Callam Raises Religious Freedom Concerns with US Secretary of State T


here is a growing concern that the “greatest victim” of the Arab Spring will be religious freedom. This was stated by Baptist World Alliance General Secretary Neville Callam


in a letter to United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.


The BWA leader provided a list of grievances to the American


Secretary of State. Referring specially to Egypt, Callam said the BWA received reports from Baptists in Egypt that “violence targeting Christian minorities increased significantly in the past year, and that it has been tolerated by the Egyptian transitional government.”


He explained that Christians “feel terribly


vulnerable and neglected” and now “fear for their future.” Callam told Clinton that in Egypt a number of churches have been closed while others have been converted into mosques. This transpired after the Supreme Council of Armed Forces requested that all Christian groups reveal all underground house churches for the purpose of granting them necessary permits to operate legally in Egypt. However, the list of churches was made public and Muslim fundamentalist groups, especially in rural communities, moved to close the churches while turning others into mosques. Christian communities are being terrorized, Callam said. Kidnapping of Christians is on the increase, especially kidnappings


of women, who are being forced into marriage with Muslims. He urged that the US make provisions and protections for human and religious rights “a crucial controlling factor” in any negotiations, pact, or agreements entered into with countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including financial assistance and economic support. He appealed to the US government “to raise these concerns coming from religious minorities” with governments in the region. Callam reiterated that “in order for peace and stability to


become a reality in the region, special attention needs to be given to religious freedom.” He observed that a number of countries in North Africa and the Middle East are in the process of rewriting their constitutions and electing new leadership, making this an opportune time “when they can cement religious freedom as an integral part of the new regimes.” Claiming that Baptists are peaceful and law-abiding citizens,


he asserted that they “want to live in peace with their Muslim neighbors,” while having the freedom to practice their own faith. There are approximately 50,000 Baptists in the Middle East


and North Africa who hold membership in BWA member bodies, with approximately 2,100 members in the Egyptian Baptist Convention.


Religious Freedom Violations in Pakistan continued


the Ahmadis, members of an Islamic reformist movement, with international human rights standards. The Human Rights Council has the opportunity to take a proactive role by ensuring that the Universal Periodic Review recommendations are drawn


A Christian Children Ministry program in Punjab in Pakistan in May


Photo courtesy of Save & Serve For Christ Ministries


up in a manner that reflects the universal human rights in which each person, of any faith or no faith at all, would have the right to respectfully search for truth and justice in accord with their own conscience.


18 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE


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