UNITED KINGDOM: Persecution survivor gives testimony in front of the King

A YOUNG advocate for persecuted Christians gave a moving testimony at a packed Advent service in Westminster Abbey, attended by His Majesty, The King.

Ribqa Nevash, from Faisalabad, Pakistan, who last year received Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (UK)’s Courage to be Christian Award for her advocacy, spoke passionately about the plight of persecuted Christians in Pakistan, with a particular focus on women and girls.

“As a Christian girl, I advocated for girls as young as 12 who are abducted, kidnapped and forced to marry and convert,” Ribqa said.

“Many suffer sexual violence. Others are trapped in bonded labour, including working in brick kilns.”

She recounted the threats faced by her family for speaking out and described the devastating mob attack on Christian homes and churches in Jaranwala district in 2023.

She said: “In just one day, 25 churches were desecrated and burned. Up to 2,000 people fled their burning houses. When I visited the next day, I started to cry. Everyone is still looking for justice.”

The Advent service at Westminster Abbey highlighted themes of ecumenicism, and the experience of persecuted Christians.

The congregation included Christian leaders from across the UK and the world, and representatives of other faiths and charities including Cardinal Timothy Ratcliffe OP, Coptic Archbishop of London Archbishop Angaelos, Anglican Bishop of Southwark Bishop Chessun, and the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem Hosam Naoum.

Speaking after the service, Ribqa told Aid to the Church in Need: “This was a wonderful opportunity to be a voice for persecuted Christians who are so often forced to suffer in silence.

“It was made especially powerful being able to do this in the presence of King Charles and to meet him afterwards was a great honour. I thank him for his deep concern for all those suffering persecution.”

“My thanks to ACN for all the work you have done and continue to advocate for our persecuted brothers and sisters.”

ACN (UK) national director Dr Caroline Hull said: “It was a lovely and deeply spiritual service highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians and others who suffer for their faith around the world.

“We are deeply grateful that our wonderful ACN (UK) Courage to be Christian award winner, Ribqa, was able to share her important story in the sacred setting of Westminster Abbey.”