Defending the Defenseless: Bishops Unite to Urge Global Action Against Religious Hatred

In a powerful display of unity, senior church leaders from across the UK have joined forces to call for urgent international action to protect the rights of those persecuted for their faith. The Archbishop of Westminster, Most Rev Richard Moth, alongside the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan, and other senior clergy, have lent their voices to a campaign organized by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Marking the United Nations’ International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the bishops are urging Catholics and people of goodwill to sign a petition calling on world leaders to uphold the religious freedom guarantees enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “All too often Article 18 is ignored,” Archbishop Moth wrote. “Men and women are imprisoned, others are driven from their homes, or even killed, simply because of their peacefully held beliefs.”

The bishops’ appeal comes at a critical time, as ACN’s latest Religious Freedom in the World report reveals that 5.4 billion people live in countries where oppression and discrimination are perpetuated by governments or extremist groups. Bishop Keenan emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating, “Violations of a person’s right to worship and live out his or her faith are contrary to the values of a just society. Religious freedom is a right, not a privilege.” Joining the call are the Bishop of Winchester, Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, and the Coptic Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, who are encouraging Christians to sign ACN’s Article 18 petition. The campaign is a clarion call for renewed action to protect those persecuted for their faith and to uphold the dignity of people and communities denied their fundamental right to believe. As Archbishop Moth reminded, “In some countries women and girls are kidnapped, forced to renounce their faith and marry their abductors, children are denied the right to learn about their faith.” The petition is a beacon of hope for the millions who suffer in silence.