An English bishop is urging Catholics to write to persecuted Christians this Easter. Bishop Declan Lang, chairman of the bishops' conference Department of International Affairs, said: "Pope Francis has called on us to support Christians facing persecution wherever they are in the world. "Sending an Easter message to prisoners of conscience and human rights' defenders is a practical yet powerful way to give hope and encouragement." The bishop added: "Showing that they are not forgotten can also lead to better treatment by the authorities." The group Action by Christians Against Torture has published a list of people that Catholics might consider writing to. The list includes an Ethiopian journalist, Eskinder Nega, serving an 18-year sentence; Augustine Masih, on death row over a charge of blasphemy in Pakistan, and an outspoken Anglican bishop in Nigeria whose family have been threatened and attacked.