Faith
Pakistani Christian’s Testimony Moves King Charles
Faith Facts
- A service at Westminster Abbey brought attention to persecuted Christians worldwide.
- Ribqa Nevash shared her firsthand account of suffering endured by Christians in Pakistan.
- Catholic Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe condemned the widespread persecution during his sermon.
This week, Westminster Abbey welcomed leaders from different Christian traditions as King Charles III attended an Advent service focused on global Christian persecution.
The event united Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox believers.
It underscored the importance of Christian solidarity during times of trial.
During the service, Catholic Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe spoke against the severe hardships faced by believers, raising his voice for those enduring oppression.
Ribqa Nevash, a young Christian woman from Pakistan, provided testimony of the adversity Christian girls experience, including abductions, forced conversions, and violence.
“As a Christian girl, I advocated for girls as young as 12 who are abducted, kidnapped and forced to marry and convert. Many suffer sexual violence. Others are trapped in bonded labour, including working in brick kilns,” she said.
Each year, around 1,000 girls are reportedly taken and made victims of forced marriages and faith changes, with Christians especially at risk.
Nevash described the anti-Christian attack in Jaranwala, where in one day 25 churches and 80 homes suffered destruction, causing many believers to flee.
“In just one day, 25 churches were desecrated and burned. Up to 2,000 people fled their burning houses. When I visited the next day, I started to cry. Everyone is still looking for justice.”
Pakistani Bishop Indrias Rehmat has denounced the lack of accountability or justice for these crimes, despite numerous arrests.
“Justice has not been done. The police have not done their duty. Nobody has been punished and nobody has been dealt with properly. At this stage, we do not see any hope of any culprit being punished.”
For Nevash, speaking at the service was a chance to raise the voices of those suffering for their faith.
Meeting King Charles was a meaningful mark of support.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to be a voice for persecuted Christians who are so often forced to suffer in silence. It was made especially powerful being able to do this in the presence of King Charles and to meet him afterwards was a great honour. I thank him for his deep concern for all those suffering persecution.”
The Christian response in the face of hardship reminds us that faith, courage, and unity are vital anchors in turbulent times.
Let us remember and pray for all who endure persecution for Christ’s name.