Talk focuses on church in chains
A seminar took place in Enniscorthy recently which focused attention on the persecution of Christians around the world.
The event included a lecture from David Turner, from Church in Chains, and was organised by the Diocese of Ferns Ecumenical Society, in the Riverside Park Hotel.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the plight of Christians being persecuted across the globe.
Attention was placed on the latest publication of the Church in Chains Global Guide which outlines 60 countries where Christians are currently suffering because of their religious beliefs.
Those in attendance at the event were informed that three countries are listed for the first time this year: Cameroon; Rwanda and Uganda.
However, on a more positivev note three other countries that were listed in the second edition of the Global Guide, were omitted this time around: Belarus; Chad and Lebanon.
Mr Turner told those in attendance at the seminar that the omissions were a result of religious freedom improving in those countries.
Improvements were also noted in relation to countries like Colombia; Cuba; Kuwait; Morocco; Tunisia; Turkmenistan and Vietnam.
Mr Turner became involved with Church in Chains as a volunteer in 1981.
The following year he became the organisation’s part-time national coordinator and has been a fulltime director in 2007,
His overall role includes developing and maintaining links with overseas partners and working with TDs, senators, the Department of Foreign Affairs and foreign embassies.
The event in Enniscorthy was part of his work delivering talks to churches, prayer groups and fellowships around the country.
Church in Chains is an independent charity and is a member of Aontas, Evangelical Alliance Ireland, the Wheel, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade NGO standing committee on human rights.
The event in Enniscorthy was attended by local clergy and people from across the county.