Churches in the UK and Ireland are being urged to hold open-air service later this month to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world.
UK-based persecuted church support organisation Release International is challenging churches to take part in the event on 27th May, regardless of the weather, in a bid to identify with those believers who meet regularly in the open air because their buildings have been destroyed or closed down by governments.
Come snow or shine – forced to meet in the open air in Beijing. PICTURE: Release International
Paul Robinson, CEO of Release, says participation in the ‘Great Outdoors Church Service’ “really brings home how precious our freedoms are”.
“Taking time out to pray for the persecuted can spur us on to use our freedom to the full.”
Release, which this year marks 50 years since it was established in 1968 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, says that Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today “under Islam, militant Hinduism, and authoritarian regimes, and increasingly under communism”.
They cite examples including the demolition of churches, tearing down of crosses and seizing of properties used for worship in China and the use of blasphemy laws in countries like Pakistan as a way of “settling scores and driving out Christian minorities”.
“Standing with the persecuted is as important as ever,” said Mr Robinson. “And a great way of bringing that importance home is to set aside a single service a year to identify with believers who are forced to gather in secret or outdoors every time they meet. We could so easily be standing in their position.”
He said churches which have taken part in the Great Outdoors Church Service in the past “tell us how this open-air act of identification has given them a taste of what it’s like for believers who have neither the comfort nor security of meeting in a building”. “It’s also a great witness to our local communities.”
While 27th May is the suggested date, churches are encouraged to set aside any suitable date to hold the service.