Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freedom of Religious Belief: International Ministerial Conference

Thursday 23 June 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church of England is working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support the international ministerial conference on freedom of religion or belief.
  • The Archbishop of Canterbury will address the conference.
  • The Church of England aims to build relationships with leaders of other faiths and Governments to protect minorities globally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The Church of England and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are collaborating on an upcoming international ministerial conference focusing on freedom of religion or belief scheduled for July 2022.

Question

What role will the Church play in supporting the UK-hosted international ministerial conference on freedom of religion or belief in July 2022?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The Church of England is working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support the international ministerial conference on freedom of religion or belief taking place in London next week. The Archbishop of Canterbury will address the conference.

Answered
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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Religion & Faith
Context

Christian communities worldwide face threats including forced conversion and potential death, prompting the question about what measures can be taken to protect them.

Question

Christian minorities across the world are clearly under threat of forced conversion or potentially death. What more can the Church do to ensure that minorities are protected across the world, starting with this conference?

Answer from Andrew Selous

My hon. Friend is right. Christians are the most persecuted faith, and the Church of England will always stand up for all people who are being persecuted. The Church needs to show global leadership by building relationships with leaders of other faiths and Governments so that there can be truthful conversations about what change needs to happen.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific actions or commitments beyond general statements about the Church's role in inter-faith relations.

How: We Will Focus On That

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