World Heritage site nomination for Japan's oldest church

The oldest church in Japan has been nominated to be a UNESCO World Heritage site for 2018.

Oura Catholic Church in Nagasaki and several other Christian sites in southwestern Japan were selected as candidates for the world heritage list by a government panel on July 25, reported  Japan Today.

Following a long period of persecution against Christians, French priests, Fathers Louis Furet and Bernard Petitjean, initially built the church in 1863, which was rebuilt 16 years later into the Gothic structure that remains today.

“Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki” comprises 12 cultural assets in eight cities and towns, and show how Christianity took off in Japan from the 16th century before being banned with Christians being persecuted.

The church honors 26 missionaries and converts who were crucified in 1597 on the orders of a warlord. (UCAN)