Nearly 400 million Christians reportedly face persecution because of their faith. Bishop James Curry's powerful appeal deserves international recognition and solidarity. Religious freedom is a universal human right, not a privilege. The world must move beyond words and prayers towards meaningful action, justice and accountability. No one should be threatened, silenced or persecuted for believing, worshipping or practising their faith. Stand with the persecuted. Defend religious freedom. Uphold human dignity.
By Sardar Mushtaq Gill
Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries | Human Rights Defender and Lawyer
The warning by Bishop James Curry that nearly 400 million Christians worldwide live in fear of persecution because of their faith deserves serious international attention and recognition. His appeal, made in connection with International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day, is a powerful reminder of the suffering experienced by Christian communities across the world and the urgent need to defend the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill expresses his deep appreciation for Bishop Curry's commitment to highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians. His message deserves recognition for bringing renewed attention to a human rights crisis that must never be ignored or treated with indifference.
Bishop Curry's call for greater support for religious freedom and prayers for persecuted Christians reflects an important moral responsibility shared by religious leaders, governments, human rights organisations and the international community. Millions of Christians continue to face threats, discrimination, intimidation and violence because of their religious convictions. Their suffering demands compassion, solidarity and meaningful international attention.
The reported figure of nearly 400 million Christians living under the threat of persecution is deeply concerning. Behind this figure are individuals, families and entire communities whose freedom, security and dignity are threatened because of their faith. In different parts of the world, Christians face restrictions on worship, attacks on religious communities, displacement, discrimination and other serious human rights violations.
Religious persecution is not merely a concern for Christian communities; it is a fundamental human rights issue. Whenever an individual is threatened, discriminated against or denied basic freedoms because of religious beliefs, the universal principles of equality, justice and human dignity are undermined.
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees every individual the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This fundamental right belongs to every human being, regardless of religious identity, nationality or background. No government, institution or individual should deny another person the freedom to practise their faith peacefully.
Bishop Curry's appeal is particularly important because international awareness is essential to confronting religious persecution. The voices of church leaders and religious institutions can help bring attention to suffering that frequently receives insufficient recognition. His call for prayers also reminds Christians worldwide not to forget those who remain steadfast in their faith despite threats, hardship and persecution.
However, expressions of solidarity must be accompanied by meaningful action. The international community must strengthen efforts to document human rights violations, protect vulnerable religious minorities, support victims and pursue accountability for those responsible for abuses. Governments and international institutions must ensure that freedom of religion or belief is protected not only in legal declarations but also in practice.
Through LEAD Ministries, the importance of international advocacy, human rights documentation and the protection of persecuted Christians and other vulnerable religious minorities remains central to its mission. Stronger cooperation among human rights defenders, lawyers, churches, civil society organisations and international institutions is essential to ensuring that victims are heard and their fundamental rights are respected.
Bishop James Curry's message deserves sincere appreciation for drawing attention to this urgent global concern. His appeal reinforces the importance of standing together in defence of religious freedom and remembering Christians who continue to suffer because of their faith.
The international community must not remain silent when religious freedom is violated. Persecution anywhere is a serious challenge to the universal values of human dignity, justice and equality. Protecting religious freedom requires more than expressions of concern; it demands courage, commitment, accountability and sustained international action.
A Strong Message to the International Community
Religious freedom is not a privilege granted by governments or societies; it is a fundamental human right. Every person must be free to believe, worship and practise their faith without fear of persecution. The suffering of persecuted Christians must not be forgotten, their voices must not be silenced, and their rights must not be sacrificed to religious intolerance.
The international community must move beyond words and declarations towards concrete measures that protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators of religious persecution accountable.
Silence in the face of religious persecution must never become acceptance. Defending the right of every person to practice their faith is a shared responsibility of humanity.
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