How to #StandTogether to Defend and Advance Religious Freedom

We recognise that, in our countries, to varying degrees it is potentially dangerous to campaign for social change, even when the cause is so obviously right, universally beneficial, just and good. ‘Liking’ one of the We Are // United videos on social media or sharing any of our content on your public feed could have an impact on your life and your liberty depending on where you live. 

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We aren’t going to tell you not to share our content. We aren’t going to tell you not to campaign loudly and defiantly. We aren’t going to tell you to be quiet. We’re all tired of being told to be quiet and accept the way things are. 

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We’re proud of your courage and your vision when you stand up in the face of oppression and say “no more!” However, it would be irresponsible for us to instruct or encourage you to do things that might jeopardise your safety and your freedom. With a sober mind, always weigh up the consequences your actions might have, and assess all the risks, before you decide how to take action.

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Here’s how we would ask that you #StandTogether with us:

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• Share We Are // United content with like-minded friends and family, and discuss persecution and religious freedom with them. We are stronger when we find allies who will #StandTogether with us! Should you believe that the risk is low then do share our content more widely. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us across the various social media platforms.

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• Challenge religious hatred and prejudice if you see it in our schools, in our workplaces, in our places of worship, in our law courts, and perpetrated by the authorities. This can be just a quiet word of encouragement or rebuke rather than a noisy march with banners! Sometimes those respectful conversations are enough to help people see their error and change their attitude. But when protest is necessary and wise then we applaud that too!

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• Engage with minority religious groups. Find out more about what they believe and how they worship. Show kindness and respect. #StandTogether alongside them when they have suffered prejudice or persecution. Defend them when they face abuse or threats. These are ways in which we strengthen our communities and they are also a way of modelling to our neighbours the kind of behaviour that will lead to a better society and a brighter future for our nation.

 

We celebrate your decision to join the majority in calling for kindness, justice, peace, and freedom. We are grateful for fellow citizens like you who recognise the importance of religious freedom for all whether it has an impact on us directly or indirectly. 

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As long as we #StandTogether we will get to a brighter future!