CLAAS welcomes the recent statement issued by EP president Martin Schulz. He said: “I can assure you that Parliament will make its contribution wherever it can to protect Christians.”

The close of the meeting which he organised with vice-president Antonio Tajani, focused on the persecution of Christians around the globe and specific proposals for tackling it.

The meeting was focused on the persecution of Christians around the globe and specific proposals for tackling it.

Mr Schulz said: “Persecution is happening outside the EU but we can’t afford to ignore it. All of us, particularly in the EP, are aware that dialogue and mutual respect are needed. Fundamental rights are under great threat today and persecution of a religion – it’s a breach of fundamental rights.”

Mr Tajani, who is responsible for inter-religious dialogue, said: “Every month at least 200 churches or places of worship are attacked. Every day, in every region of our planet, we register new cases of systematic violence and persecution against Christians. No other religious community is faced with such hatred, violence and aggression as is the Christian community.”

Nasir Saeed Director CLAAS-UK has welcomed Mr Schulz and Mr Tajani’s statements regarding Christians’ persecution around the globe.

He said: “It is very encouraging and somehow reassuring, especially for Christians being persecuted in the third world and in Muslim countries.

“Unfortunately their persecution is rife and sadly there have not been enough endeavours to stop it. The poor, voiceless and persecuted Christians rely on the west to voice on their behalf.

“Such a statement is phenomenal and it will raise their morale and somehow put them at peace, reminding them that they are not forgotten, the world is aware of their persecution and cares about them.”