Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Christians: Middle East

Thursday 27 January 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Caroline Ansell inquired about the Church of England's assessment of threats to Christians in the Middle East.
  • The Church of England acknowledged that Christians face persecution in countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Qatar, and Egypt.
  • The Church of England works with Her Majesty's Government to support Christians and churches in Jerusalem through agreements like the covenant signed with the diocese of Jerusalem.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The Church of England is assessing the level of threats faced by Christians in the Middle East.

Question

What recent assessment has the Church of England made regarding the level of threats to Christians in the Middle East?

Answer from Andrew Selous

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. We know from organisations like Open Doors that Christians face extreme persecution in countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Qatar and Egypt.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment or report by the Church of England specifically.

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Q2 Caroline Ansell Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The newly elected chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Christianity in the Holy Land seeks to understand the Church of England's efforts and its relationship with Her Majesty's Government.

Question

What are the efforts made by the Church of England to work with Her Majesty's Government to ensure that Jerusalem is a place where Christian individuals and institutions can continue to flourish and thrive?

Answer from Andrew Selous

There are many strong relationships enabling the church to support Christians and churches in Jerusalem. Last year, the diocese of Southwark signed a covenant agreement with the diocese of Jerusalem, opening new opportunities for pilgrimage, prayer, and mutual support. The Bishop of Southwark frequently visits Jerusalem and maintains regular contact with our consul general and Ministers in London.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on actions or initiatives taken by the Church of England to work directly with the government.

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