With Christianity being challenged around the world, Christians must be “brave” in living out their faith, says the Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles.

During his homily at a Mass for persecuted Christians, Bishop Joseph Toal paid tribute to the heroic witness of persecuted Christians and martyrs.

“Christianity is also being challenged in the free world and sometimes today we have to stand up against some trends in society,” he said.

“We have to be brave – we have to stand up and witness to the unchanging message of the Gospel.”

Bishop Toal was speaking on Wednesday at St Bride’s Church in Cambuslang, near Glasgow, during a memorial Mass for the founder of Aid to the Church in Need, Father Werenfried van Straaten.

The Catholic charity supports the persecuted church in 140 countries.

Bishop Toal went on to pay tribute to priests who carry out their duties in “difficult circumstances” and with a “great deal of heroism and sacrifice on their part”.

His comments reflect strong opposition among Christians to the Government’s plans to legalise homosexual marriage, which has gone to consultation.

This week saw the launch of a major report by Premier Christian Media into the marginalisation of Christians in Britain.

The report warns that even many non-Christians believe that the Government favours other religions over Christians and that the marginalisation of Christians will increase in the next five years.

The report states: “There are several explanations for this general feeling of increased marginalisation. The first reason is the rise of secularism, evidenced through the virulent campaigning of such groups like the National Secular Society.

“Another contributory factor could be the negative role some parts of the media has played, not only in shaping public perception, but more specifically, creating a climate of anxiety and fear amongst Christians.”