International Conference on Christian Persecution Features Assyrian Church Patriarch and Chaldean Catholic Leaders in Budapest, Hungary

Patriarchs, cardinals, politicians, and Christians from across the globe are in Budapest this week for the International Conference on Christian Persecution. The event, held Nov. 26-28, brings together participants from over 40 countries, with the number of attendees doubling since the first conference in 2017.

Hungarian State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians Tristan Azbej opened the conference, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. “We have 245 million reasons to be here. This is how many people are persecuted daily because of their Christian belief,” Azbej stated. He highlighted Hungary’s initiative, Hungary Helps, which provides international aid specifically to persecuted Christian communities in the Middle East, distinguishing the country from most European governments.

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, Iraq, expressed hope that European leaders would recognize and respond to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. “I would ask the European leaders to realize the fact that Christians are being persecuted because until now this voice is still weak,” Warda said. He praised Hungary and Poland for their clear and loud stance on the issue.

Patriarch Gewargis III of the Assyrian Church of the East addressed the conference, noting that the gathering is driven by the cause of persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the search for elements contributing to their dire situations. His remarks underscore the importance of the Assyrian Church of the East in advocating for its communities facing persecution.

The conference aims to address the challenges faced by ancient Christian communities in the East, including the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church. Participants are engaged in discussions about the factors leading to persecution and potential solutions. The event reflects a growing international awareness of the plight of these communities and the need for coordinated support.

The Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church have both been vocal about the challenges their members face, particularly in regions affected by conflict and political instability. Their participation in the conference highlights the role of these churches in advocating for their communities and seeking international solidarity.

The conference underscores the importance of interfaith and international cooperation in addressing the persecution of Christians. It serves as a platform for sharing experiences, strategies, and resources to support persecuted communities. The Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church, among others, are actively involved in these efforts, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and assistance.

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