From selfies to solidarity - TikTok priest's message to Scottish youth

A priest with 1.8 million TikTok followers has urged young people not to ignore the persecution faced by Christians around the world.

Father James Anyaegbu, who hosted Aid to the Church in Need's Scottish Youth Rally in Hamilton on 8th September, encouraged around 700 pupils to be aware of the challenges faced by Christians in countries including Nigeria, India and Ukraine, and to stand in solidarity with those suffering for their faith.

Following the event in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, he told the Catholic charity: "Whatever is happening to one affects everybody, because we are one humanity."

"Events like this call young people in Scotland to be aware of what's going on, especially in places like Africa, India and Ukraine.

"We need to be aware of it and speak out because you never know when it's going to creep into where you are today. We are relatively in peace, but we need to be aware of those who are facing persecution."

Born in Nigeria, Fr James was ordained in 2013 and worked in two parishes in the city of Aba in the south-eastern Abia State before moving to Scotland in 2015. Now based in the Highlands, he has become an unlikely social media star, attracting millions of views with videos that combine faith, humour, music and dancing.

At the youth rally, pupils joined him on stage for songs, dances and selfies between presentations highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians.

Fr James said the enthusiasm generated by the music was about much more than entertainment.

"The reason behind the dancing is the joy of the Lord," he said.

"Young people spend their time on social media. When they come out and see a Catholic priest entering their world, they get excited.

"But I'm not going into their world to be part of that world. I'm going into their world to bring them the awareness of Jesus.

"All the songs we dance to are Jesus songs. They remind us that Jesus is Light - he's the Life, the Way and the Truth."

He added: "I love their excitement too. When I see them excited about coming onto the stage, I get excited and give glory to God."

For Fr James, the rally provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the situation facing Christians in his native Nigeria and elsewhere.

"It's an amazing event for me if I'm able to lend my voice for people to know what's going on, especially in Nigeria and other places where Christians are persecuted," he said.

"Faith is one of the greatest gifts God has given us and young people need to know that and hold on to it."

He said that persecution has been part of Christianity since its earliest days, suggesting that stories of believers suffering for their Faith can inspire others to ask deeper questions about religion.

"When people hear that for the sake of Christ people are being persecuted, they become inquisitive," he said.

"They ask, 'Who is Jesus? Why are people persecuting others because of Jesus?'

"I have seen many people led to Faith because they heard about persecuted Christians elsewhere."

Fr James said awareness remained critical not only for those suffering discrimination and violence but also for governments and organisations able to help them.

"We keep talking about it, first for the liberation of those who are persecuted, secondly so awareness can be created, especially among governments who can help, and thirdly for the increase of faith," he said.

Thanking organisers, teachers and pupils gathered at the rally, he ended with a message of hope.

"God is not done with them yet. God is just starting," he said.

"And to the persecuted Christians, we are with you. We are journeying with you. What's touching you is touching us. We are doing everything to show you our solidarity."

See Fr James on Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@fr_james_a

Watch The Most Holy Name of Mary: www.tiktok.com/@fr_james_a/video/7684517170667162902