British Christians call on North Korea to end religious persecution
20,000 British Christians to date have signed a petition calling for religious freedom in North Korea – a nation considered to be one of the worst persecutors of Christians on Earth. Release International presented an interim petition to the North Korean embassy in London (July 22).
The Release One Day campaign presses for freedom of worship in the land where the Bible is banned. The petition calls on North Korea to allow its citizens to practise their faith without threat of persecution.
Recent reports by human rights organisations accuse North Korea of putting up to 180,000 people into forced labour. They also document the spread of political prison camps, where inmates – including those arrested for their faith – can face torture, starvation and execution.
‘Those who’ve got away describe these camps as “hell on Earth”’, says Andy Dipper of Release International which supports persecuted Christians. ‘In this land where a form of emperor worship is practised, Christians can be detained, brutally tortured and removed from society. Some risk being shot by border guards as they try to flee the country to avoid persecution and oppression.
‘20,000 people have already stood with persecuted North Koreans by signing the petition calling for freedom. Release is continuing to raise signatures and will present the final petition at the end of our campaign. It’s not too late to take your stand. Please download the petition form from the Release website or
sign it online here
Release is supporting those who have fled North Korea. It is working with local Christian partners to provide safe houses, pastoral support and health care.