Persecution survivor gives testimony in front of The King

Ribqa Nevash and Dr Caroline Hull in Westminster Abbey Image © ACN

Source: Aid to the Church Need

A Young advocate for persecuted Christians gave a moving testimony at a packed Advent service in Westminster Abbey, attended by His Majesty, The King on 10 December.

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.

She said: "As a Christian girl, I advocated for girls as young as 12 who are abducted, kidnapped and forced to marry and convert..

"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.

Ribqa 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 Fr Dominic Robinson, Ecclestiastical Support for ACN. Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP, gave the address, Coptic Archbishop of London Archbishop Angaelos, Anglican Bishop of Southwark Bishop Chessun, and the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem Hosam Naoum also took part.

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."

LINKS

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org

King attends service at Westminster Abbey celebrating Christian witness: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53907

Watch: King Charles arrives at Advent Service Westminster Abbey (Royal Family channel): www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjxiNFhIesA

Advent Liturgy at Westminster Abbey (Westminster Abbey channel): www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qU6JTsYzrs