ACN pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe’s tireless advocacy for persecuted Christians

Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (UK) has paid tribute to the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, former MP and minister, following the announcement of her death, recognising her advocacy for persecuted Christians.

No stranger to controversy, Ann Widdecombe was nonetheless an outspoken campaigner for the plight of suffering Christians around the world. She was also a long-standing supporter of ACN.

Miss Widdecombe was the keynote speaker at ACN’s annual Westminster Event in 2011, shortly after her retirement from the House of Commons, in which she powerfully remarked that in the mainstream media “You stand a better chance of earnest representation if you are a hedgehog than if you are a persecuted Christian.”.

She also used her speech to call on ACN benefactors and supporters to engage with their local political representatives and become advocates for the persecuted Church around the world.

Miss Widdecombe joined ACN at packed church events across the country, helping to raise awareness of Christian persecution. 
With ACN’s assistance, she was in talks with the BBC to develop a documentary on kidnapped girls from religious minorities in Pakistan who were forced to convert and marry their kidnappers.

Miss Widdecombe’s commitment to public service was recognised by the Vatican when she was awarded a Papal Damehood of the Order of St Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI for services to public and political life in 2013.

Responding to the announcement of her death, John Pontifex, ACN (UK)’s Head of Press and Public Affairs, said: 
“Whether or not you agreed with her politics, without a doubt, Ann Widdecombe was a fearless champion for persecuted Christians, constantly seeking to raise the public profile of their suffering with the media and government.

“At ACN we are thankful for her witness and support over many years.”