September 2020
Thank you for writing to me about the persecution of Christians around the world. I have read your email carefully and noted the key points that you raise.
The UK has always championed freedom of religion or belief for everyone. As a country that has always been a beacon for freedom and tolerance, I passionately believe the UK should not shirk its responsibilities.
That is why I am glad the Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, has been published. The UK Government is committed to implementing the recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's Review.
The recommendations have been divided into short, medium and longer term priorities and Ministers have already implemented a good number of them. This includes recently appointing a Director General level champion for Freedom of Religion or Belief and marking Red Wednesday in support of persecuted Christians and members of other minority groups. Some of the recommendations will take longer to implement and many will require an ongoing effort to embed into the working practice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and other Departments, and I will monitor this process carefully.
You can read the report in full at: https://christianpersecutionreview.org.uk/report/
I understand your concerns about the increased vulnerability of Christians during the coronavirus outbreak, and I agree that it is vital that we do all we can to ensure aid gets through to those that need it most. The Government works tirelessly to ensure that all aid reaches the most vulnerable including those from religious minorities. Covid-19 is likely to reinforce their marginalised position in society, their experience of discrimination, violence and stigma, and further limit their access to essential support and services. I welcome that, for this reason, guidance was circulated across DFID highlighting that inclusion must be central to the UK's response and the specific contexts and needs of all religious minorities should be taken into account when developing practical programmes to tackle Covid-19.
I appreciate your strength of feeling on this really important issue, and I will raise your concerns when I speak with ministerial colleagues to learn more about what action the Government can take to support vulnerable Christian communities around the world.
Thank you for the invite to The World Watch List report launch. This is an important event and I will be sure to save the date in my diary.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I always appreciate hearing your opinions and points of view, and I am grateful for your continued support of the work I do as your MP.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking