New MP pledges to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians

Marion Fellows MP has given her backing to an awareness campaign focussed on the persecution of Christians, organised by a leading charity in Scotland.

(C) Aid to the Church in Need

Aid to the Church in Need  is calling on Scots to stand up for religious freedom at a time of increased Christian persecution around the world. 

The MP has signed up to the campaign promise, which reads: “I pledge to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians.”

In a statement to ACN, Marion Fellows MP said:

“I fully support the work of Aid to the Church in Need in its work in upholding religious freedom.  They do vital work supporting all denominations across the globe.  Special thanks must be given to them for their ongoing work in the Middle East.”

ACN Scotland formally launched the Solidarity Campaign for schools on June 11^th at their Scottish Youth Rally, which attracted more than 1,000 young people from across Scotland.

Describing the charity’s Solidarity Campaign, Lorraine McMahon, ACN Head of Operations in Scotland, said: “Aid to the Church in Need recognises that religious freedom is a human right and as such is asking all of Scotland, not just religious people, to pledge their support.”

Of particular concern to ACN is the situation in Iraq and Syria where Daesh, has carried out killings and abductions.

After seizing Mosul and the Nineveh Plains last summer, Daesh militants told Christians and other religious minorities to “convert to Islam, pay a fine, or face death by the sword.”

Before 2003, there were up to 1.5 million Christians living in Iraq. Local bishops have estimated that fewer than 250,000 remain.

ACN’s Lorraine McMahon said: “Christians in the Middle East need our help like never before. Iraqis have experienced much conflict and political turmoil but Daesh threatens to undermine the very existence of Christianity in this region.”

Ms McMahon added: “Sadly the situation in the Middle East is not an isolated incident of persecution and loss of religious freedom for Christians.

“The Solidarity Campaign aims to raise awareness in Parliament, in the media and among the general public about the existence and scale of Christian persecution worldwide. Will you join ACN and stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians?” 

ACN supports Christians where they are persecuted or oppressed for their faith and every year the charity offers financial support to more than 5,500 projects in 140 countries.

-         If your school or place of work would like to take a stand against Christian Persecution:

Contact ACN Scotland to take the pledge or if you would like ideas on how to fundraise. :

· Cal: 01698 337472 

· Email:  michael.robinson@acnuk.org

· Tweet: @ACN_Scotland