The 14th Edition of The Religious Freedom in the World Report, is a report which analyses the situation of religious freedom in 196 countries in the world.

The report, which is published every two years by Aid to the Church in Need, is the only report on religious freedom prepared by a Catholic institution and draws on research by various consultants.

It will be launched next Saturday, the 24th of November by Aid to the Church in Need (Malta) at San Anton Palace, Attard at 5pm

The launch is taking place through the courtesy of President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, under whose distinguished patronage the event will be held.

The Keynote Speaker, H.G. Mgr. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Nigeria, will be giving his testimony and experience of pastoral work among persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General, Mgr Joseph Galea Curmi will be in attendance.

Examining the two-year period from June 2016 to June 2018, ACN said that this report disclosed that 61% of the world’s population live in countries where there is no respect for religious freedom and 18 countries with significant religious freedom violations showed signs of deteriorating conditions for faith minorities.

It said that fresh evidence also shows the extent of sexual abuse of women by extremist groups and individuals in Africa, the Middle East and parts of the Indian subcontinent.

According to the report, Islamic fundamentalism exists in 22 countries in which 1.337 million people live and there has been an upsurge in extremist attacks in Europe and elsewhere in the West, motivated in part by religious hatred.

The report noted that the attacks suggest that the threat of militant extremism is now becoming universal, imminent and ever-present.

ACN said that this Report is therefore of utmost importance to governments, policy makers, the international community and all who are concerned about humanitarian, social and moral conditions of our society.

Malta joins 24 other countries where this report will also be launched and various monuments will be illuminated in red light, including the Auberge de Castille Valletta, the Colosseum in Rome, the Westminster and St. Mirin’s Cathedral, Lambeth Palace, Blackpool Tower in the United Kingdom, Houses of Parliament in London, Basilica De La Sagrada Familia Barcelona, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington DC, Knock Basilica Ireland in solidarity with Christians who shed their blood for the faith.

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