Despite not really liking Ferrero Rocher chocolates, I have spent a lot of time over the last five years with ambassadors – first as the former Prime Minister’s Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and now as I finish my time as Adviser to the Chair of the Article 18 Alliance of religious freedom envoys.
Ambassadors can be seen in public but rarely heard. Like the best referees or umpires, whom you don’t really notice until after the match that they have done a good job (although the old cricket umpire legend the late Dicky Bird was of course an exception). It is why the recent public criticism around former US Ambassador Peter Mandelson proved fatal to his career.
I have seen though the good in ambassadors and how often private, robust, consistent advocacy alongside great Christian organisations like ADF, CSW and Open Doors can help lead to the release of prisoners of conscience. Like Anwar Kenneth, a 72year-old Christian from Pakistan, who was arrested in 2001 for sending letters deemed blasphemous towards Islam. In July 2002, a Lahore court sentenced him to death after he pleaded guilty, declaring “God is my counsel”, but he was finally acquitted, and was released in October this year. However, it is not the end of Anwar’s plight as he needs sanctuary away from Pakistan. Pray for Anwar, that across the world including the UK there will continue to be a safe place for those persecuted for their faith or belief.
The UK leadership crisis: Responding Biblically
It is extraordinary that after barely two years we are in a similar crisis of leadership in the Labour Government …