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Global Summit Freedom of Religion or Belief 2022-03-10

2022-03-10

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Caroline Ansell
▸ Context
The UK is hosting a global summit to promote freedom of religion or belief, scheduled for July 2022. The question arises regarding the involvement and support provided by the Church of England.
What role does the Church of England have in supporting the global summit to promote freedom of religion or belief hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office?
Andrew Selous
The Church is making every effort to support that important summit to promote freedom of religion or belief. A debate was held at last month's General Synod, and my hon. Friend in her capacity as the Prime Minister's special envoy for freedom of religion or belief briefed Synod members on the huge cost of following Jesus in many parts of the world.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Caroline Ansell
▸ Context
A research report titled “Defeating Minority Exclusion and Unlocking Potential: Christianity in the Holy Land” has been published. This report highlights the importance of the Christian community's contribution to public value and welfare, as well as their vulnerable position.
Has my hon. Friend seen the 2021 research report titled “Defeating Minority Exclusion and Unlocking Potential: Christianity in the Holy Land”? Does he agree that the forthcoming ministerial summit presents an opportunity to discuss its findings?
Andrew Selous
I have seen the report and I share my hon. Friend's concerns about its findings, which show political and economic instability and social intimidation facing people in certain regions. The international ministerial meeting in July will provide an opportunity for that research to be widely shared.
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Q3 Direct Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
▸ Context
The upcoming summit aims to address issues related to persecution and freedom of religion or belief. It is important to include personal narratives from individuals facing such challenges.
Will the upcoming summit include individual stories from people suffering persecution in countries like China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and others?
Andrew Selous
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his serious interest in these matters. He is absolutely right; the Archbishop of Canterbury recently visited Pakistan, including Peshawar where Pastor William Siraj was brutally murdered on 30 January this year. Those stories must be heard.
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