Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers last week attended the launch of the Open Doors’ Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians Report in the Houses of Parliament. The report used detailed information to demonstrate that religious persecution of Christians worldwide increased in 2014, particularly in the Middle East and Nigeria.
Speaking after the event Theresa Villiers said “I was delighted to be able to attend the launch of Open Door’s vital report. As a passionate supporter of religious freedom for all faiths, I was very interested to hear from the speakers, Rev Daniel Awayi and Dr Ron Boyd-MacMillan, on some of the issues most affecting Christians abroad. I was particularly interested to hear updates on the cases of Meriam Ibrahim and Asia Bibi, which have been of real concern to my constituents and me.
The UK has always led the way on religious freedom and human rights and I have been working hard on this subject for many years. I know that many of my constituents share my concerns and I am delighted that several churches in Chipping Barnet, including St John’s and St Peter’s, are also campaigning to prevent the persecution of Christians overseas.
I would like to thank Open Doors for inviting me to this important event and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them to ensure religious freedom for those of all faiths.”