Hon House Chair, in April 2013 the British Parliament met to discuss the increasing incidence of the persecution of Christians in Africa. The discussion was requested by the hon Naomi Long, who said:
The right to have a faith and to practise that faith, both in private and in community with others, and to change one's faith and not be disadvantaged or endangered for reason of one's beliefs, are basic and fundamental human rights that should apply universally.
The ACDP believes the time has come for our Parliament to also discuss the global persecution of people of faith. While we acknowledge government's condemnation of all forms of terrorism, we nevertheless believe that with the increasing reports of abduction, rape and slaughter of Christians and the burning down of churches, our government must be heard to be strongly condemning these acts of terrorism against the church, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.
On behalf of the ACDP, I want to reiterate my call on government to lead the international community in defending the right of freedom of religion and in the promotion of a culture of peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, Jews and all other religious minorities. I thank you.