Britain’s Prince Charles has called on faith leaders to defend Britain’s future as a "free society".
The 65-year-old royal – who is the first heir to the British throne – has spoken out following a new report, which found that Christians are the "most persecuted religious minority" in the world.
He said: "It is an indescribable tragedy that Christianity is now under such threat in the Middle East – an area where Christians have lived for 2,000 years, and across which Islam spread in 700AD, with people of different faiths living together peaceably for centuries."
The Prince of Wales then called on religious leaders in the UK and across the world to teach the importance of tolerance of people of all faiths and those who do not follow religion.
He added: "It seems to be that our future as a free society – both her in Britain and throughout the world – depends on recognising the crucial role played by people of faith.
"And, of course, religious faith is all the more convincing to those outside the faith when it is expressed with humility and compassion, giving space to others, whatever their beliefs."
Prince Charles worried about Britain’s future
