A Christian MP has been appointed as the Government’s new UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
David Smith, who recently became the Labour MP for North Northumberland, will take up his new position in the New Year. He succeeds Fiona Bruce MP, who held the post for almost four years.
The Government stated that his appointment “underlines the UK’s ongoing commitment to freedom of religion or belief for all”, which includes the Bishop of Truro’s recommendations to support persecuted Christians overseas.
Testimony
The MP was the Bible Society’s Head of International Programme for over seven years, travelling around the world from Argentina and China to the Middle East.
Growing up in a Christian family, he told Premier Christian Radio that he was just four years old when he had a “realisation moment that I had to get right with God”.
Speaking now, he said he was “delighted” to be taking on the role in supporting the Government’s commitment to religious liberty.
‘World leader’
DUP MP Jim Shannon, who is campaigning to make the post a legal requirement, said he was “incredibly pleased” at Smith’s appointment.
“He’s a man of faith, he’s a Christian, he believes in Almighty Providence over all. I feel his appointment is one that God has made happen.”
Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas CMG, who previously travelled with David to China and Nigeria, added: “I have no doubt that he will build on the legacy of his predecessor Fiona Bruce and maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in FoRB advocacy”.
Discrimination
In October, religious freedom experts highlighted the “increasing intolerance” towards those who hold religious beliefs on marriage, family, and sexual ethics in Europe and North America.
Organised to coincide with a Berlin meeting of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, the event featured the Religious Freedom Institute, the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE).
Dr José Luis Bazán of COMECE said what has come to be known as ‘polite persecution’ has manifested itself in “compelling policies and legislation, as well as social pressure, that undermine and curtail Christians’ possibility to express and live according to their moral and religious principles in contemporary liberal societies”.
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