Prince Charles speaks out on religious persecution

#993 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 9 Nov 2014.

The British charity Aid to the Church in Need has launched a report on religious freedom with a video message by Prince Charles, who said he was “heartbroken” by the security situation in the Middle East.

Prince Charles 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 … are found throughout some, though not all, of the Middle East; in some African nations; and in many countries across Asia.”

This winter the charity will provide shelter, food and education to 120,000 displaced Iraqi Christians in the Kurdish-controlled north of the country. May the God of peace bless all who suffer because of their faith.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.