{"id":7687,"date":"2024-01-13T11:19:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T11:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opendoorsuk.org\/?p=7687"},"modified":"2025-02-12T12:12:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T12:12:41","slug":"thank-you-104-mps-at-parliamentary-launch-of-world-watch-list","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/wwl.opendoorsuk.org\/ireland\/blog\/news\/latest-news\/thank-you-104-mps-at-parliamentary-launch-of-world-watch-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Thank you! 104 MPs at parliamentary launch of World Watch List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Henrietta Blyth told MPs, “It is incumbent on each of us to do everything we can to ensure that this freedom [of religion or belief] is replicated and defended across the world”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the parliamentary launch of the latest World Watch List, hosted by Dame Andrea Leadsom MP, Christians from Iran, India and West Africa shared first-hand what life is like for millions of believers worldwide. Thank you to all of you who invited your MP \u2013 your contribution is bringing the plight of our persecuted family to the attention of those with power to make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also in attendance alongside the 101 MPs represented were peers Lord Ahmad and Baroness Foster, with the former taking to the front during the event to share a few words stressing the importance of uniting together to defend and promote freedom of religion or belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of collapse and control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In her opening speech, Henrietta Blyth, Open Doors UK & Ireland CEO, highlighted the horrific attacks on Christian villages in Plateau State, Nigeria over Christmas, which killed 160 believers and wounded many more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe violence from Islamic extremists, such as Boko Haram, ISWAP and Fulani militants, has spread like wildfire across sub-Saharan Africa,\u201d she explained, noting that it was aided by factors including fragile governments that are at risk of collapse. \u201cThis year\u2019s research suggests that \u2013 under the cover of chaos \u2013 the violence against Christians has actually intensified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cElsewhere, the noose is tightening around the church\u2019s neck as autocratic governments increase their control,\u201d she continued, referencing Nicaragua which has jumped 20 places to 30 in the latest World Watch List, and China, where 10,000 churches were attacked or closed last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MPs then heard from our persecuted family directly, starting with Dabrina, a church leader forced to flee her home in Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Why should practising one’s faith come at such a high and unjust cost?”DABRINA<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A high and unjust cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt’s with a heavy heart and a deep sense of frustration that I speak to you, expressing my concerns about the ongoing injustices, persecution, and challenges related to religious freedom in Iran,\u201d shared Dabrina. \u201cDespite numerous uprisings, protests, and sacrifices made in the name of freedom, things are now worse than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn 2023, more Christians were arrested, sentenced, and had their homes raided than in the previous year. It turned out to be the year with the highest number of reported incidents of arrests and imprisonments in the Christian community,\u201d she said, before sharing her story and those of others she knows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n