Supporting the motion, Derek Neilson (Glendalough) said “if this General Synod is going to highlight persecution and to make a real stand, then we must start that somewhere and this motion seeks to do that in asking that concrete action be taken to support persecuted Christians around the world”.

Geoffrey McMaster (Glendalough) cited a recent article that said governments were slow to react to the persecution of Christians and churches were slow to let their people know of this persecution. He said the church had to show leadership.

The Revd Criag McAuley (Kilmore) referenced the Easter Morning, suicide bombings in Sri Lanka. He said his mood changed from sadness to anger at the thought that Christians and holiday makers were killed for celebrating the risen Christ. He was angry at the media and politicians, as there was no like for like response between the lack of reaction to Sri Lanka and the huge response to the shootings in Christ Church. He said that they had failed Christians. He said it was a disgrace that so many politicians did not acknowledge that it was Christians who were killed. He said that many were persecuted for their faith and the church had to say they stand alongside them where the politicians and media fail them.