UK Prime Minister Says His Government Supports the Persecuted Church

News Staff : Nov 23, 2015
CBN News

He recently visited a ministry aiding persecuted Christians throughout the world.

(London, England)—UK Prime Minister David Cameron visited Open Doors UK and Ireland, as it celebrates 60 years of work supporting persecuted Christians throughout the world. (Photo via CBN News)

Open Doors is an organization that serves hundreds of thousands of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. It is a lifeline for millions of people every year. They support persecuted Christians with food, medicine, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources.

"Standing up for religious freedom is a priority for my government", said Cameron. "We are committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief as one of the foundations of human rights. No matter what faith we follow; charity, compassion, responsibility and forgiveness are values which speak to us all."

Cameron heard stories of how people are being helped by the organization.

Open Doors shared Fatima's (her name was changed for security reasons) story. She is a grandmother being given assistance by a local pastor in Syria.

This seventy year old sought refuge from the pastor after her home was bombed twice. Miraculously, she survived both attacks but had no money and only the clothes on her back.

She went to the pastor looking for a place to live. He was able to put her in touch with another older woman whom she could stay with for free. He was also able to give her some clothes, food, and money.

Each day, hundreds of people are victims of violence because of their belief. People are killed, jailed or tortured because of their Christian faith. In Syria and Iraq, Open Doors is feeding 24,000 families displaced by war and persecution. In North Korea there are an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians imprisoned because of their belief.

Open Doors Chief Executive Lisa Pearce said, "In the midst of the current global turmoil, Open Doors is working to support people who suffer for their Christian faith. We continue to work towards the day when everybody throughout the world will be free to follow the religion of their choice without the fear of persecution."