Bishop endorses campaign to send Easter cards to persecuted Christians

Fra Angelico

Bishop Declan Lang, Chair of the Catholic Bishops' Conference Department of International Affairs, is encouraging Catholics to contact Christian prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders with a message of hope this Easter.

For the first time, Action by Christians Against Torture has published an Easter greetings list containing details of Christians including a teacher imprisoned on political charges in Indonesia, a priest facing threats because of his human rights advocacy in Cuba and an MP risking her safety by speaking out on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan.

Highlighting the Pope's focus on tackling persecution, Bishop Declan stated: "Pope Francis has called on us to support Christians facing persecution wherever they are in the world. Sending an Easter message to Christian prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders is a practical yet powerful way to give hope and encouragement. Showing that they are not forgotten can also lead to better treatment by the authorities.

I strongly welcome the work of Action by Christians Against Torture, and hope that Catholics throughout England and Wales will join me in sending a message of solidarity this Easter."

The Action by Christians Against Torture Easter greetings list is available at: www.acatuk.org.uk/EastercardList2015.pdf

Find out more about Action for Christians Against Torture here: www.acatuk.org.uk/