We support and defend all Christians in Nigeria

"We defend the Christians in Nigeria. We will not wait for the next Sunday."

This is an appeal of Mr. Mario Mauro, Head of PDL Italian Delegation in the EPP Group, and supporters.

The appeal calls for the respect of the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people, as sanctioned in the resolution ratified by majority vote in the European Parliament last March.

"With this manifesto, we affirm our willingness to engage in any area and at any level, so that in Nigeria, in Africa, and throughout the whole world, the massacre of defenseless people who are guilty only of practicing their Christian faith might come to an end."

"We are calling upon all men and women of good will, whatever their faith may be, to join this appeal for religious freedom. Only a vast mobilization of public opinion can propel the highest European and international institutions into action against these crimes of hatred.

If even the smallest sense of humanity and justice remains alive in us, we cannot wait any longer; instead we must work at every level to end this hunting of Christians, which rages every Sunday in the northern regions of Nigeria.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been nearly 600 deaths caused by the Islamic group Boko Haram; the majority of these victims were murdered while they were at Mass. Yet millions of people continue to go to church, choosing to excercise their freedom of religion and to practice their faith.

We cannot watch in silence the substantial indifference that has accompanied these massacres and denials of religious freedom, a principle which is relevant to every religion.

How many more Sundays should include in their rituals bombs and the spilling of innocent blood?"