The Princes
of Wales has condemned the 'horrendous and heartbreaking' persecution of
religious minorities around the world and called on faith leaders to
work together to enable religious freedom.
In
a video address played at the House of Lords, the Prince spoke of his
anguish at the plight of Christianity in the Middle East, the region of
its birth.
The
heir to the throne also urged faith leaders to ensure believers have
respect for other religions instead of remaining ‘silent’ over the
suffering of minorities.
Prince
Charles made the remarks in a video message which was recorded ahead of
the publication of a report which says Christians are the 'most
persecuted religious minority'.
Describing
religion as central to ‘our future as a free society’, he said the
'horrendous' events in Iraq and Syria had brought the subject of
religious persecution 'to the forefront of the world's news' - but that
it spread far wider.
He
said: 'The horrendous and heart-breaking events in Iraq and Syria have
brought the subject of religious freedom and persecution to the
forefront of the world's news.
'We
have learnt with mounting despair of the expulsion of Christians,
Muslims and Yazidis from towns and cities that their ancestors have
occupied for centuries.
'Sadly,
incidents of violence in Iraq and Syria are not isolated. They are
found throughout some, though not all, of the Middle East; in some
African nations; and in many countries across Asia.'
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