A song for persecuted Christians
Electro-pop band Ooberfuse have released a Christmas song as a gesture of solidarity with the world's persecuted Christians.
The release is their electro version of the classic O Holy Night.
Lead vocalist Cherrie Anderson said she wanted to write a song that captures the spirit of Christmas.
"We take our religious freedom so much for granted here in the Christian West that it is easy to forget the dangers faced by Christians in other parts of the world," she said.
As the nation tucks into turkey dinners on Christmas Day without fear of persecution or violence, the band are asking that Christians spare a thought for fellow believers around the world and the dangers they face just for celebrating the birthday of Jesus.
The band point to atrocities being perpetrated against the Christian community in Nigeria by Boko Haram, and infringements upon the rights of Christians in China.
"We face nothing less than a global crisis in religious liberty," they said.
Band member Hal St John added: "Christians facing sustained violence show an extraordinary courage that should serve as an inspiration to those of us who do not face those dangers. The courage of Christians around the world is the inspiration behind the track.
"Although O Holy Night has been recorded by many top artists including Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Luciano Pavarotti it has never been recorded as an electro-pop song."
