The so-called 'foreign minister' of the Russian Orthodox Church recently gave a bold speech in London. Addressing diplomats, politicians, religious figures and entrepreneurs, Hilarion Alfeev said Christianity is dying in Europe and being replaced with secular ideas. He said that other peoples with different faiths, cultures and values will live in Europe in the future and establish liberalism, which will affect human rights and fundamental Christian freedoms in civil, economic, political, social and cultural life. Hilarion appealed for this to be countered by unity among the churches. 'Christians must strive to defend their values on which the continent has been built for centuries, and listen to the lamentations and sufferings of Christians from across the globe.' The Orthodox Church is known to view the social liberalism of Western churches as part of the problem rather than part of the solution.