#RedWednesday: Solidarity With Persecuted Christians Worldwide

Aontú Rep for Cork North West, Becky Kealy, has thanked all of those who have stood in solidarity with and in support of persecuted Christians the world over, as part of the Aid to the Church in Need’s #RedWednesday Campaign.

Becky Kealy: “The world over Christians are persecuted simply because of their faith. In China, Christian Churches are demolished. In Eritrea, Christians fleeing persecution from shelter camps and UN resourced support system. Churches in South America have been vandalised by looters. Online Christians are derided for any expression of their personal beliefs. In Nigeria, Christian businesses are frequently targeted and looted. In large parts of the Middle East, Christians are targeted by Islamist extremists to the point of being persecuted out of the Middle East. That is why on this Red Wednesday, I am proud to stand with many of the Christian faith in solidarity with those persecuted around the world and in opposition to faith-based discrimination. Discrimination and persecution on the basis of faith has no place in any quarter of human history – least of all the 21st century.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.