Standing in solidarity with Christians under persecution
By Josh Low
Standing in solidarity with the many Christians around the world persecuted for their faith was behind a prayer service on 23 November at Sacred Heart Church in New Town.
This was the third year the Archdiocese has participated in Red Wednesday, a global initiative of international Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), to raise awareness of religious persecution.
Vicar General Fr Shammi Perera VG and Mr Dennis Onuigbo shared their experiences and stories of persecuted Christians in both Sri Lanka and Nigeria, with those present invited to place lighted candles in front of the altar in memory of those persecuted for their faith.
Fr Shammi spoke about the 2019 bombings in his native Sri Lanka, which saw two Catholic churches and one Evangelical church bombed on Easter Sunday as part of coordinated Islamic terrorist attacks.
“We may not find meaning or see it sometimes in suffering on a human level, but God has a purpose and meaning in every moment, even for these persecuted Christians.
“As we pray for them today, we also are united with them in their suffering, in their pain,” he said.
Mr Dennis Onuigbo said the persecution of Christians in Nigeria was a serious issue, which usually involved attacking, stealing, kidnapping, or killing, most commonly carried out by Islamic group Boko Haram.
“If you are in their religion, you will be allowed to go, but if you are a Christian, you will be made to convert to their faith or get ready [to die],” he said.
Referencing the abduction of Catholic priests (more than 60 over the past two years), Mr Onuigbo added that in cases of kidnapping, it is never certain that victims will be released, even if a ransom is paid.
“This is the kind of thing we see in Nigeria, which is among the most Christian persecuted countries in the world.
“Sometimes we begin to question why this is all happening. Let us not forget that prayer is so important, because it is also a spiritual battle.
“Christians today must really take prayer seriously. We pray not only for those being persecuted, but for those who are persecuting Christians; for their conversions,” he said.
According to ACN’s annual report, Persecuted and Forgotten, released on 16 November, Christians remain one of the most persecuted people worldwide and are currently the “most widely targeted” faith group.
The report shows the persecution of Christians is worsening, driven especially by Islamic jihadists and religious nationalists.
In addition to Sri Lanka and Nigeria, other countries where Christians are specifically being targeted for their beliefs include Afghanistan, China, Mozambique, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Burma and Vietnam.
According to ACN, there remains “a long way to go” in ensuring the liberty of Christians is protected around the world.
To order your copy of Persecuted and Forgotten visit: www.aidtochurch.org/reports