The Persecution Of Christians

Let's face it, Christianity has been getting a very bad name (nowhere more so than on this blog). The abuse meted out to others in the name of Christianity can anger even the most meek. But it's easy to forget that in some countries Christians themselves are a persecuted minority.

When I was studying theology at school, I remember attending a conference where a Pakistani Christian man was speaking. He had been severely wounded in his homeland by an automatic firearm, used on him by religious extremists who had already killed his family. His face still bore the scars.

If I, as a liberal who believes strongly in peace and human rights, am to have any credibility it would be remiss of me to pretend Christians, like just about every grouping, aren't discriminated and persecuted against in some countries.

So I can't help but agree with Warren Throckmorton's most recent blog post calling for common cause between those of us fighting for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and the persecuted communities of Christians, such as those in Afghanistan. They might not stand up for us, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't stand up for them.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist