Paul KeenanChurch in Chains argues that both human rights and religious freedom should be central components to Ireland’s international relations.
An Irish charity which monitors Christian persecution worldwide has said Ireland is “lagging behind” others on the issue and called on the Government to make religious freedom a priority of the country’s foreign policy.
In a submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s foreign policy review this week, Church in Chains argues that both human rights and religious freedom should be central components to Ireland’s international relations.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic as the submission was unveiled, David Turner, director of Church in Chains said: “Ireland has been slow to stand up in defence of religious freedom around the world. Many other governments have woken up to the growth in persecution of Christians around the world – especially in the Middle East – but Ireland seems to be lagging behind, despite official statements that it is concerned about the issue.”
The Church in Chains submission points to concrete actions the department should undertake in committing to greater advocacy on religious freedom, including an explicit reference to this in the new foreign policy document, a speech on the issue by Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore, and a meeting between him, members of his department and NGOs in the field of religious freedom.
“If Ireland’s foreign policy is to truly reflect Ireland’s values, defence of religious freedom should become a key priority,” the submission insists.
The full Church in Chains submission can be viewed on the charity’s website www.churchinchains.ie