UK must do more to prevent genocide - Church leaders

Church leaders and Christian groups have called on the Government to do more to prevent genocide worldwide. 

In a letter to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, they accused the UK and other countries of ignoring the "warning signs" of genocide and continuing to "look the other way" out of diplomatic and economic self-interest.

Mass atrocities against Christians in Nigeria by Boko Haram and Fulani militia, and by the Chinese Communist Party against the Uyghurs were two instances that meet the legal definition of genocide, they said. 

"After the egregious Nazi crimes, states have been promising to never again allow such mass atrocities to be perpetrated," the letter reads.

"However, time and time again, the international community has failed to deliver on its solemn promise. This failure is, in large part, because the states themselves, including the UK, are not effectively fulfilling their duties under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention).

"Again and again, we are failing to act to prevent genocide, doing little to suppress it, failing to give the full support needed to those affected and shying away from prosecuting perpetrators." 

The letter has been signed by the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, the Bishop of Truro, Philip Mounstephen, who oversaw the Government's recent review into persecution, and Christian charities Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. 

"Actions speak louder than words," they said.

"The lack of action means that those conducting the crime still believe they can act with impunity. Impunity begets further crime.

"If we do not stand up now, this will be the legacy that we leave for future generations who will only see more and more such atrocities." 

They said they were "profoundly concerned" that the Government had chosen not to support an amendment to the Trade Bill that would have required it to reconsider trade deals with countries where genocide is taking place.

They said this sent the "wrong message" to states involved in such atrocities.

"As the UK has left the EU this is the perfect time for us to redefine ourselves and affirm our moral position globally," the letter concludes.

"We need your vision for genocide prevention. No empty promises. We need your leadership on the issue of genocide responses. No excuses.

"Informed responses to genocide start with recognising the issue, recognising the risk of genocide or of genocide being perpetrated. No empty promises. No excuses." 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?

In demanding that the likes of Robinson be banned from the Oxford Union, the clergy are in effect setting their own limit on freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Christian woman persecuted by Iranian regime sentenced to 9 years in prison
Christian woman persecuted by Iranian regime sentenced to 9 years in prison

A Christian convert in Iran has been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison on trumped-up charges linked to state security and anti-government activity.

John Lennox fears AI is making us lazy
John Lennox fears AI is making us lazy

Christian media leaders heard calls for courage, authenticity and discernment at the recent Revive 2026 conference.

Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?
Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?

If you look at the Church of England’s communications all that it ever seems to highlight is the good works that Christians do to improve the temporal well-being of their neighbours. It is right to highlight these things, but they are not the primary reason for the Church’s existence.