US and UK should use foreign policy and trade links to leverage help for persecuted Christians, say Church leaders

The Archbishop of Canterbury hosted a meeting of political and faith leaders on Wednesday to discuss concrete ways of protecting Christians from persecution.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt attended the meeting at Lambeth Palace in London.

Archbishop Welby proposed that the UK use its trade links with countries where persecution occurs to pressure Governments to protect the freedom of religion of all believers.

Representing the Catholic Church, Archbishop Kevin McDonald said concern for religious freedom needs to inform policy across government, particularly on foreign Aid and the sale of armaments.