John Pontifex (U93) Talks About Global Religious Persecution

This week, Downside welcomed back John Pontifex (U93), Head of Press & Public Affairs for Aid to the Church in Need (UK), for a profoundly moving presentation on global religious persecution. As an OG dedicated to highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians and other faith groups worldwide, John shared invaluable insights drawn from his career, shedding light on the challenges and injustices faced by religious minorities around the world.

John’s talk offered a stark look at the realities many religious groups face, particularly Christians, who are targeted, imprisoned, and even killed simply for their beliefs. His presentation covered situations where blasphemy laws are misused to imprison innocent individuals and exposed the widespread suffering that rarely reaches mainstream media. He highlighted the particularly tragic case of Maira Shahbaz, a young Christian girl from Pakistan who was kidnapped and forced into conversion and marriage—a story John has helped bring to public attention through his advocacy.

Reflecting on John’s significant contributions, pupils were inspired by his pivotal role in the 2019 Bishop of Truro’s Report for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, a report that underscored the need for government support for persecuted Christians. His lecture was not just about education, but also a call to action, urging everyone to raise awareness and support organisations like ACN that work tirelessly to defend religious freedom and aid those suffering.

It was a privilege for pupils to hear from someone who has made such impactful contributions to human rights, and they were moved by the urgency of his message. John’s recent investiture as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre in November 2023 is a testament to his dedication to justice and faith—a commitment that resonated deeply with the Sixth Formers.

We are incredibly grateful to John for returning to Downside to share his work, providing a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, justice, and action in addressing these critical issues.