Key takeaways from the recent parliamentary debate on Christian persecution

Earlier this week, 24 MPs held a parliamentary debate on a crucial issue: the global persecution of Christians. Here are four key takeaways and how you can respond in prayer and action.

On Tuesday 8 April, MPs held a parliamentary debate on the persecution of Christians around the world. Ruth Jones MP opened the debate, noting that, “Despite being the world’s largest religion, Christianity is the most persecuted minority faith in many regions.”  

Here are four key takeaways from the debate…

1. A popular subject 

The debate was very well attended, with 24 MPs coming to share their thoughts, following the launch of the World Watch List in Parliament on 15 January. In fact, there were so many MPs wishing to contribute, that the chair had to cut the time for each speech down to two minutes!  

The UK’s new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith MP, was also in attendance. 

The fact that so many MPs were present is testament to supporters who have written to their MPs and continued to raise awareness of our persecuted brothers and sisters – thank you.  

2. A cross-party issue 

MPs from across political parties spoke with conviction: 

David Smith MP said: “The suffering can overwhelm us, but my hope is that the UK is uniquely well placed to act… We believe something radical: that religious freedom is good not only for those who are persecuted – but also for those doing the persecuting.” 

Danny Kruger MP (Conservative) reflected on the UK’s heritage: “All our liberties… derive fundamentally from the Christian foundations of our political institutions and political philosophy.” 

Monica Harding MP (Liberal Democrat) added: “The right to practise one’s faith freely is fundamental. Human rights apply everywhere. Religious intolerance must never be accepted.” 

Their words show there is meaningful unity across parties when it comes to defending freedom of religion or belief. 

3. MPs quoted Scripture in their speeches 

The debate was notable for the number of biblical quotations from MPs in their speeches. Scripture was quoted directly at least seven times within the hour-and-a-half-long debate. These quotations were accompanied by many allusions to Christian principles and to saints and martyrs such as Stephen (Acts 7).  

It’s encouraging that the Bible still has power and relevance in the UK Parliament. Indeed, MPs attending the debate could have drawn from the biblical and Christian imagery in the very building in which they met. Written into the floor of Central Lobby, in Latin, is Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.”  

4. Christian persecution a vital issue for UK foreign policy 

Religious freedom was described as more than a single issue – it’s often the first sign that wider rights are under threat. 

As David Smith MP put it: “FoRB is not just a canary in the coalmine – it’s the lone night-watchman bleeding outside as the night grows darker, and freedom slips away.” 

The persecution of Christians is rarely an isolated issue. MPs recognised that when faith is restricted, other freedoms often follow, and other minorities also suffer. 

Read the debate and the Advocacy Report 

You can read the full debate on parliament’s website here.  

Open Doors’ research was also quoted numerous times during the debate – thanks to your invites to the World Watch List Launch, and because you sent copies of this year’s Advocacy Report to your MP. You can read the report here.