The UK government is facing criticism from Christian charities for failing to prioritise religious freedom, particularly in the absence of a replacement for Fiona Bruce as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
Bruce stepped down from the role after losing her parliamentary seat in the July election, and her position has yet to be filled.
Mervyn Thomas, president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, expressed frustration over the delay, telling The Tablet: "We’ve been urging David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to treat this as a matter of urgency, but it hasn’t happened yet. It’s extremely disappointing, and we’re losing momentum."
Religious freedom advocates, including members of the UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum, have called on Lammy to prioritise the appointment.
They argue that without a dedicated envoy, the UK risks losing influence in promoting religious freedom on the global stage.
In an open letter, Aid to the Church in Need urged the government to include religious minorities as a fifth priority in its international development plan and to create a dedicated strategy for addressing religious persecution.
John Pontifex, ACN’s head of press and public affairs, emphasised that ignoring religious hatred as a driver of poverty, joblessness, and violence is a missed opportunity for the UK to lead in tackling global injustices.
He told the outlet: “By making religious minorities target beneficiaries of ODA, the UK can play a significant role in alleviating the suffering of countless innocent people persecuted for their faith."
The lack of a special envoy at last week’s 2024 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Berlin also raised concerns. Anglican Bishop of Winchester Philip Mounstephen warned that the UK risks “losing hard-earned traction” in promoting FoRB.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) responded by stating that it continues to use its diplomatic network and international platforms to protect religious freedom globally.