Express UK | David Maddox | Apr. 21, 2019
The words of the Prime Minister, the daughter of a Church of England vicar, come as millions of Christians are facing persecution abroad. In Syria and Iraq, parts of the world where the first Christians lived, the rise of Islamic State and other extremist groups has seen Christianity almost wiped out. The Government also faced huge criticism this year when Mrs May refused an asylum request for Christian woman Asia Bibi who faced death threats after being acquitted of blasphemy in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, campaign groups in Britain claim red tape and prejudice against church values is posing an unprecedented threat to the faith domestically.
In her Easter message, Mrs May celebrated the Christian message of hope and pledged to tackle the persecution of Christians abroad – many have been attacked, killed or forced to flee.
She said: “For millions of Christians in this country and around the world, Easter is a particularly special time, when we remember the powerful message at the heart of our Christian faith.
“A message of hope – of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But for many Christians around the world, such simple acts of faith can bring huge danger. Churches have been attacked. Christians murdered. Families forced to flee their homes.
“That is why the Government has launched a global review into the persecution of Christians.