COMECE calls on EU to do more to help persecuted Christians

The European Union Council on Monday issued a statement denouncing intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief, which specifically condemned acts of violence against Christians and their places of worship.

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) issued a statement saying it now believes that the Council of Ministers should translate these words into concrete action in order to guarantee that Christian and other religious minorities all over the world can enjoy the much needed fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of religion, that they are currently deprived of.

COMECE suggested Baroness Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, could make provision in the new European External Action Service to have a permanent institutional approach to protect freedom of conscience and religion around the world.

Listen to the full interview by Charles Collins with COMECE spokesperson Johanna Touzel: