Ahead of UN day for victims attacked for beliefs, Scottish bishop backs religious freedom

Ahead of the UN’s annual day remembering those attacked for their Faith, the president of Scotland’s Bishops’ Conference has called for support for a petition urging authorities to defend religious freedom around the world.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “I want to encourage people to back this important call to action and help all those suffering around the world for their faith.

“Men and women are imprisoned, driven from their homes or even killed simply because of their peacefully held beliefs.

“Women can be kidnapped and forced to marry, children can be denied the right to learn about their faith.

“Violations of a person’s right to worship and live out his or her faith are contrary to the values of a just society. Religious freedom is a right, not a privilege.”
The United Nations’ International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief which is held tomorrow (22nd August) was established to highlight those suffering violence, persecution or discrimination because of their religion or beliefs.

Bishop Keenan’s statement strongly backs Aid to the Church in Need’s Article 18 petition that calls on the UN and state governments calling on them to hold persecutors accountable and supporting victims of religious persecution.

The bishop highlighted research by Aid to the Church in Need that showed more than 5.4 billion people live in countries where persecution, oppression or discrimination can restrict religious freedom, including more than 200 million Christians.

Bishop Keenan also recalled the words of Pope Leo, who told ACN that freedom of religion or belief is not merely “a legal right or a privilege granted to us by governments” but “a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible.”

Pope Leo also warned: “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.”
ACN’s Article 18 petition calls for renewed action to protect those persecuted for their faith and to uphold the dignity of people and communities denied their fundamental right to believe.

The petition also highlights Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the right to practise faith openly and without fear.

Bishop Keenan joins a long line of UK religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth, Anglican Archbishop of Winchester Bishop Philip Mounsteven, and the Coptic Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos.

Bishop Keenan added: “I encourage everyone to join ACN in signing this petition to the United Nations and to stand up with those persecuted for their faith.”
Attacks on faith groups continue around the world. On Monday (17th August), dozens of Christians were killed in Nigeria’s Plateau State in an overnight attack that came following one by Fulani extremists.