First female Arab Christian minister allowed into UK after last minute Home Office reversal

The first female Arab Christian minister will be allowed to visit to the Church of Scotland's General Assembly after a last-minute change of heart by the Home Office.

Ministers had initially barred Rev Rola Sleiman, from the National Evangelical (Protestant) Church of Syria and Lebanon, claiming they were not convinced she would leave again after her eight-day visit.

Syrian-born Rev Rola Sleiman was initially refused a visa for a church visit to the UK. Facebook

But after a stream of protests and appeals the British Embassy in Amman, Jordan, said the 42-year-old would be allowed entry to the UK on Friday.

Ms Sleiman said she was 'extremely grateful and thankful' for the support but added she felt unjustly treated.

'Many things were said that were not right such as not able to cover the cost of my stay and not willing to go back to my country,' she said.

'I am concerned about leaving my church for just one Sunday.

'But now I feel that I am supported by fellow believers and I am not alone.

'I am extremely grateful for what people have done.'

Ms Sleiman took up a new post in Tripoli, Lebanon, in February and is scheduled to be part of the Kirk's debate as well as discussions on gender justice and the political situation in the Middle East.

Very Rev Dr John Chalmers, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said 'common sense had prevailed'.

He said: 'We are grateful to the Home Office who have heard our request and granted a visa waiver enabling the Rev Rola Sleiman to travel and join us at the General Assembly in Edinburgh.

'It was clear from the support that we received overnight from the media, the public and the church that people felt a mistake had been made and an important voice might be missing from our Assembly.

'In the end common sense prevailed and it has all happened in time for us to complete Rola's travel arrangements.

'We now look forward to welcoming her.'

News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.