures or specific actions by the Church
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
There are missionaries from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Nigeria, including some from Strangford constituency. These missionaries may be isolated and vulnerable.
What discussions have taken place to ensure that support is available for ex-pat and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland missionaries in the regions we are discussing who are isolated and may be in a vulnerable position?
I thank the hon. Member for raising this issue, for his continued interest in it and for the magnificent work he does chairing the all-party parliamentary group for international freedom of religion or belief. The Bishop of Guildford was recently in Nigeria, speaking out on behalf of all Christians not just members of the Anglican communion, in Nigeria.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific support measures for UK missionaries
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
The Church of England has been criticized for inadequate attention to the killings and abductions of Christians in Nigeria, as reported by Open Doors. Recent attacks include 32 Christians killed in an IDP camp on Good Friday.
What discussions the Church of England has had with the Church of Nigeria on the killing and abduction of Christians in that country? Since the matter was last raised there have been further atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, including 32 Christians killed in an attack by suspected Fulani militants on an IDP camp housing nearly 30,000 people.
Frankly, words are a rather inadequate response to what we have just heard, but we must not tire of raising our voices with Nigeria. As a good friend to Nigeria, I would expect our distress to be heard loudly and clearly. The Foreign Office obviously needs to keep on passing on the message.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to stronger measures or specific actions by the Church
Response accuracy