A photo exhibition depicting the persecution of Christians around the world has been organized at the European Parliament in Brussels
Newsroom (01/10/2023 11:10, Gaudium Press) A photographic exhibition depicting the persecution of Christians around the world has been organized at the European Parliament by Christian MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen.
The exhibition took place from September 18 to 22 in Brussels and was an initiative of Dutch MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, together with the Open Doors organization and the China Underground Church Foundation.
The exhibition featured dozens of photographs depicting the persecution and violence suffered by thousands of Christians around the world. A conference was held to inaugurate the exhibition, during which MEP Ruissen criticized the European Union’s neutral and silent stance towards this type of persecution: “The European Union claims to be a community of values, but often remains silent about serious violations,” he said.
Ruissen emphasized that “Thousands of victims and families must count on the EU’s initiative”. Concluding his speech criticizing the European institution, he added that “as an economic power bloc, we must hold all countries to account and ensure that all believers are free to practice their religion.”
In addition to Ruissen, Jelle Creemers, director of the Institute for the Study of Freedom of Religion and Belief at the Faculty of Evangelical Theology, Anastasia Hartman, a lawyer for Open Doors, and Illia Djadi, Open Doors’ principal analyst on religious freedom in sub-Saharan Africa, also spoke. All highlighted the importance and role of the European Union in defending the religious freedom of Christians.
According to the World Index of Persecution of Christians report, released by Open Doors in January 2022, persecution of Christians continues to grow at a worrying rate. Currently, approximately 360 million Christians face some level of persecution or discrimination in the world.
Countries like North Korea, Somalia and Yemen top the list of countries where persecution of Christians is one of the most virulent. Equally worryingly, Nigeria remains, for the ninth year running, the country where the most Christians are murdered. In fact, approximately 9 out of every 10 Christians killed are Nigerians. It is also estimated that 15 Christians lose their lives every day for professing their Christian faith. (FM)
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
