The right to freedom of religion is a human right, respecting it is just as important as protecting other rights, emphasized György Hölvényi, KDNP representative of the European Parliament (EP), in his statement to MTI on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the representative gave a statement on the annual report of the international Christian human rights organization Open Doors, which was presented at the video conference of the inter-factional working group of the EP on religious freedom.
He said: the number of Christians who are victims of persecution and discrimination currently exceeds 340 million. He drew attention to the fact that last year more than 5,800 Christians were killed for their faith, several thousand were imprisoned, and many liturgical places were closed or destroyed in different parts of the world.
Hölvényi emphasized: persecuted Christians think of the "West" as someone who protects them, but this does not happen. "The European Commission, for example, since its establishment in 2019, has been unable to appoint a commissioner responsible for religious freedom, even though this position was previously held. This carries a negative message," added György Hölvényi.
The Christian Democrat politician drew attention to the fact that in the case of churches, we should not forget the role they play in peacemaking and conflict resolution, just as they play a leading role in humanitarian work and in carrying out social tasks. Therefore, the persecution of Christian churches and people is seriously detrimental to a given country, regardless of the religious beliefs of the majority, he added.
Source: vasarnap.hu
Featured image: MTI/magyarkurir.hu
