Prince Charles’ Easter message assail religious persecution

In this photo taken on Thursday, March 15, 2018, Britain’s Prince Charles speaks ahead of delivering his Easter message at Clarence House in London. Prince Charles has released a videotaped Easter message offering support for persecuted Christians around the world. The message released on Friday, March 30, 2018, was recorded earlier this month at Charles’ Clarence House residence in central London. He expresses sympathy for people who have “had to flee for their faith and for their life” and says he has been deeply moved by their courage and ability to forgive.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON — Prince Charles released a videotaped Easter message early Friday, offering support for persecuted Christians around the world.

He expressed sympathy for people who have “had to flee for their faith and for their life,” and said he has been deeply moved by their courage and ability to forgive.

He said all three Abrahamic faiths have endured persecution when religion “has fallen into the barbaric grip of those who distort and misrepresent faith.”

Charles, who is heir to the British throne, has spoken out in the past on the need for religious tolerance.

The message was recorded earlier this month at Charles’ Clarence House residence in central London. /kga