Great Big Tea Party throws spotlight on world's persecuted Christians

There is no denying that Brits love a good cuppa, but what most are not aware of is the intense persecution endured by Christians who live in the countries where the tea is grown, says Open Doors' Allen Moxham.

China, the world's largest producer of tea, is also one of the world's worst persecutors of Christians. Although the Government espouses religious freedom, in reality Christians have been imprisoned, fined or even tortured for holding prayer meetings or worship services in their homes, or for producing and distributing Christian literature. Christians in China are also prevented from sharing a church service with foreign Christians or from receiving religious education before the age of 18.

Around 25,000 people are expected to take part in the Great Big Tea Party across the UK this weekend. Open Doors hopes the initiative will reverse the lack of awareness of persecution against Christians and inspire believers in the UK to support their persecuted brothers and sisters as they continue to suffer for their faith.

Moxham, who heads up communications at Open Doors, said: "165 million cups of tea are drunk in the UK every day, but few people realise that Christians in countries such as China, India and Sri Lanka, where tea is produced, often face intense persecution from their families, communities and even government officials."

More than 800 venues are from Edinburgh to Torquay will serve up tea and scones as they inform partygoers of the reality facing believers in countries with restricted religious freedoms and encourage them to pledge their support.

Moxham added: "We hope the Great Big Tea Party is a case of 'information becoming inspiration' to take action."

Open Doors said that persecution is taking place around the world today "on an epic scale", with as many as 200 million Christians suffering for their faith in a number of countries, including Iran, Burma, Colombia and Indonesia. Attempts to limit the freedom of Christians include bans on church services and barriers to obtaining Christian literature, to more severe forms such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse. In such countries, many believers are forced to live out their Christian life in secret underground.

Although the Great Big Tea Party will be lots of fun, on a more serious note, Christians in the UK will be raising thousands of pounds for persecuted Christians in China and around the world. These vital funds will go towards providing them with Bibles and Christian literature, training, financial and practical help, and livelihood skills to enable them to live out their God-given right to practise their faith.