Archbishop of Westminster makes new call for global action against religious hatred

Archbishop Richard Moth has added his voice to a campaign coordinated by Aid to the Church in Need, calling on the UN and governments worldwide to act urgently to guarantee the rights of people who are targeted for their faith.

Archbishop Moth said today, “In some countries women and girls are kidnapped, forced to renounce their faith and marry their abductors, children are denied the right to learn about their faith.

“Many people, young and old alike, are the victims of religious hatred. They suffer abuse and discrimination in the streets, at school and at work.”

Calling on Catholics to sign the ACN Article 18 petition, he added, “I invite you today to join a vital call to take action in support of people around the world oppressed for their faith.

“The richly diverse communities we have here in the Catholic dioceses of England and Wales are made up of so many people with their own story of persecution and oppression, men, women and children who have sought a fresh start, recognising that violations of religious freedom are contrary to the values of a just society.

“We need to stand up for our brothers and sisters in Christ and stand in support of all those who suffer for their beliefs, recognising religious freedom as a universal human right.”

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees everyone the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Westminster Cathedral on Red Wednesday. © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

The ACN campaign comes after Pope Leo XIV said, “Religious freedom is not merely a legal right or a privilege granted to us by governments. It is a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible.” It marks the run-up to the 10th anniversary of the annual #RedWednesday in November when significant buildings will once again be lit in red, to highlight that more than five billion people live in countries where persecution, oppression and discrimination restrict religious freedom, including more than 200 million Christians.

According to the latest Religious Freedom in the World report, produced by Aid to the Church in Need, 5.4 billion people live in countries where oppression and discrimination are perpetuated by governments or extremist groups. “All too often Article 18 is ignored,” said Archbishop Moth. “Men and women are imprisoned, others are driven from their homes, or even killed, simply because of their peacefully held beliefs.”

John Pontifex, head of press and public affairs at Aid to the Church in Need (UK), said: “For too long, Article 18 – the right to freedom of religion or belief – has been an ‘orphaned right’ – i.e. little known, even less understood and all too often ignored. By declaring his support for ACN’s Article 18 campaign on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Archbishop Richard has signalled that he has heard the cries of thousands upon thousands of people, Christian and on-Christian alike, who are harassed and persecuted because of their beliefs. He has made it clear that recognition of their rights must be upheld in full by government and that words of intent must be matched by commitment and action, ensuring freedom of religion or belief for all.”

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