In order to encourage unified action against the plight of Christian women throughout the world, the participants of the recent Marcham Conference issued a letter to the global church asking it to acknowledge the extent and severity of violence against Christian women – especially in communities under pressure for their faith.

The letter followed discussions during the conference that focused on the persecution that Christian women around the world are suffering.  The conference heard how they are the most vulnerable to persecution, abuse and discrimination as they are being used as tools of war in conflict ridden areas, Christianity Today reported.

"The problem is vast. Churches, agencies and voluntary organisations will have to work together at every level. We will have to find ways to cross cultural boundaries and challenge taboos. It will require the deepest levels of engagement and collaboration," event organiser Kate Ward said in a report by World Watch Monitor.

The conference, organised by Open Doors International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Release International, was co-sponsored by the International Institute for Religious Freedom and the Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP). It discussed reports that Christian women were being targeted in high conflict areas amid growing Islamic radicalisation.

"The greatest offence or violation one can bring to a community is to target their women and children. We see this through the countless atrocities now being witnessed by many. Some of these women are loved and accepted, but sadly not all. Others are victimised again by their own families for having been violated. We see this heart-breaking issue in the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Iraq. The rejection of their communities and their husbands extends the pain and suffering for women," she lamented.

Wives, daughters and sisters of pastors are being abused to illustrate supremacy in areas where religious conflict is rife. Abuses range from restrictions on freedom of dress and movement, employment and legal discrimination, false charges, reprisals for conversion, sexual harassment, forced marriage, kidnapping, rape and other forms of sexual violence, including human trafficking.

"I pray that many nations will be transformed as we take time out to think, pray, discuss, argue, consider – and go out and get on with it," Walsh said.