David Cameron Easter 2016 message: British PM encourages Brits to stand up proudly for Chritian values
In a message during Easter, Prime Minister David Cameron focused on hope and urged the people of the United Kingdom to defend their Christian values against terrorists.
"When we see Christians today in 2016 being persecuted for their beliefs in other parts of the world – we must speak out and stand with those who bravely practice their faith," he said. "And when terrorists try to destroy our way of life as they have tried to do again so despicably in Brussels this week – we must stand together and show that we will never be cowed by terror."
He was referring to the bombings in Belgium on March 22, wherein two bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one at a Metro station, killing more than 30 and injuring at least 300.
During his speech, he spoke of hope seen each day, such as those in projects that help the homeless, in those who visit the sick, and in those who, in trying to save others in war-torn areas, are risking their own lives. He said that at the core of these selfless and brave acts are values that helped the country become what it is.
He named charity, compassion, responsibility, and hard work, as well as "pride in working for the common good and honouring the social obligations we have to one another" as Christian values that should give everyone the confidence to admit that U.K. is a Christian country, something that they should be proud of.
"But they are also values that speak to everyone in Britain, to people of every faith and none," he said. "And we must all stand together and defend them."
This brings to mind Asad Shah, a Muslim shopkeeper based in Scotland. According to Express, he posted a video message on Facebook early this month, calling for peace and saying that God made the world for everyone and there is no need for bloodshed or fighting. He was stabbed multiple times at his shop, which police deem is a "religiously prejudiced" attack. He died at a Glasgow hospital on Thursday.
The Telegraph also reported on what Asad Shah wrote hours before his death: "Upcoming special event: Good Friday and a very Happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nation. Let's follow the real footstep of beloved holy Jesus Christ and get the real success in both worlds."
Before closing his message, Cameron said, "We must show that in this struggle of our generation we will defeat the pernicious ideology that is the root cause of this terrorism by standing up proudly for our values and our way of life."
