Persecution of Christians
As we emerge from the recent Christmas celebrations into the New Year of 2012 we felt that it was right to draw your attention to the situation of the persecuted.
The Director and Editor of Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN) gave a brief update on persecution of Christians in Iran, and how the authorities bring allegations, in particular political charges such as “national security”, as a way to avoid the implication of religious persecution.
It is interesting to see that even in the secular press, the persecution of Christians has been identified as a growing trend (see the Economist 31st December print edition article “Christians and Lions”). Their opening comment highlights the issue that “The world’s most widely followed faith is gathering persecutors. Even non-Christians should worry about that.”
The Economist identifies a broader issue that Western societies need to be concerned about: “Compared both with the wars of religion that once tore Christendom apart and with various modern intra-faith struggles, such as those within Islam, little blood is being spilt. But the brutality matters…And whatever their own beliefs, Western voters have other reasons to worry about the fate of Christians. Regimes or societies that persecute Christians tend to oppress other minorities too.
“Among liberal values, the freedom to profess any religion or none has a central place. What about those who see persecuting other religions as part of their calling? No faith is blameless. But there is a specific problem with Islam. Islamic law (though not the Koran) has often mandated death for people leaving the faith… But more Muslim leaders need to accept that changing creed is a legal right. On that one point, the West should not back down. Otherwise believers, whether Christian or not, remain in peril.
“As we consider these two articles, perhaps it is worthwhile reflecting that we all have an interest and a duty to support those being persecuted no matter what our background. As Christians, the more so, as we seek to support our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please join us in remembering and praying for those imprisoned and suffering for their faith – clearly our main focus is on Iran and the Farsi-speaking world, but we do not want to forget those affected in many other parts of the world either.”
God bless you
