BILL Carmichael (Yorkshire Post, September 27) reminds us
that around the world Christians are being killed because of their faith. In
fact significant persecution occurs in over 50 nations and in many the law
encourages it.
The overall figures are appalling with estimates suggesting that more have been killed in the last 100 years than in the previous 19 centuries.
The article asks why the Church’s response is so muted? Indeed, we should do better. However, because of a lack of media interest, most of what is done goes unreported. The Church has worldwide interdenominational organisations, such as Open Doors and Barnabas, who care for and support persecuted Christians. Church leaders, along with the rank and file, regularly lobby the UK government.
However, the response across political parties is often tokenism. This was illustrated at the Beijing Olympics when China’s official persecution of its religious minorities was brushed under the carpet. Politicians recognise that causes supporting Christians are not as effective vote winners as those favouring other minorities. Yorks Post.
The overall figures are appalling with estimates suggesting that more have been killed in the last 100 years than in the previous 19 centuries.
The article asks why the Church’s response is so muted? Indeed, we should do better. However, because of a lack of media interest, most of what is done goes unreported. The Church has worldwide interdenominational organisations, such as Open Doors and Barnabas, who care for and support persecuted Christians. Church leaders, along with the rank and file, regularly lobby the UK government.
However, the response across political parties is often tokenism. This was illustrated at the Beijing Olympics when China’s official persecution of its religious minorities was brushed under the carpet. Politicians recognise that causes supporting Christians are not as effective vote winners as those favouring other minorities. Yorks Post.
