persecution
At the same time, we stand in solidarity with Christians throughout the world, in particular those suffering persecution or adversity.
This meant both direct and indirect persecution and discrimination from my superiors and peers alike.
The national church should do more to support and resource this as well as speaking into key debates at national level - for example to explain why a Christian approach to immigration leads us to be welcoming of those who are fleeing violence and persecution.
In the midst of the inevitable focus on our own concerns and issues we must not lose sight of the reality of what it means to be a Christian in places where persecution is a present day experience.
During my 16 years with Open Doors, as the Global Gender Persecution Specialist, I travelled extensively to meet Christians where faith costs the most.
Sixteen years alongside Christians facing persecution deepened my concern for freedom of religion or belief.
Rebuilding lives alongside our Christian brothers and sisters there bolstered my own faith, and their confidence despite persecution is something I want to bring back to our Church at home: confidence in our faith when those around us are not, confident in what we have, and hopeful about what we can be.
If elected to General Synod I will do all I can to promote and encourage parish and diocesan links, the work of our Mission Societies, participation and engagement with the next Lambeth Conference, and champion those globally who suffer persecution for their faith.
Throughout my time in Parliament, I championed religious freedom and challenged persecution – not only of Christians but of all those persecuted for their beliefs, speaking frequently in the House of Commons.
See for example: Fiona Bruce - Debate on persecution 2023.
I worked in this role with Ambassadors and other government representatives from across the world challenging persecution and was elected by them in 2021 and re-elected in 2022 as Chair of the International cross- governmental organisation which supports religious freedom globally – “IRBFA” the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance - which grew substantially during my tenure to 43 countries.
END CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION: Synod must speak out and call on Government to act.
We are all God’s children Inter-faith and inter- denominational efforts towards world peace should be redoubled, with urgent efforts made by churches to provide for the needs of refugees from wars, persecution and natural disasters.
Furthermore, I am committed to the support of Project Spire, which represents the delivery of social justice in paying slavery reparations to those whose persecution selfishly and wrongly benefitted the Church.