Christians in Nigeria

Crushed but not defeated: Fiona Bruce MP raises awareness for Christians in Nigeria

Fiona Bruce MP hosted a meeting last week to launch a report written by the charity Open Doors, highlighting the violent persecution regularly faced by Christians in northern Nigeria. Over 50 Members of Parliament attended, including Desmond Swayne, the Minister of State for International Development.

Fiona Bruce MP opened the meeting by speaking about her own experiences of visiting Nigeria in February in her role on the International Development Select Committee.

The group then heard from two Nigerian pastors whose communities have suffered extreme attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen. Many churches have been destroyed and burnt and many Christians killed with knives or guns, or burnt alive. “Our constitution guarantees liberty, but we don’t have liberty” one pastor said.

Fiona Bruce MP said: “It was a privilege to visit Nigeria in February as a member of the International Development Select Committee, and to meet with communities who have suffered from horrendous persecution, including the Chibok community where 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped just over two years ago. This report is a tragic but necessary reminder that many Christians around the world are being violently persecuted for their faith.”

Fiona Bruce MP continued: “The freedom to practise your own religion or belief (including unbelief) is a key human right. While the Nigerian constitution officially recognises this right, it is not being upheld in many parts of Nigeria. I urge the Nigerian government to ensure that all citizens are protected, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.”

The full report can be found here: http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/nigeria/documents/nigeria-report-12.pdf

Fiona Bruce MP congratulates local businesswoman Sally Coles-Robertson

Fiona Bruce MP congratulates local businesswoman Sally Coles-Robertson

Meeting in Middlewich recently, Fiona Bruce MP congratulated local businesswoman, Sally Coles-Robertson on her recent Women in Business award.

Sally Coles-Robertson a single mother of three and a managing director of two businesses who has authored a book (The Secret Tips to Success - You can take the girl out of Crewe) about her success in business, overcoming her dyslexia.

Fiona Bruce MP has encouraged Sally with her vision to inspire healthy living to clients of her Sandbach salon and beyond.

Ms Coles-Robertson’s team like to assist in off site events such as STEM, schools, colleges and networking events and support charities such as the organisations chosen charities this year; The Katie Piper Foundation & CHART, the Cancer Healing and Research Trust.

Fiona Bruce MP said “It was a pleasure to meet Sally again after I first talked with her when she was starting up her business and to be able to congratulate her on winning this award. Sally has put in a huge amount of hard work and enthusiasm and her success is well deserved.”